Columbia Global and the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University proudly present the exceptional rising leaders selected as the 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Scholars.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University brings together rising leaders from the United States and around the world who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities and countries. Scholars complete a fully-funded, nine-month residency on campus with Columbia World Projects, deepening their knowledge and skills, and building new capacities and networks to accelerate their impact.
2025-2026 Scholars
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Bathsheba Asati
KENYAPrincipal Strategy Custodian, Amahoro CoalitionRead Full Bio arrow_right_altMobilizing Africa's private sector to create economic opportunities for forcibly displaced people.
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Michelle Cartier
COLOMBIATeam Lead, Territorial Component - UN Internal Displacement Solutions Fund, International Organization for Migration IOMRead Full Bio arrow_right_altPromoting the protection and reparation of conflict-affected populations by strengthening public policy implementation in transitional contexts in Colombia.
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Soumya Dabriwal
INDIACo-founder, Project BaalaRead Full Bio arrow_right_altAdvancing menstrual equity by equipping communities with sustainable health solutions that foster education, dignity, and justice.
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Mahmoud Hadhoud
EGYPTCo-founder, Open Transformation Lab Inc.Read Full Bio arrow_right_altEmpowering journalists with tech-driven tools and training to foster informed public discourse, counter misinformation, and champion participatory social change.
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Khalid Hashi
CANADA & SOMALIAFounder & CEO, OGOW HealthRead Full Bio arrow_right_altAdvancing maternal and primary health through inclusive, human-centered digital health solutions that strengthen local systems and community agency.
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Michael Richard Katagaya
UGANDATeam Leader, Evidence And Methods LabRead Full Bio arrow_right_altLeveraging data and civic technology to advance justice, governance, and transparency in Uganda.
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Valeria Kovtun
UKRAINEStrategic Partnerships Lead, OpenMinds; Founder and Former Head, FilterRead Full Bio arrow_right_altLeading cross-sector efforts to counter disinformation and strengthen societal resilience against authoritarian influences.
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Victoria Kuketz
CANADADigital Democracy Fellow, Public Policy ForumRead Full Bio arrow_right_altTackling polarization and strengthening democracy by building bridges between communities and public policy leadership through nonpartisan dialogue.
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Hahnjae Lee
REPUBLIC OF KOREAPublic Interest Lawyer, Duroo Association for Public Interest LawRead Full Bio arrow_right_altTransforming South Korea’s approach to migrant justice by challenging immigration detention through legal advocacy and civic innovation.
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Antonella Perrone
ARGENTINAChief Operating Officer, XcapitRead Full Bio arrow_right_altDeveloping digital tools to foster financial autonomy and deliver aid to underserved communities without internet access.
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Valentina Primo
ARGENTINA & ITALYFounder and CEO, Startups Without BordersRead Full Bio arrow_right_altEmpowering refugees and migrants to be agents of innovation through entrepreneurial training and support.