Samson is a co-founder of Yiya and a 2019 Moonshot Fellow at Claremont McKenna College. He is a physics teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Makerere University and a veteran of Uganda's education system. In 2023-2024, Samson was an Obama Scholar at Columbia University in New York. He grew up in a rural area with limited resources and Yiya's mission has been shaped by his childhood experiences. Samson has a genius talent for educational design and a deep passion for leveraging the power of experiential learning to end cycles of poverty endemic in Uganda. Samson's passion drives him to create innovative learning experiences full of educational games that demonstrate difficult topics in a student-friendly way.
Erin, a Yiya cofounder, holds a Bachelor of Science from MIT as well as a Masters of Education from Marquette University. Her educational career began as a teacher for America fellow teaching high school math in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has over a decade of experience in secondary STEM education, teacher training, and curriculum development, and has worked with educators in the United States, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Sudan. Erin is interested in science and technology knowledge and ideas, as well as assisting young people in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Sheeba, Yiya's User Experience Manager holds a Computer Engineering degree from Mbarara University. Passionate about responsible innovation, she's participated in various science and technology programs that prioritize human-centered solutions catering to user needs. Her efforts earned her recognition as No. 8 of the Top 50 Outstanding African Women in Tech.
At Yiya, Sheeba designs high-quality curricula for Yiya AirScience and has supported the team to create the platform
Angela joined Yiya as Chief of Staff in 2021. She has a Master’s Degree from University of Cape Town in Applied Anthropology, and experience in program development and assessment, direct service, and entrepreneurship. She has worked and studied in the U.S., Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea and Thailand. She is passionate about wellness, personal agency, accessibility, and interdependence. She has maintained for 2 decades that good intentions do not necessarily create positive impact, and that we need to constantly be listening and learning in order to achieve the impact we intend.
Tech Development Team
Joseph, has a 10 years experience leveraging IOT to address development challenges. He is the co-founder of ThinVoid, and a mentor, teacher, and Tech enthusiast. He advised on and spearheaded the development of the first Yiya Airscience platform. Joseph is an outstanding analytical leader who uses his extensive knowledge of software development to support team members. He is a valuable thought partner in the ongoing development of the YIya AirScience platform, as well as Yiya’s Vision.
Sharifah Yiya's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learnings specialist is a certified product analyst passionate about supporting projects and teams working on software and data-driven solutions. She enjoys assisting young people in reaching their technological potential. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Busitema University, in Uganda and has worked on a wide range of software and data-driven solutions. She is enthusiastic to learn about machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Michael, Yiya’s product specialist, graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering. With over 4 years experience in the software development craft, he has creatively contributed to the continuous development and improvement of the Yiya AirScience Platform. He is an immensely skilled Engineer who takes pride in effective teamwork through resilient problem-solving.
Alan has spent 15 years as an entrepreneur, software engineer, and product manager, and holds a physics degree from MIT. He founded 4 companies and worked at the MIT Media Lab, as well as research and AI tech startups. Currently he works at Google. He developed the second version of the Yiya Airscience platform. Alan is a selfless team player who makes people appreciate the beauty of software solutions by portraying them in the easiest way possible.
User Support Team
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Felisty is a professional teacher of Arts and Design with Diploma in Secondary Education from Gulu Teachers Training College. Her passion for teaching students how to use their talents to improve their lives sparked her interest in teaching students how to use STEM to solve community problems. She was one of the pioneer Yiya AirScience educators, and now works as a Field Officer for Yiya. Her great love for STEM and poetry was exhibited in a poem she composed about Yiya Airscience.
James is a graduate of the African Leadership Academy and currently works at Yiya as an Innovations Fellow. With a passion for technology and programming, he is dedicated to using his skills to solve modern-day problems. Along with his technical prowess, he also has a keen interest in leadership. James hopes to leverage his knowledge and experience to create innovative solutions that can drive positive change in society.
Harriet is a highly qualified teacher who holds a Bachelor's degree in teaching with a major in Geography from Makerere University. She has 8 years of teaching experience and has taught at Trinity College and Nile Progressive Secondary School, both in Gulu City. She has a great passion for science and technology. She is a passionate Yiya Airscience educator, excited about science and technology, who encourages more girls to venture into STEM courses.
Lona, a Yiya In person class facilitator is a self-driven leader and social worker who is great at community mobilization and dialogue. She has a Bachelor's in social sciences and a certificate in administrative law. Her enthusiasm has led her to work with organizations like Compassion International, and Lira city council which has given her versed experiences in different fields.
Edith, Yiya In person class facilitator is a graduate from Makerere University, is deeply passionate about nurturing the youth and guiding them towards a bright future. With a solid academic background and a heart dedicated to making a difference, Edith actively engages in initiatives that empower and uplift young individuals, aiming to inspire them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
Gladys Mercy is a graduate of Bachelors degree in Vocational Studies in Agriculture with Education.
She's a professional Agriculture teacher with 5 years working experience, currently teaching in St. Katherine secondary school, Lira and passionate about supporting the young generation especially the girls to become future role models in their various career aspects.
This year, She joined Yiya Engineering solutions as an AirScience teacher, and I hope to be a sole inspiration to many young engineers out there with the Yiya innovations education.
Penny Yiya's translation Specialist has a bachelor's degree of Arts in Languages from Uganda Christian University.
She is a teacher of English language and literature with 9 years of classroom experience who enjoys teaching in local dialect ( Leb Lango) to students in a fun and exciting way.
As a literature enthusiast, she writes prose, poetry and plays.
She aim is to create an environment where students can explore their own learning styles, then I help them to develop their interest in a very fun and safe environment.
Ivan is a professional teacher of Arts and Design with a Diploma in Secondary Education from Kyambogo University. He is also a professional Visual Artist, and is training a group of youth on environmental waste management. Passionate about STEM, poetry, and creativity for quick problem solving, Ivan's perspectives and drawing framing influenced him to bring his expertise to the Yiya Airscience program.
Doreen is a professional and active Teacher with a Diploma in Secondary Education in Subject s of Mathematics and Physical Education awarded by Kyambogo University. She is currently teaching at Comboni College in Lira city and excited to be a teacher with the Yiya Airscience team, Expectant to teach, creat and innovate with the young People in the STEM courses especialy the Girls.
Moses is a teacher of physics and mathematics at St Katherine S.S in Lira, Uganda. He was awarded by FAWE-Uganda as a teacher implementing their STEM . He is also one of the pioneer Yiya Airscience Educators. He was nominated by students and the administration of St.Katherine S.S for being the best science teacher in school. Moses is committed to continuous professional development.
Winnie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science Education from gulu university with a teaching experience of five years. She is currently teaching physics and mathematics at St Katherine secondary school in Lira city and has been always been participating in science exibition and stem program.
Winnie is so excited to be a yiya air science team, ready to teach and innovate with young engineers and encourage more girls to be scientist.
Our Board Members
CAROLINE LOWENTHAL,
M.S, BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Caroline is the Alliance Manager in the MIT Office of Strategic Alliances and Technology Transfer. As Yiya Solutions board chairperson, she brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and partnership building.
MERCY KATAIKE VICTORIA, M.S. PHYSICS
Mercy is starting her Doctorate studies in Medical Physics this year at the University of Melbourne in Australia, where she will be researching ischemic stroke. She aspires to become a certified professional medical physicist.
JOSEPH KAIZZI KASOLO
Joseph is the founder of ThinVoid, a software company in Uganda that is leveraging technology to empower SMEs in the transportation and agricultural Sectors. He is a mentor, a teacher and a tech-enthusiast.
RAINA ECKHARDT, PhD, TREASURER, YIYA-US
Dr. Eckhardt is a mathematics professor at MCC, and also serves as the department’s Program Coordinator. Raina received her Doctor of Education with research in technology-enhanced mathematics education and program evaluation from Plymouth State University (PSU).
MIRIAM R. KABAGOROBYA,
PhD. CANDIDATE
Miriam is an instructional/Curriculum Design & Training professional. She is a lifelong learner and teacher, always looking for learning opportunities to empower others. She is a STEM enthusiast and Math tutor at Syracuse University.
RICHARD JEONG
Rich is the Science Technology Officer on the RV Odyssey (formerly the Alucia, best known for Blue Planet 2). He worked in IT for nearly twenty years in Denver, DC, Uganda, and the US Antarctic Program, which included a winter at McMurdo Station and work on their Research Vessels.
FRED BARUNGI
Fred is a contributor to the ICT industry in Uganda as a Hardware support, Lecturer and Researcher for over 17 years,he has a wealth of experience in ICT.
JAMES KATUMBA
Katumba is a co-founder and executive director at Wezesha impact with rich knowledge in education and fundraising.
MIKE CHRISTIAN
Mike is the Board President of Someone Else’s Child Foundation and the Founder and Chairman of Risk Strategies, a leading national insurance brokerage firm. He served as the CEO of Risk Strategies from 1997 to 2019, leading its growth to a prominent specialty risk advisor/broker with over $700M in annual revenues. He also manages Community Impact Ventures, an impact venture capital fund, and is actively involved in various Boston-based non-profits, focusing on children, arts, entertainment, and education. Mike majored in Philosophy at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
JAMINA APIO
Jamina is an attorney at Ivory Advocates leading the Intellectual Property and Dispute Resolution functions.With over a decade of legal expertise, she earned the prestigious title of Uganda's top trademark professional (World Trademark Review 2020 - 2023). Jamina excels in IP acquisition and resolving disputes for diverse clients. Her expertise extends to commercial litigation, labor matters, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate and project development and financing, both locally and internationally.
