Duke Kunshan University (DKU) graduate Metasebiya Ayele Mamo, from the undergraduate Class of 2022, has been named a global finalist for the highly competitive McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University, Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarship program for master’s and professional studies.
Mamo, a global health and social inclusion professional, will travel to Montreal for final interviews from March 20 to 22 as one of 36 international finalists selected from thousands of applicants worldwide.
Established through a landmark C$ 200 million (USD 150 million) donation in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships cover full tuition, a monthly stipend, mentorship and leadership development at McGill University.
Mamo leads a project that supports youth programs at the Africa Centres for Disease Control, part of the African Union’s efforts to improve public health and crisis response. She has also led an accessibility and inclusion task force at her workplace and regularly volunteers with a disability advocacy group.
“My career goal is to develop proactive health policies that prioritize inclusion from the outset rather than as an afterthought, creating environments where everyone’s contribution is valued for the betterment of Africa’s health systems,” said Mamo.
“However, having seen the complex, interconnected challenges in the health sector, including resource constraints, I recognize that this would require a lot more policy expertise and strategic vision. This is why I’m excited about receiving practical, empirically grounded training at McGill.”
At DKU, Mamo earned a Bachelor of Science in global health and biology, jointly awarded by Duke University, and was actively involved in global health research, mentoring, and community service. She volunteered with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, taught English to medical professionals, and worked closely with faculty on research projects. Following graduation, she completed a Princeton in Africa Fellowship with the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Botswana.
Another DKU student, Renata Koviazina, received a $10,000 International Regional Award through the McCall MacBain Scholarships program. The award can be used at McGill or any public university in Canada.
Last year, Jasmine Santos, from the Class of 2024, was also selected as a finalist. In 2023, Eldar Wang was among the first 10 global recipients of the scholarship.
“We need more leaders who act with integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “We congratulate these students who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates nationally and globally, and we thank the universities that nominated them for this opportunity.”
During her visit to Canada, Mamo will participate in rigorous interviews with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. After the final round, up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected. If not chosen for the scholarship, Mamo will still be eligible for a C$20,000 award toward her master’s studies at McGill.
For more information about the scholarships, visit mccallmacbainscholars.org.
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