Meet the next generation of changemakers

Obama Scholar Enrica Duncan is the director of Mapa do Acolhimento, an organization that leverages technology to provide direct response resources for survivors of gender-based violence. The organization started in response to urgent requests for psychological and legal support, using technology to make one-to-one matches based on needs. Since then, Mapa has transformed into a network of over 10,000 volunteers in 1,000 cities across Brazil to connect survivors to robust mental health support, access to justice, and interventions to break the cycle of violence.

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Obama-Chesky Voyager Lela Tolajian is the founder of the International Coalition Against Modern Slavery, a grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating forced labor, human trafficking, and the systemic inequalities that fuel exploitation. She hopes to expand the organization globally, collaborating with local communities to advocate for survivors' rights, strengthen labor laws, and provide educational resources.

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Obama Leader Tolulope Olukokun is the chief executive officer of ThinkBikes, an organization committed to providing affordable and sustainable means of last-mile transportation using electric cargo bikes for goods in urban and rural areas. He is a renowned social entrepreneur and innovator in the micro-mobility sector. As a visionary in sustainable mobility, Tolulope is driving positive change and positioning ThinkBikes as a leader in creating a greener future in Nigeria.

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Obama Scholar Nikki Gillani advocates for policies that connect schools and community-based organizations that serve youth during out-of-school time, collaborating with communities across the state of Illinois. In the future, she seeks to professionalize and expand the youth development field by creating clear and robust educational pathways for aspiring professionals, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality afterschool environments.

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Obama-Chesky Voyager Jonathan Jean Charles is focused on finding methods to decrease noncommunicable disease occurrence among low-income communities with hopes of better understanding the intersection between health literacy, health equity, and the social determinants of health. His community service involvements continue to inform him of the role one’s environment plays in shaping their health outcomes. In the future, he aspires to become a culturally competent physician dedicated to health policy and patient-centered health care.

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Obama Leader Nalu OʻConnor is the program leader of the Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Sciences (PIPES) program at the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo. PIPES nurtures future aloha ʻāina leaders in Hawaiʻi through place-based internships, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Nalu is dedicated to exploring the ideas of reconnecting people, place, and practice with the ultimate goal of ʻāina momona— abundant ecosystems and thriving communities.

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