“ I want to leave my footprints on the sands of time. To know there was something that meant something, that I left behind. When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets. I’ll leave something to remember, so they won’t forget. I was here.” - Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s enduring influence through her music and advocacy. These remarkable individuals are committed to constructing legacies that will persist in the actions and aspirations of those who follow in their footsteps. They understand that true impact spans generations, and their duty as catalysts for lasting change extends beyond the fellowship program. In embracing these principles, the fellows of the BeyGOOD program have not only etched a legacy that resonates with their dedication to positive change but has also exemplified the enduring strength of collective action, passion, and purpose. Through their mastery of passion, cultivation of connections, resonating impact, enduring stories, and commitment to empowering continuity, they have done precisely that, bequeathing a legacy that will inspire generations to come. As they stand on the brink of transformation, the 50 fellows of the entire program acknowledge that their legacy surpasses individual achievements. It reverberates with the spirit of Beyoncé’s anthem, affirming that their footprints will indeed endure in the sands of time. Their legacy mirrors empowerment, unity, and hope, echoing the essence of Beyoncé’s music. Embracing the legacy they have collectively crafted, they commit to gazing toward the future with unwavering determination, understanding that their journey as changemakers remains an ongoing endeavor. Just as Beyoncé has left her indelible mark on the world, they pledge to imprint their footprints — a testament to their shared vision, collaborative endeavors, and unwavering belief in the power of change. Together, they declare, “We were here,” pledging to leave a legacy that perseveres through the ages, a resounding echo of their impact on the world.
GBOLABO FEMI-JOLAYEMI I consider myself a changemaker, educator, and social impact strategist. My work revolves around the convergence of education, youth development, advocacy, and innovation, with a keen interest in Pan-African development and digital technology. During my time as a Digital Campaign Fellow at Global Citizen, I had the privilege of being part of a team that empowers millions of people to take social actions through our mobile application. These actions are aimed at combating extreme poverty, addressing hunger, and advocating for equity. My vision is rooted in a world where each individual actively contributes to peace, fostering connections, and spreading kindness within their spheres of influence. MARVELLOUS CHIMDINDU Working with Global Citizen has been a transformative experience, I appreciate Global Citizen’s commitment to investing in the growth of young people. It was a great privilege working with a group of 14 other exceptionally talented minds from across Africa, this has pushed me to let go of my fears and embrace my potential. I now aspire to enter the corporate sector, leveraging my acquired skills to contribute significantly, while also embracing new opportunities for learning and growth. KASMUEL OURE I am a passionate advocate dedicated to combating poverty and inequality. My journey has empowered slum children through music, mentorship, and improved hygiene. Beyond this, I envision a holistic change in African politics, law, and development. As a leader igniting potential, I am committed to delivering on promises, empowering youth, and championing equal gender representation in student congress. My love for music, entrepreneurship, and nature drives my multifaceted approach to making a positive impact on my community and the world. MEET THE GRADUATES
HOPE MNGUNI In the field of marketing, I am determined to leave behind a legacy marked by innovation, collaboration, and community impact. My goal is to not only excel in delivering effective marketing strategies but also to actively engage in charitable endeavours that address pressing societal issues. By using my skills to amplify the messages of non-profit organisations and drive support for their causes, I aim to inspire a generation of marketers to use their influence for the betterment of society, leaving behind a legacy of transformative marketing and social progress. MATHAPELO XABA Advocating for gender equality and shedding light on the issues faced by women and girls have been my driving force, leading me to join the fellowship program. During my time at GC, I coordinated mentoring sessions between Curtis and BeyGOOD fellows, led a mental health campaign discussing the intersectionality of mental health, and fostered partnerships for BeyGOOD community projects with P&G Africa. As a marketing student, I envision myself thriving in the creative and evolving industry. I hope to be remembered for my audacity, a spirit of learning and growth, and a language of servitude. KARIMOT ODEBODE I am an advocate for inclusive education and gender equality. My journey with Global Citizen as a Partnerships Fellow has deeply influenced my dedication to fostering youth engagement and driving positive change. During the fellowship, I had the privilege of collaborating on impactful advocacy projects, which ignited my passion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a Masters degree in Education Policy and Analysis from Harvard University, I envision a future where my expertise and passion converge to shape international policies that empower marginalised communities, particularly in the areas of education and gender equality. Through my work, I aspire to champion education equality, advocate for gender equity, and empower youth on a global scale. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy of equity and opportunity in education and governance, ensuring that every individual has a fair chance to succeed and thrive.
RHODA FASANMI My passion aligns with Global Citizen’s mission of creating positive change in the world. During my time as a policy fellow, I actively engaged in shaping policies that impact communities and industries, reinforcing my commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive future. My work spans various fields, from project management and consultancy to gender advocacy and education, all aimed at breaking down societal barriers and empowering individuals. I aim to continue my efforts in these areas, contributing to innovative solutions and optimal efficiency for organisations. My legacy in my chosen field is one of promoting equality, fostering youth development, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, all while maintaining an insatiable thirst for knowledge and intellectual growth. ODWA MKIVA I am a dedicated pharmacist with a passion for healthcare and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. I believe in the transformative power of education, advocating for gender equality, quality education, and health equity as vital elements for positive change and poverty eradication. During my time in the BeyGOOD Fellowship, I gained valuable experience in providing healthcare services to marginalised communities in rural South Africa, influencing my dedication to improving the nation’s healthcare system. I aspire to establish a nonprofit focused on empowering and educating individuals for healthier life choices. My legacy in healthcare involves proactive efforts, continuous learning, and working towards an equitable South Africa with access to quality healthcare. SIBUSISO BOKVELDT I am a determined and self-driven individual with a passion for creating positive change in society. My work with Global Citizen has deepened my commitment to addressing pressing issues such as mental health, climate change, and menstrual health in underprivileged communities. As the founder of the iSibusiso Sports Foundation, I am dedicated to bridging the inequality gap by providing sports equipment and establishing sports programs in disadvantaged schools, offering children better opportunities for growth and development. I aim to expand my impact by further empowering women and children with essential skills, integrating them into the economy, and fostering selfsufficiency. My legacy in this field involves striving for a more equitable and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
TSHOLOFELO LEHAHA My passion lies in shaping narratives that transcend boundaries, with a particular focus on gender and women’s rights. My career revolves around digital curation, literature, and research, where I work as a journalist and specialise in content for marketing and advertising. Through my writing, I advocate for gender and racial equality, and this commitment has driven me to establish a literary press called I Wrote, dedicated to women of colour in underrepresented communities. My goal is to empower and amplify the voices of those who often go unheard. I aspire to continue my work in journalism and literature, inspiring young girls to believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. My legacy in this chosen field is to create a platform for change-makers and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world. DIANA CHERONO I am a recent graduate in creative multimedia and technology with a deep passion for the environment and a strong commitment to being an “artivist.” My goal is to use my skills in digital art to drive activism and inspire social change. While I am well-versed in animation, game development, motion graphics design, and graphic design, I am equally dedicated to advocating for mental health and sustainable waste management. As part of my eco-activism, I emphasise the importance of sustainable practices in waste management to mitigate the effects of climate change. I aspire to become a prominent voice for youth, promoting environmental sustainability, advocating for green living, and raising awareness about critical issues like climate change and conservation in my community and country. ABBA ALI YARIMA MUSTAPHA I am committed to learning, unlearning and relearning. As a BeyGOOD Fellow, I had the privilege of working with a diverse and dedicated team at Global Citizen. These experiences have greatly influenced my current work and aspirations. I have learned the art of building partnerships and effectively managing stakeholders, skills that I am eager to leverage in my career. I aim to venture into the field of peace and security, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism, research, and peacebuilding. Drawing from my three years of progressive experience in the conflict-ridden Lake Chad region, I aspire to play a pivotal role in fostering community acceptance of peacebuilding initiatives. Additionally, I aim to mobilise stakeholders and create space for field researchers to contribute to sustainable peace in the region. Ultimately, my legacy in this chosen field would be defined by my dedication to fueling positive change, building bridges between communities, and actively contributing to peace and security in regions affected by conflict.
ARTHUR KAMAU Being selected as a BeyGOOD fellow has truly been a blessing. This journey has been a tremendous learning experience. During my time as a fellow in the Global Citizen marketing department, I gained a wealth of knowledge about effectively communicating the organisation’s mission, educating both global citizens and wider audiences about key issues, and inspiring them to take meaningful action. I have honed my skills in marketing for good, utilising digital marketing to drive social impact and raise awareness among youth audiences. One of my most cherished lessons from the fellowship is the art of personal branding and networking, realising that individuals are their own brand, just as much as products and businesses. In the next 5-10 years, I aim to further develop my expertise in marketing for social impact, with a specific focus on using sports as a vehicle for change. My goal is to foster social inclusivity and empower underprivileged communities, particularly young people, to achieve their dreams. Through soccer and marketing, I aspire to transform lives and contribute to a brighter future for Africa and beyond. SHERYL KAMBUNI My greatest passion regarding Global Citizen’s work is the advocacy for mental health care. While working as a marketing fellow, I had the privilege of collaborating with the marketing team, where I learned the art of storytelling as a powerful tool for educating and mobilising global citizens to take action. Additionally, this experience helped me refine my communication skills to understand how to convey an organisation’s mission effectively, attracting more young global citizens across Africa who, like me, are dedicated to driving sustainable change on the continent. I am aiming to venture further into the field of mental health advocacy, specifically by driving the inclusion of mental wellness education in school curriculums across Kenya and eventually the greater African continent. My vision is for an Africa where mental health is no longer a taboo subject, but a vital part of overall health and development.
With their vast knowledge and creative thinking, the Advisory Council members played an instrumental role in enhancing the program’s impact. They helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering valuable guidance to fellows as they navigated their paths to becoming changemakers. By bringing together leaders from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, the Advisory Council contributed to the program’s diversity and cross-cultural perspective. These influential figures not only selected the Global Citizen Fellows but also became integral in shaping the fellowship experience itself. Their insights and advice ensured that the program remained relevant, empowering, and forwardlooking. Through their involvement, the Advisory Council helped create an environment where young Africans could learn, grow, and apply their skills for a brighter future. The establishment of the Advisory Council in the BeyGOOD x Global Citizen Fellowship program was a visionary move that added depth and expertise to the program’s leadership. By tapping into the knowledge and experience of industry leaders, the program remained adaptive and impactful. As it welcomed each new cohort of Fellows, the program continued to benefit from the legacy of the Advisory Council, underscoring the importance of industry experts in guiding the next generation of leaders in their journey towards making a lasting impact. CHARTING A PATH OF EXCELLENCE THE BeyGOOD X GLOBAL CITIZEN FELLOWSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL I n 2020, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BeyGOOD x Global Citizen Fellowship program took a significant step forward by establishing the Advisory Council. This strategic addition aimed to leverage the collective wisdom and experience of industry leaders and experts to enrich the fellowship program. The Advisory Council played a pivotal role, serving as a vital sounding board and providing valuable insights to chart innovative pathways for the program’s continuous development. Comprising eight distinguished members with expertise in areas such as advocacy, citizenship, international development, and leadership, the council ensured that the program remained dynamic and responsive to emerging challenges. The creation of the Advisory Council marked a new era in the fellowship program’s evolution. It allowed the program to benefit from the collective wisdom of seasoned professionals, ensuring that it remained on the cutting edge of youth empowerment and leadership development. The council’s involvement extended beyond the selection process, as its members actively shaped the program’s direction and initiatives.
MEET OUR ADVISORY NOZIPHO TSHABALA I am in awe of the work that Global Citizen is doing in Africa and I have been particularly drawn to the advocacy work centred on defeating poverty. Many African societies remain in the clutches of violent poverty, locking young people out of the labour market and other economic opportunities. I resonated deeply with the intent behind the BeyGOOD Fellowship program and its intent to contribute to skilling young Africans. It was my absolute pleasure to give my time and expertise in a small way to their journeys and I would like to applaud the team for all they have done and are doing for Africa. BONANG MATHEBA I agreed to be part of the advisory council simply because, growing up- I have had a number of mentors in my life (both personally and professionally). Having an individual you can refer to and get guidance from has been one of the most life-changing aspects of my life - whether its a teacher, your mother or a role model in a specific industry- it has been one of the many reasons I have been able to manoeuvre my way to ‘success’. I am a big fan of programmes that support and mentor young Africans- and will always be fulfilled and inspired when working with them, being part of their journeys whilst also creating important connections. I believe in playing your part to change or inspire someone’s life, big or small - sharing your experiences and knowledge allows others to do the same. I hope my input has impacted them positively and given them a little insight into what the industry has to offer. I wish them all. the best and look forward to the change they will impart in the world. PATRICIA KIHORO Patricia Kihoro is a Kenyan storyteller, singer, actress, event host, content creator and improv comedian.She uses her art forms and platforms to share her life experiences, lessons and insights as she journeys through life. She celebrates Africa, its innovators, creators, arts and culture with a strong bias towards music.She believes that creating social change starts with changing mindsets and inspiring small actions to bring about collaborative, positive change in the world. As Patricia continuously evolves and discovers new versions of herself, she hopes to inspire those around her to lean into their authentic selves, not only in identifying and seizing opportunities but also creating them for themselves by harnessing their passions, skills, talents and ideas. HAMZAT LAWAL I accepted the invitation to join the BeyGOOD & Global Citizen Advisory Council because of the unique focus of practically shaping young leaders doing phenomenal work, leading initiatives and supporting them through a process to scale, making them better in providing solutions that affect the African continent.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AISHA YESHU I agreed to join the BeyGOOD x Global Citizen Advisory Council because it gave me the opportunity to share with future leaders my experiences and knowledge to contribute towards their growth. The future of the world lies in the hands of the youth of today and it is our primary responsibility to ensure we do all we can to ensure they have all the necessary support to take on the task and do a far better job than we have.I hope they will go on empowered to empower others so we continue the chain of leaders with empathy, and competence and are ready to serve the people. CHAIRMAINE HOUVET My grandmother raised me on a social grant and encouraged me from an early age to work hard to escape a toxic impoverished community. In a world where adversity can either break or shape a person, my grandmother encouraged me to emerge from challenging circumstances with an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. I therefore made a conscious decision to mentor others and pay it forward. I discovered my passion for mentorship and sponsorship, and this became my chosen path for giving back. I discovered a deep sense of purpose in helping others. From an early age, I actively joined organizations, collaborated with like-minded individuals, and started small with one-on-one mentoring relationships to pay it forward. I founded a mentorship NPO called Afriel to mentor young women and support their transition from school to university and into the workplace. I host quarterly in-person training sessions with students from university where I invite them to the office to meet experts and professionals from various sectors and disciplines of work with the aim of preparing them for the future world of work. Access to platforms like the BeyGOOD x Global Citizen Advisory Council accelerates social capital where individuals have a stronger voice in advocating for positive change in organizations and in their communities. Collaborating with organizations like BeyGOOD through the Global Citizen Advisory Council aligns with my payit-forward nature. I obtain boundless energy from serving pro bono on this advisory council. My aspiration is to be able to leave a legacy to make a difference in the lives of others so that they too can one day pay it forward and the baton keeps getting passed forward to impact more lives positively. It has been inspiring to watch the various cohorts from BeyGOOD x Global Citizen fellowship grow in confidence, the caliber of the applicants is improving every year making the selection more difficult with each passing year. It inspires me to attend the graduation ceremony each year and witness how the participants have evolved during the program. They collaborate effortlessly and are team players and self-determined leaders ready to change the world. Witnessing these dynamic change makers using the skills, knowledge, and networks that they developed through the program inspires me to participate in the program each passing year. TUMI SOLE Tumi Sole is the creator and founder of #CountryDuty, a social movement that brings together all South Africans regardless of race or creed. As a corporate attorney with experience in human rights litigation, employment law, and dispute resolution, Sole is currently reading for his Master’s in Law, specialising in commerce and business Law at the University of Witwatersrand. His successes with #CountryDuty have seen him appear on numerous South African media platforms, create the biggest hashtag to hit the country, and inspire many South Africans on social media to become active citizens who work towards social development.He has been recognised as one of the Mail &Guardian 200 Young South Africans (2019) and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans (2019).
ACKNOWDLEDGEMENTSIMON MOSS A thank you to Beyoncé, Tyler Perry and all those who have made the program possible The great mathematician and philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead once said, “Every really new idea looks crazy at first.” And this is how our journey with the team at BeyGOOD alongside Mr.Tyler Perry all began — with an idea to drive a sustained investment in the skills and talents of young people. Back in 2018 we did not know how or when it would be done but we sat at our Global Citizen head office and shared ideas of what we envisaged the program to be. Joining forces, our commitment was to ensure that the The Global Citizen Fellowship, supported by Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD philanthropic initiative and US actor and filmmaker, Tyler Perry, works with young aspiring Africans, taking them through a multi-phase curriculum, specifically designed to equip and empower them with the skills and tools they need to thrive – not just during their time with Global Citizen but also in any future professional environment. Today the recipients of this fellowship are doing remarkable things and others are still on their journeys of self discovery. I am so proud to see the progress they have all made. We continuously seek to keep our doors open and will also lend a helping hand where able. Our job does not stop. The world needs us to be great citizens — hopefully great global citizens — because the stakes could not be higher. Given the challenges we face as a planet, none of us can afford for your generation to fall short of greatness. So as we close the chapter and give thanks, I wish to express my gratitude to Mrs Beyoncé KnowlesCarter, your impact to change the world through your music and your Foundation has changed the world. Mr. Tyler Perry, a formidable leader, philanthropist and mentor to many. May your generous heart continue to shed light among young people. Ms. Ivy McGregor, your drive and passion to travel across the world to engage and build strong relationships with these young people has changed their lives and mindsets forever. Thank you to the Global Citizen Team at large for giving this formidable commitment, 200%. May we forever remain at the forefront of offering our future leaders opportunities and chances. Thank you. Simon CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF PRODUCT & EXPERIENCES OFFICER – GLOBAL CITIZEN
CREDITS & CONTRIBUTIONS CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF PRODUCT & EXPERIENCES OFFICER AT GLOBAL CITIZEN – SIMON MOSS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BEYGOOD - MS IVY MCGREGOR GLOBAL CITIZEN SENIOR PROGRAMS MANAGER: MRS. LIPALESA MORAKE FORMER GLOBAL CITIZEN SENIOR PROGRAMS MANAGER - MRS. DAWN FAITH MACKAY GLOBAL CITIZEN OFFICE MANAGER – LEBO MANTAMBO CREATIVE DIRECTION AND CONTENT WRITING: LONWABO NKONZO, GLOBAL CITIZEN FELLOWSHIP CLASS OF 2019/20 DESIGNER AND ILLUSTRATORS: JANICE DE ANGELI JENNY HATTINGH CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR – SINENHLANHLA CHAUKE EDITORS: KHANYI MLABA – GLOBAL CONTENT CREATION MANAGER, GLOBAL CITIZEN IMOGEN CARLDERWOOD – SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONTENT CREATION, GLOBAL CITIZEN AKINDARE LEWIS – GLOBAL CONTENT CREATION MANAGER, GLOBAL CITIZEN CAMILLE MAY – GLOBAL POLICY AND IMPACT COMMUNICATIONS, GLOBAL CITIZEN TESS LOWREY – GLOBAL CONTENT CREATION MANAGER, GLOBAL CITIZEN LONWABO NKONZO, GLOBAL CITIZEN FELLOWSHIP CLASS OF 2019/20 ADVISORY COUNCIL: NOZIPHO TSHABALALA HAMZAT LAWAL BONANG MATHEBA AISHA YESHU CHAIRMAINE HOUVET TUMI SOLE PATRICIA KIHORO PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVID VALERIO, FORMERLY GLOBAL CITIZEN EMMANUEL IGHOGBOJA, PUREDREAMSWORKS ZUZI SEOKA, X+ZUNO IAN SOI PHOTOGRAPHY