Our monthly check-in with staff from around the world. Learn more about the people who work at CHAI.
Mariama Faty
Title: Associate, Global Sexual & Reproductive Health
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Start date: October 16, 2023
Please tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to CHAI.
I graduated with a business law degree and then pursued an MBA from Institut Superieur de Management de Dakar. As I was freshly starting my career in law, I felt the need to do something that aligns with my desire for social impact. From there, I pivoted and started a new role in a social enterprise involving sexual reproductive health (SRH), HIV, and vaccines. My love for social impact and women’s rights led me to CHAI, where I’m now focused on SRH commodity security.
1. What’s the best thing about working at CHAI?
My team is the best thing about my job. The support, the knowledge sharing, and the listening gives me the environment to professionally and personally thrive. Working together on the same objectives as a team keeps me motivated.
2. When do you feel the most inspired by your work?
Every time we gather as a team. It amazes me to see all these people from different backgrounds coming together to tackle global issues worldwide. We are so different but the same when it comes to values. This shows there is something beyond our apparent differences that unites us, and it’s our aspiration to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.
3. What is your favorite quote of all time and why?
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop,” by Rumi. It’s a great reminder that we all have in us the ability to create big positive things.
4. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I live in a country where there are no mountains. I’d like to have the experience of climbing a mountain.
5. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
West African peanut butter stew loaded with vegetables with the perfect amount of hot spice!
