In today’s rapidly growing global youth population, the role of young leaders in shaping public health has never been more urgent or impactful. As a medical doctor, aspiring global public health diplomat, and advocate for adolescent and youth well-being, I have realized that academic credentials alone are not enough. True, lasting impact requires leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication. My transformative journey through the Youth Capacity Building (YOCAB) Program, at the Tanzania Health Summit, stands as direct evidence of this realization.

Currently, I serve as a Member of the International Public Health Diplomacy Advisory Group at the University of Memphis School of Public Health and as a Program Officer for the National School Health and Nutrition Programme at Tanzania’s Ministry of Health. With over five years of experience in health promotion, I have focused especially on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH), addressing persistent challenges facing young people in rural Tanzania, particularly teenage pregnancy.

YOCAB: More Than a Workshop—A Catalyst for Leadership

Joining the YOCAB Program was a prestigious and life-changing opportunity. From day one, it was clear that YOCAB was not just another training—it was a leadership incubator. The program introduced me to seasoned facilitators, passionate peers, and thought leaders who challenged my perspectives and pushed me toward action.

YOCAB equipped me with critical competencies in Leadership and Ethics, Effective Communication, Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving, Personal Branding, and Career Path Development. These were not just skills—they became tools I continue to use every day in my leadership journey.

From National Impact to Global Recognition: My Mandela Washington Fellowship Journey

One of the most significant outcomes of my YOCAB experience was being selected as a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow in the Leadership in Public Management track at Boise State University. The foundational skills, confidence, and clarity I gained through YOCAB were crucial in strengthening my application—and, more importantly, they prepared me to succeed in a global fellowship environment.

Today, the values and insights from YOCAB echo in every room I step into, every presentation I deliver, and every policy dialogue I engage in. The program reinforced a profound truth: leadership is not about titles—it is about service, integrity, and impact.

Acknowledging the Shoulders I Stand On

Behind every young leader’s journey are mentors and trailblazers who light the way forward. I am deeply grateful to have been guided and inspired by such individuals throughout my path. Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe- Director General of the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC),  and Dr. Charles Wanga- PATH’s Head of Communication for the Africa region  have been exceptional mentors whose commitment to impactful leadership has shaped my understanding of service and resilience. Their unwavering support has continuously fueled my passion for public health and systems thinking.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Mary Mwanyika – chief executive officer of the Africa Academy for Public Health (AAPH)  , a phenomenal woman in healthcare whose leadership and mentorship embody the spirit and powerful notion that women uplift one another. Her presence and guidance have not only encouraged me but have reinforced the importance of creating space for other women to rise in this field.

These mentors have each contributed immensely to my growth as a leader and advocate, and I carry their wisdom with me in every step of my journey.

A Heartfelt Call to the Next Generation of Public Health Trailblazers

To every young person passionate about public health, leadership, or community development: YOCAB is not just a program—it’s a launchpad. It doesn’t just offer certificates; it offers lifelong values, networks, and the confidence to drive meaningful change. The relationships you build and the lessons you learn can open doors you never dreamed possible—just as they did for me.

As I continue to advocate for adolescent and youth health in Tanzania and beyond, I carry with me the lasting lessons of YOCAB—lessons grounded in ethical leadership, resilience, and the power of community to transform lives. This platform has been fundamental in shaping who I am today, and I am very proud to be a product of YOCAB. Moreover, I am honored to pass the torch of leadership to those following behind me.