Full name: Jennifer Kizza
Degree/Graduating Year: B.A. in Neurobiology and Global Health and Health Policy, 2016; MSc in Global Health Science, 2017
Location: Uganda
Position on HAEd: Co-President of Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter
Current role or job: Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher to Uganda
3 Fun Facts: I love running, am always looking for somewhere new to travel, and have bungee jumped over Victoria Falls.
WHY DID YOU JOIN HAED?
HAEd provides a great network to connect Harvard alumni from all schools with passion for improving education across the globe. A group dedicated to educational development is indescribably valuable, as education provides a critical building block towards change in any setting.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE THROUGH HAED?
As Co-President of the Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter of HAEd, I hope to continue to connect the incredible Harvard alumni that comprise this region. I also hope to encourage individuals from all schools and disciplines to join in the common mission of educational development worldwide.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN EDUCATION?
Before starting college, I had the privilege of taking various tutoring and mentorship roles which I greatly enjoyed. I also was fortunate to have teachers and mentors who constantly motivated, encouraged, and inspired me. When I entered college, I kept finding ways in which my interests in healthcare and research intersected with education. While at Harvard, I continued tutoring, mentoring, and even had the opportunity to teach courses in various schools worldwide. I hope to continue connecting my interests and passions for healthcare, research, and education throughout my career.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am most inspired by individuals who always strive to do more and do better for society. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people who are compassionate, entrepreneurial, brilliant leaders that encourage me to think more critically about the world.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU REMEMBER FROM YOUR TIME AT HARVARD?
My time at Harvard was filled with so many wonderful memories that it feels impossible to select one unique moment. My fondest memories stem from the collective conversations I shared with friends over a meal, my roommates in our dorm, my tutees and mentees in our meetings, or during discussions in the classroom. Harvard is an incredible place with credit to the people who comprise the community. I was and forever am constantly motivated and inspired by my peers and professors.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER HARVARD ALUMNI?
Continue to explore and meet new people through the alumni network! I made some of my best friendships while at Harvard, yet there are still so many wonderful classmates I did not have a chance to meet while I was an undergraduate. I have continued to learn from and build friendships with other Harvard alumni from various schools even after graduation, and I highly recommend for others to do the same.