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Reach’s Alumni Council Continues to Shape the Future of the Alliance

New Reach Alliance council members meet virtually via Zoom for their first official meeting in July 2026.

The second Council cohort brings together engaged alumni leaders committed to advancing Reach’s mission through mentorship, collaboration, and strategic insight

By: The Reach Alliance

The Reach Alliance is shaped by the strength of its community, and our alumni continue to play a central role in advancing our mission. We are pleased to introduce the newest cohort of the Reach Alumni Council, whose members will provide strategic guidance on current programming while helping shape the organization’s direction over the next decade. 

We welcome Rushay Naik (University of Toronto), Aisha Shafaqat (University of Toronto), Anna Pearl Johnson (University College London), Arif Woozeer (Singapore Management University), Braven Rathesh (University of Melbourne), Josephine Agbakpe-Kafui (Howard University), Nice Cailie Ineza (Ashesi University), Waheed Amanjee (University of Cape Town), and Yamileth Luna Torres (Tecnológico de Monterrey) to the Council. 

Alumni Council members were selected for their longstanding engagement with Reach and their demonstrated leadership within the community. As Council members, they serve as ambassadors within their home institutions and across the global research community, strengthening connections among alumni while contributing their perspectives and expertise to the continued growth and direction of Reach. 

“The Reach experience doesn’t end when the research project is over,” said Yamileth, Tecnológico de Monterrey representative on the Alumni Council. 

“We continue building connections, exchanging ideas, supporting one another, and working alongside decision makers to create opportunities for future generations of researchers.” 

The Council reflects the ways in which the Reach community encourages alumni to move beyond research and towards interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral work that creates meaningful impact for communities around the world. 

“Being a Reach alumna means being part of a community that took my work seriously and gave it a platform. It means belonging to a global network of researchers who believe that scholarship should be in service of people,” said Josephine, Howard University representative on the Alumni Council. 

“For me, it’s also deeply personal. The work I did through Reach wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was connected to communities I care about. Carrying that forward as an alumna, feels like an opportunity to give back to something that gave so much to me.” 

This year marks an important milestone for the Alumni Council as Rushay Naik joins as Chair of the Alumni Council and Alumni Representative of the Advisory Committee, representing Reach alumni to both fellow researchers and senior leadership. 

“Joining the Alumni Council is an opportunity to continue strengthening the connections that make the Reach community so impactful,” said Rushay. 

“I look forward to working with fellow alumni to create meaningful opportunities for engagement, professional growth, and collaboration, while ensuring alumni voices continue to help shape the future direction of Reach. The strength of this community comes from the commitment and expertise of its members, and I am excited to help build on the foundation of the inaugural Council who came before us.” 

We are also pleased to welcome new members Anna, Arif, Josephine, Waheed, and Yamileth while recognizing the continued service of Aisha, Braven, and Nice, whose experience and institutional knowledge will support the Council’s ongoing work. 

“What first drew me to the Reach Council was the opportunity to contribute to strengthening the alumni network and to share ideas on how to make it more impactful and resourceful for the alumni community,” said Nice, Ashesi University representative on the Alumni Council.  

“What made me stay was the excitement of helping shape the projects planned for the following year and seeing those ideas through to implementation.” 

Today, the Reach community includes over 400 alumni around the world. The Alumni Council is one of several ways Reach alumni remain actively engaged with the organization. Many also contribute as co-mentors through initiatives such as the Global Mentorship Program, supporting current members by sharing their expertise and experience. 

Together, these opportunities reflect Reach’s commitment to fostering a lifelong professional community—one that provides opportunities to engage with cross-sector leaders, gain new skills and tools, and contribute to Reach’s values-driven community. 

Learn more about our global alumni network of emerging leaders committed to solving the world’s urgent climate, public health, and economic challenges: https://reachalliance.org/team/alumni/.