PhD Student at Indiana University, Bloomington & Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Trizah is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya whose work is driven by a deep passion for expanding access to justice for all. Recognizing the barriers that marginalized communities often face in navigating legal systems, she has embraced media as a powerful tool for legal education and empowerment. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Media School, Indiana University Bloomington, where her research explores the intersection of communication, law, and policy, with a focus on how public affairs and policy communication can advance justice and equity.

An alumna of the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Trizah exemplifies leadership through service. She has dedicated herself to organizations that champion human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in Kenya, and she continues to bring that same spirit of service to the communities she is part of abroad. At Indiana University, she has served as President of the Graduate Students in African Studies and as Administrative Coordinator for the Kenyan Students in Diaspora (KESID). She currently serves as Treasurer of the Media School Graduate Student Organization, where she is committed to fostering collaboration, representation, and support among her peers

Research Assistant/PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, USA

Sheilah is a registered Graduate Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in the industry and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She has worked as an Aircraft Systems Engineer for Kenya Airways, Nairobi, and Qatar Airways, Doha. She has a strong knowledge in the identification and management of aircraft reliability risks with an eye toward minimizing operational disruptions, upholding service & safety levels, and reducing maintenance costs. She is currently doing research on Advanced Energy Materials involving the fabrication and characterization of thin films, nanomaterials, semiconductors, supercapacitors, hydrogen technologies, photocatalysis, and electrochemical analysis. She is the Chair of the Student and Postdoc Council (SPC) at the Centre for Electrochemical Dynamics and Reactions on Surfaces (CEDARS). Sheilah is a dedicated Engineer with enthusiasm, and she is an adventurous nature lover who likes to hike and dance.

PhD Student in Choral Conducting at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana Ball State University.

J.K Njenga is dedicated to achieving excellence in Music Performance, focusing on Choral Conducting and African Choral Music. His musical journey began at Kenyatta University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music, forming the foundation for his current musical pursuits. He earned his Master of Music with a focus on Choral Conducting from the University of Arkansas. He also served as the President of the Student Chapter of the American Choral Directors’ Association at the University of Arkansas, demonstrating his leadership and passion for choral music. He is an active choral musician and conductor, and a founding member of the African Cultural Choir and Enkare Kito, where he served as the technical director for both groups. He also plays African percussion when called upon. In 2024, he performed at Carnegie Hall with the renowned gospel ensemble, Inspirational Chorale from the University of Arkansas. Currently, he is the Director of Choirs at Hazelwood Christian Church in Muncie, Indiana. Additionally, he actively participates in the creative process by composing and arranging both traditional and contemporary African pop songs, helping preserve and grow this vibrant musical heritage.

PhD, Special Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Elizabeth W. Mutunga is committed to inclusive education, with a focus on leveraging technology to support English Language Learners (ELLs) with disabilities, particularly those facing emotional and behavioral challenges. She also leads with purpose, compassion, and a strong belief in collaboration. Currently, she serves as the senator for Student Development in the Graduate Student Government (GSG) and as the East Africa Representative for African Graduate Scholars at UMass where she advocates for the academic, social, and professional growth of graduate students, ensuring their voices are included in institutional decision-making.

Her leadership as the student representative of Kenya Scholars & Studies Association (KESSA) further reflected her dedication to bringing Kenyan students together through the conference and students’ competitions. As the former President and Secretary of the African Graduate Student Forum (AGSF) at the University of Georgia, she spearheaded initiatives that celebrated cultural diversity, supported international students, and fostered community connection. A proud Fulbright Scholar, Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA), Elizabeth served as both a language educator and cultural ambassador, roles that continue to inform her leadership. She remains dedicated to advancing Kenyan culture, language, and young leaders’ mentorship.

Master of Music Therapy, University of Kansas.

Dr. Eric Koome Murianki is a music education scholar, clinician, and performer whose work bridges choral and popular music pedagogies, multicultural education, and emerging practices in music therapy. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music Therapy at the University of Kansas, building on his Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Florida and earlier training at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya.

His research explores choral and popular music, music education in Kenya, and the role of music-based interventions in health and well-being. He has published on music therapy approaches for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and has presented at many

Tymon Munasia is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Multimedia University of Kenya, pursuing a degree in Film Production and Animation. He is an actor and the founder of Montyphillic Studios, a production company dedicated to telling authentic Kenyan stories on YouTube and supporting independent filmmakers across the country. Through his various YouTube channels, Munasia showcases his versatility and depth in the entertainment industry as a host, content creator, and storyteller. His work reflects a strong commitment to elevating Kenyan narratives and engaging audiences through compelling visual content. Beyond his professional pursuits, Munasia actively volunteers at his local church, where he serves as both an actor and director for youth group theatrical productions. His passion for community engagement complements his academic and creative endeavors. Munasia’s research interests center on the evolution and impact of filmmaking in Kenya. He has presented his research at the Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA) Conference, contributing to scholarly conversations around Kenyan cinema. In addition to his artistic and academic achievements, Munasia is also a competitive chess player. He has participated in several tournaments, including the Peponi School Junior Chess Tournament, where he earned the junior title.