Meet our thought leaders

Samrawit Yohannes Yoseph has more than ten years of experience in urban design, city planning, and architecture in Ethiopia. Samrawit is an associate at Habitat Unit and focuses on design and research consulting that offers expertise in the built environment. She supports local efforts to clean and build nice public areas with the Rotary Club of Addis Abeba Central Mella. She is also wing county chair of Ecocivilisation, an international movement and community for evolutionary transformation toward a new civilization paradigm. Samrawit holds a master's degree in Human Settlements and Urbanism and a master's degree in Strategic Planning from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. Samrawit is passionate about sustainable and better-designed cities and nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation and mitigation. She is fascinated by how cities are managed and wants to learn about innovative ideas and understand the latest system of working on and implementing large or small urban projects. Samrawit has been chosen to be 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) for Young African Leaders as a finalist in the public management track. MWF is a signature program of the Department of State of USA for 700 emerging leaders from across the continent who have been selected after a competitive process.she was placed  at University of California - Davis.

Lauritta is an environmentalist, aspiring diplomat, and a United Nations Climate Change negotiator working at the intersection of climate policies, youth inclusion, and gender to advance SDGs 5, 7 & 13. Her work in the Nigerian climate action space seeks to enact active policies and achieve innovative and sustainable green solutions through advancing circular economy, fostering just transitions, climate change advocacy, training, and grassroots engagement. She is also committed to helping climate change-affected communities strengthen resilience for adaptation. 

Patrick Kapanda Kabanda is an accomplished professional in climate change and environmental policy advocacy. Holding a BSc in Environmental and Natural Resources Management, he is an alumnus of the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship, showcasing commitment to leadership. Recognized by the American embassy in Lusaka, he served as the Head of Programs for the Zambia Climate Change Network. Currently, as District Disaster Management Officer, Patrick coordinates disaster initiatives. Additionally, he contributes as a National Advisory Panel board member for Farm Radio International, championing sustainable practices in agriculture and community development. Patrick's leadership shapes resilient, environmentally conscious communities.

Natasha Nalungwe, an accomplished environmentalist, currently serves as the District Disaster Management Coordinator at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), within the office of the Vice President for the Republic of Zambia. 

In her current position, Natasha spearheads the coordination and implementation of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response activities. Her approach involves extensive stakeholder and community engagement, emphasizing Nature-based solutions for disaster and climate resilience. Natasha actively advocates for environmental protection through community empowerment and local sensitization efforts, urging communities to regard resources as their own and to take responsibility for their preservation.

Natasha holds a bachelor's degree in Adult Education with a focus on Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Zambia (UNZA). As a certified public speaker registered under the Zambia National Speakers Association (ZNSA), she effectively utilizes her voice to advance environmental causes and community-based empowerment initiatives.