Our monthly check-in with staff from around the world. Learn more about the people who work at CHAI.
Please tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to CHAI.
After obtaining my degree in Economic Science, I joined an internship program with a real estate advisory firm for a year and got a permanent position with the research team upon completion. The role entailed producing market reports and city updates for more than five countries in sub-Saharan Africa, providing the end-user with market insights on economic developments and real estate trends, and changes in the respective markets.
I first learned about CHAI from a friend who told me about the work the organization does, which piqued my interest. I found what CHAI does inspirational and was interested in working on projects that were impactful and made a positive change in our country and its citizens.
1. What does a typical day at CHAI look like for you?
The funny thing is when I was interviewed for my current position, one of the questions I asked my manager was, “what’s a typical day in the TB team like?” I recall her response being somewhat vague and her saying that it is quite difficult to describe a day in the TB program or for that matter life at CHAI in general. I remember she gave an example about coming to work with a plan on a specific deliverable and getting diverted from that because the Department of Health reached out with an urgent request, which would then become your top priority for the day.
Her response has proven very accurate. I have learned that there is no such thing as a typical day. Each day is different in the TB space; some days I spend most of the time knee-deep doing research, other days it is back-to-back calls.
2. What is the best thing about your job?
The work is dynamic which keeps me on my toes and I get to apply my commerce-intense educational background in health, which is awesome!
3. What is a motto you live by?
“Let everything you do and speak, flow from the heart” – This to me is a reminder to put in 100 percent effort in everything I do. If there is love for what you do, you will certainly put in a lot more effort and work to achieve the best results you can. It is also a reminder that we should be kind to one another.
4. Who is someone you admire, and why?
My late father. He was a smart, unassuming, and quiet man, yet a lot of people knew him because of his works and kindness. The kind of person he was and the stories I heard about him from his friends and colleagues serve as an inspiration for me to work hard, be a team player, and to always share the knowledge I have on something.
5. What are three words that describe you?
Curious. Persistent. Lover of things and life (that is not one word, but it captures who I am very well)!
