Assanatou "Assa" Bamogo is a dedicated global health specialist, researcher, and advocate for health equity who serves as the Co-founder and Coordinator of African Crossroad Development (ACD). In this role, she provides strategic direction and technical leadership for community-based health promotion, disease prevention, and gender inclusion programs across local communities. With over eight years of international public health experience, Assanatou has worked across institutional levels with key global health entities, including PATH, Jhpiego, JSI, Johns Hopkins University, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her technical expertise spans child immunization, health campaigns, disease surveillance systems, and strategies targeting health disparities in underserved populations. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Maternal and Child Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her doctoral research centers on integrating life-saving health interventions for adolescents. Assanatou’s career bridges rigorous scientific methodology with direct grassroots community engagement, advocating for female leadership development at every level of society. Outside her professional commitments, she mentors children, enjoys dancing, and travels to experience new cultures. 

Ida Djiguimde is the Head of Information Security and Compliance at VisualVault, where she oversees corporate data protection, cybersecurity frameworks, and regulatory compliance standards. She holds a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Towson University in Maryland, focusing her academic research on women’s health, key populations, and adolescent sexual and reproductive rights. Prior to her graduate studies, Ida completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY). Beyond her technical role in information security, she is a passionate advocate for social policy, gender equity, and social inclusion. Her leadership and service have earned her notable accolades, including the City University of New York Award for Exemplary Service to the Community—presented by Senator Shirley Huntley for her dedicated work mentoring students on academic probation. Additionally, she was awarded the Amelia Ottinger Award for Excellence in the Art of Debate by Hunter College President Jennifer Raab. Combining her expertise in cybersecurity with a deep commitment to social justice, Ida actively engages in institutional initiatives that promote public policy reforms, support gender equality, and empower vulnerable populations. 

Dr. Rissanatou Gnegne/Barry is a general practitioner and experienced humanitarian project manager who integrates clinical medicine with community-level development. She holds a Doctorate in Medical Sciences from the University of Ouagadougou and a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the KALU Institute in Madrid, Spain. After gaining extensive clinical training at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital, she shifted her focus toward managing social impact and public health initiatives. Since 2023, Rissanatou has coordinated educational and social projects in rural West Africa through African Crossroad Development (ACD), driving efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals and expanding access to education. Currently based in Abu Dhabi, she extends her humanitarian commitment globally as a volunteer with the Emirates Red Crescent. Her field activities have included participating in the "Bridges of Goodness" relief campaign for Syria-Turkey earthquake victims and supporting local community outreach with Basmet Amal. A polyglot fluent in French, English, Fula, and Mooré, Dr. Gnegne/Barry navigates multicultural environments with ease, applying operational healthcare expertise across West Africa and the Middle East to aid vulnerable populations. 

Zara Ouedraogo/Batienon is a residential and commercial real estate broker at RE/MAX Plus, backed by an entrepreneurial background in corporate management and business development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Development Economics alongside her professional real estate brokerage credentials. Previously, Zara served as the General Manager of Xpress Services, a commercial printing enterprise she co-founded with her husband in 2017. Her prior experience includes managing sales and marketing divisions within the telecommunications, ICT, and renewable energy sectors, as well as leading project development in the food service and restaurant industry. Central to Zara’s career is a commitment to job creation and unemployment reduction. She views corporate success through the lens of workforce inclusion, employee promotion, and social responsibility. Her primary focus lies in advancing economic self-reliance for women in rural areas by creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting local commercial initiatives. Combining her training in development economics with practical business acumen, Zara continues to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to regional economic growth through inclusive business practices. 

Noela Badoh Kinda serves as the Treasurer for African Crossroad Development (ACD) and works as the Head of Business Development at Wave Mobile Money in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Having joined Wave in 2021 initially as Treasury Manager, she brings over seven years of executive experience in financial management, banking, and digital financial services. She earned her Master of Business Administration and completed her international higher education at the University of Montana. Beyond her corporate leadership, Noela is a wellness advocate, physical fitness coach, and preventive health communicator. In 2024, she delivered a TEDx talk highlighting the complex connections between dietary habits, gut health, and mental well-being. Her community engagement dates back to her university years, spanning initiatives with UNICEF, breast cancer awareness drives during Pink October, and emergency relief operations with Jeunesse Solidaire—where she coordinated assistance for displaced persons and local market vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within ACD, Noela applies her background in financial administration to ensure organizational accountability while advocating for sustainable, locally sourced African products and community health empowerment. 

Risna Derma is an entrepreneur, business leader, and co-founder/director of Inter-Infrax SARL (specializing in sports infrastructure) and ETS Rissinata Derma Commerce Général. Her professional journey began in the corporate sector, where she worked as an insurance agent at SONAR and later served as an administrative assistant at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). Driven by a desire for independence, she established ETS Rissinata Derma in 2006 to build self-sustaining commercial enterprises. Risna holds professional certifications in secretarial administration and marketing, using her formal training to guide her private enterprises. Strongly believing that state employment cannot absorb the entire workforce, she advocates for private initiative and self-employment as viable pathways out of poverty. Her passion centers on female economic empowerment, dedicating time to mentor women, provide trade skills, and help marginalized individuals achieve financial self-sufficiency. Through her dual leadership roles in construction and general commerce, Risna remains active in creating employment opportunities, supporting community infrastructure, and fostering female entrepreneurship across local economic sectors. 

Grace Bambara is the Marketing and Sales Manager at the Mande Hotel in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, bringing a background in commercial strategy, hospitality management, and petroleum network operations. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Aube Nouvelle University (formerly ISIG) and a Higher Technician Diploma (DTS) in Marketing and Hotel Management. Her previous professional career includes managing the A’shop retail network for April Oil Burkina S.A., as well as holding commercial roles at the Palm Beach Hotel and Palace Hotel in Ouagadougou. Additionally, she worked within the retail network divisions of multinational energy corporations TOTAL and VIVO ENERGY across Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Grace was recognized nationally as a laureate of the "Jeune Talent-ENERGY BURKINA" award for her professional potential. Driven by a belief that vulnerable communities deserve improved living conditions, she aligns her commercial expertise with humanitarian goals. Through her involvement with African Crossroad Development, Grace contributes her skills in strategic planning, public relations, and resource mobilization to support social development programs aimed at uplifting marginalized populations. 

Dalia Congo-Kaboré is an internal audit, risk management, and corporate governance professional holding the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations. With more than twelve years of professional experience across Canada and West Africa, her career spans major market sectors, including financial services, information technology, and the mining industry. Throughout her career, Dalia has established expertise in designing internal control frameworks, evaluating enterprise risk management systems, enforcing regulatory compliance, and guiding complex organizational transformations. Alongside her corporate work, she actively participates in social development and community action. She has contributed to initiatives with Solidarité Union Coopération (SUCO), an international organization focused on fostering inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable communities. Dalia leverages her background in financial oversight and strategic planning to strengthen community organizations. By combining technical rigor with social commitment, she works to improve operational efficiency in development projects, promoting socio-economic empowerment and improving living standards for vulnerable populations. 

Dr. Samiratou Ouedraogo is an epidemiologist, researcher, and public health scholar focusing on health disparities, disease prevention, and health policy. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Mohamed V-Soussi University in Rabat, Morocco, before expanding into epidemiology. She completed both her Master’s degree and PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Burgundy in France. Dr. Ouedraogo has extensive experience designing, implementing, and evaluating complex public health interventions across Sub-Saharan Africa (including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Cameroon), France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Her research focuses on infectious disease control, oncology, maternal and child health, and the social determinants of health inequalities. Currently, she serves as a Health System Impact Fellow funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ), and McGill University. Additionally, she is the Co-founder and Scientific Director of the African Group Organized for Research and Actions in Health (AGORAH), leading scientific efforts to generate evidence-based health policies across the continent. 

Grace Bambara is the Marketing and Sales Manager at the Mande Hotel in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, bringing a background in commercial strategy, hospitality management, and petroleum network operations. She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Aube Nouvelle University (formerly ISIG) and a Higher Technician Diploma (DTS) in Marketing and Hotel Management. Her previous professional career includes managing the A’shop retail network for April Oil Burkina S.A., as well as holding commercial roles at the Palm Beach Hotel and Palace Hotel in Ouagadougou. Additionally, she worked within the retail network divisions of multinational energy corporations TOTAL and VIVO ENERGY across Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Grace was recognized nationally as a laureate of the "Jeune Talent-ENERGY BURKINA" award for her professional potential. Driven by a belief that vulnerable communities deserve improved living conditions, she aligns her commercial expertise with humanitarian goals. Through her involvement with African Crossroad Development, Grace contributes her skills in strategic planning, public relations, and resource mobilization to support social development programs aimed at uplifting marginalized populations. 

Dr. Samiratou Ouedraogo is an epidemiologist, researcher, and public health scholar focusing on health disparities, disease prevention, and health policy. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Mohamed V-Soussi University in Rabat, Morocco, before expanding into epidemiology. She completed both her Master’s degree and PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Burgundy in France. Dr. Ouedraogo has extensive experience designing, implementing, and evaluating complex public health interventions across Sub-Saharan Africa (including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Cameroon), France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Her research focuses on infectious disease control, oncology, maternal and child health, and the social determinants of health inequalities. Currently, she serves as a Health System Impact Fellow funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ), and McGill University. Additionally, she is the Co-founder and Scientific Director of the African Group Organized for Research and Actions in Health (AGORAH), leading scientific efforts to generate evidence-based health policies across the continent. 

Mariam Sereme is a healthcare professional with fourteen years of clinical and administrative experience in nursing and public health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Jersey City University and a Master of Public Health from Walden University. Currently, she is expanding her practice by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing specializing as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Mariam works as a Clinical Care Coordinator at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, where she provides patient-centered care and clinical management for oncology patients. Beyond her primary clinical duties, she is deeply involved in community health outreach, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities among underserved and rural populations. Serving as the Outreach and Social Media Officer for Sandji CDC—a non-profit organization focused on community development—she oversees health promotion campaigns, health equity education, and resources for vulnerable women and children. Her work connects clinical oncology practice, mental health advocacy, and community-based health promotion. 

Dr. Valentin Issiaka Coulibaly is a public health and health supply chain expert with over twenty-two years of experience strengthening national and international health systems. He holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy, a PhD in Public Health, an MBA in Project Management, a Master’s in Logistics & Transport, a Master’s in Quality-Security-Environment Management, and a Master’s in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. Valentin worked for eleven years within the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso as a procurement and supply chain manager. His international experience includes senior technical advisory roles for USAID-funded health supply chain projects across West Africa, as well as serving with UNFPA in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles managing reproductive health commodity security and medical drone distribution programs. He has collaborated with organizations such as JSI, Helen Keller International, ITI, and CCFC across more than fifteen African nations. Currently based in Dakar, he serves as the Senior Regional Technical Coordinator for the Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD+) Project. 

Maimouna Koné is a public health practitioner and Certified in Public Health (CPH) specialist dedicated to community health education and health system navigation. She holds an Associate’s degree in Community Health and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, using her academic training to assist vulnerable and marginalized populations. Maimouna currently serves as a Health and Wellness Advisor at MetroPlus Health Plan, where she manages patient care plans and coordinates medical support tailored to individual client needs. Operating within the New York City Health and Hospitals system, she conducts community health education workshops that teach patients how to manage chronic health conditions. Maimouna focuses on helping individuals navigate complex healthcare systems, particularly uninsured, undocumented, or socially disadvantaged clients who face language or institutional barriers. In addition to her professional role at MetroPlus, she has volunteered for over a year and a half at Lincoln Medical Center, participating in community health fairs and grassroots events aimed at promoting preventive health, wellness education, and equitable healthcare access. 

Nina Tapsoba is an international development professional and Program Manager at PartnersGlobal, specializing in governance, security sector reform, and peacebuilding. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design from Florida Atlantic University, alongside two Master’s degrees—one in International Affairs and another in Urban and Regional Planning—from Florida State University. Nina previously worked at Chemonics International, managing complex international development portfolios. Her notable achievements include coordinating high-level international forums, such as the Global Civil Society Dialogue at UN Women, and serving as an Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellow. Within the Sub-Saharan Africa team at PartnersGlobal, Nina oversees the daily operational management of programs focused on rule of law, conflict resolution, access to justice, and governance reform across Francophone African nations. Throughout her project portfolio, she integrates gender mainstreaming strategies and advocates for female civic inclusion, democratic governance, and sustainable urban planning to support long-term stability and social development across the region. 

Dr. Kam Madibèlè is a pediatrician, vaccinologist, and public health advocate who has served at the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University-Hospital Center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, since 2012. He currently leads the hospital’s Vaccinology Unit while pursuing an Inter-University Diploma (DIU) in Vaccinology at INSSA in Bobo-Dioulasso. Certified in organizational leadership and health management from ISM Dakar, Dr. Madibèlè has been active in associative medical movements since 2003. His work focuses on preventive pediatric medicine and addressing major regional public health issues. Key priorities include systematic screening for sickle cell disease, hepatitis B prevention and treatment, school health programs advocating for annual pediatric checkups, and expanding non-EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) vaccinations. Concerned that nearly 90% of children in Ouagadougou miss essential non-EPI vaccines, he promotes evidence-based immunizations. Through his engagement with African Crossroad Development, Dr. Madibèlè works to advance Pan-African health solutions, preventive medicine, and community health interventions. 

Martine Bouda is a nutrition, public health, and food systems specialist with over six years of international experience designing and managing multisectoral nutrition programs. She holds a Master of Public Health specializing in Nutrition from Senghor University in Alexandria, Egypt, and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Food Technology from Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Burkina Faso. Currently serving as Project Coordinator and Nutrition Technical Advisor with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Burundi, she manages joint FAO-UNICEF-WFP programs addressing acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Through UN Nutrition platforms, Martine leads inter-agency efforts to strengthen nutrition governance, policy advocacy, and multisectoral coordination. Her professional background includes roles with organizations such as Save the Children International, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, Humanity & Inclusion, NGO GRAINES, and Global Development Community Burundi. Her technical expertise encompasses infant and young child feeding practices, acute malnutrition management, WASH integration, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural systems aimed at building long-term community resilience. 

Fadima Diallo is a public health epidemiologist serving as the Pedagogical Coordinator for the Burkina Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (BFELTP). In this role, she provides academic oversight, field mentorship, and administrative coordination for graduate epidemiology students, liaising between university faculty, the U.S. CDC, the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), and the West African Health Organization (WAHO). Fadima holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Washington Adventist University and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Global Health from Columbia University. Her background includes serving with the American Red Cross, working on HIV programs for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Burkina Faso, and advancing emergency medical systems with the African Federation for Emergency Medicine in South Africa. Beyond her primary responsibilities, Fadima volunteers at secondary schools to upgrade IT and administrative data systems. She advocates for adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights, working to improve healthcare access and data quality across local health institutions. 

Éléonore Tapsoba is a legal scholar and international law specialist with academic training and professional experience spanning West Africa and North America. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Law—focusing on constitutional law, environmental regulation, philosophy of law, and banking legislation—from Saint Thomas d’Aquin University in Burkina Faso. She also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International and Transnational Law, specializing in humanitarian law and international organizations, from Laval University in Quebec, Canada. Éléonore’s background includes work across law firms, notary offices, banking legal departments, insurance companies, and government ministries in Burkina Faso, alongside project roles within international organizations in Canada. Her multidisciplinary expertise allows her to navigate complex legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, and cross-border human rights issues. Driven by a commitment to social justice, Éléonore focuses her legal work on protecting marginalized groups, advocating for human rights, and applying international law to address systemic inequality and support community development initiatives. 

Gaelle Kouanda is a corporate governance and IT compliance professional serving as Senior Global SOX Compliance Analyst at Arrow Electronics. She holds a Master’s degree in Information System Audit and Control, a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Georgia State University, a Bachelor's in Business Management, and an Executive Certificate in International Management. She maintains several professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). Her prior experience includes serving as a business analyst at Coca-Cola, an officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and a healthcare security consultant at Coalfire. Beyond her corporate career, Gaelle is an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She focuses on entrepreneurship and financial literacy, using her background in risk management, internal controls, and corporate finance to mentor women and support socio-economically disadvantaged groups in achieving long-term economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. 

Dr. Ina Marie Angèle Traore is a molecular biologist and virologist focusing on translational research, biomarker discovery, and cervical cancer prevention. She earned her PhD in Molecular Biology and Virology, centering her research on identifying host and viral biomarkers associated with persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Her research aims to advance early screening methodologies, risk stratification tools, and preventive interventions for HPV-related gynecological cancers, with an emphasis on underrepresented African populations. Dr. Traore bring nearly ten years of professional experience, including four years (2017–2021) as an Application Specialist in Hematology and Hemostasis for the Burkina Faso representative of Sysmex, a global diagnostic device manufacturer. In 2024, she completed specialized training in Science Diplomacy in Trieste, Italy, gaining insight into the intersection of scientific research, public policy, and international diplomacy. Dr. Traore applies her expertise in molecular diagnostics and population epidemiology to advocate for evidence-based healthcare policies, expanded cancer screening access, and scientific development across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Dr. Rachida Mahamadou Oumarou is a medical doctor, regulatory affairs specialist, and public health advocate committed to health systems strengthening and health equity. She holds a Doctorate in Medicine, having defended her thesis on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among diabetic patients. Currently, she serves as Head of Regulatory Affairs and Administrative Coordinator at DAHAICO LTD in Niger. In this role, she manages pharmaceutical regulatory submissions, product registration procedures, and institutional communications with national health authorities. Dr. Mahamadou Oumarou is also a member of African Crossroad Development (ACD) and Co-founder of Women in Global Health Niger. Her community work includes participating in public health outreach with the NGO Labizey Hallassa, where she helped lead community health campaigns—including a free screening drive that provided health education and medical screening to over 450 individuals. Her work combines clinical expertise, pharmaceutical policy, and grassroots health education to expand access to healthcare products and services for women, youth, and underserved communities. 

Madjalia Seynou is a financial controller and social entrepreneur working to expand economic independence for women in rural West Africa. She holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Ouagadougou and a Master of Science in Accounting from St. John's University in New York. Born in rural Burkina Faso, she saw firsthand how smallholder women farmers are locked out of the tools that turn a harvest into a livelihood. In 2019 she founded FarmSahel to change that, pairing financial literacy with regenerative agriculture and access to clean water so that rural households can build income lasting beyond a single season. She brings more than a decade in nonprofit finance to the work, currently serving as Controller at the Center for Action and Contemplation. Her leadership and FarmSahel's impact have been widely recognized, including the 2023 Women Creativity in Rural Life Award and the 2024 World of Difference Award, along with finalist recognition in the 2023 Women for Zero Hunger competition and the 2024 Public Interest Registry .ORG Impact Awards for their work with thousands of women farmers across Burkina Faso.