The Reach Alliance has newly appointed an Alumni Council dedicated to enhancing our alumni community. Its mission is to support a vibrant and connected alumni community, foster lasting relationships with the Reach Alliance and the broader community, and enhance the overall alumni experience through targeted and inclusive engagement. These leaders will drive innovative programs, strengthen connections, and ensure that diverse voices are heard. Congratulations to Angela Minyi Hou (University of Toronto), Jay Oi Jun Jie (Singapore Management University), Marla de la Cruz (Tecnológico de Monterrey), Eric Jackson (University of Toronto), Christian Narh Fiergbor (Ashesi University), Francesca Lanzarotti (University College London), Elizabeth Lubinda (University of Cape Town), Anila Noushin Mahita (University of Melbourne), and Hannah DeBacker (University of Oxford) who are committed to shaping and advancing our shared goals!
Our New Alumni Council
Angela Minyi Hou, Chair
Education: MA in international affairs, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies; BA Hons in international relations and contemporary Asian studies, University of Toronto
Current role: legal/economic affairs officer, World Trade Organization
Professional interests: global affairs, international trade and investment, sustainable development (multistakeholder partnerships and financing), energy transition
Connect with Angela if you’re interested in: career coaching and mentorship, foreign policy, opportunities in international organizations, applied policy research, and public speaking.
What objective(s) are you hoping to accomplish over the next few years?
“Through the work of the council, I hope to make continued alum engagement with Reach more accessible (the council represents YOU!), inclusive (more transparency and robust support), and impactful (i.e., high relevance to current aspirations and interests of Reach alum).”
Jay Oi Jun Jie, Global Mentorship Program Lead
Education: BSc computer science with a second major in public policy management, Singapore Management University
Current role: full-time undergraduate student
Professional interests: cybersecurity and policymaking
Connect with Jay if you’re interested in: mentoring with the Reach Alliance global mentorship program, finding out about the latest AI tools.
What moment from your time in Reach had a significant impact on you and why?
“There isn’t an exact moment in time in particular, but one of the key areas in which the Reach Alliance has had a significant impact on me would be my ability to communicate more effectively with the teams.”
Marla de la Cruz, Knowledge Translation Lead
Education: BA in international relations and BA in government and public transformation, Tec de Monterrey
Current role: Adolescent Girl Advisory Council fellow, Global Fund for Women and gender perspective head at Monterrey’s Youth Institute
Professional interests: philanthropy, sustainable development, youth participation, feminism, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), climate change, and migration
Connect with Marla if you’re interested in: philanthropy, girl-led projects, and content creation.
What opportunities do you see for Reach alumni to collaborate with Reach researchers and how can the council support that?
“Reach alumni can collaborate with researchers by mentoring, sharing expertise, or working on joint projects. The council can support this by creating a network to connect them, organizing workshops, and offering opportunities to share and showcase their work together.”
Elizabeth Lubinda, Communications Lead
Education: MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town; BA in Demography, University of Zambia
Current role: maternal and newborn health epidemiologist consultant, AL for Health Research Fellow; young professionals in public health HLLP fellow
Professional interests: maternal and newborn health (stillbirth prevention), chronic disease management (HIV, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes), health equity, global health policy advocacy, global health leadership, health financing for equitable healthcare access, and gender-based violence
Connect with Elizabeth if you’re interested in: collaborating on maternal and newborn health research projects, developing solutions for chronic disease management, and exploring innovative healthcare delivery approaches in low-resource settings
How important is it for Reach alumni to stay connected with one another, and how do you envision the Council fostering that connection?
“It’s crucial for Reach alumni to remain connected, as it nurtures a sense of community and creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. The alumni network can support career development, resource sharing, and impactful initiatives. I envision the Council facilitating this through virtual events, mentorship schemes, and collaborative projects, enabling alumni to contribute their expertise and support each other’s growth. Fostering an engaged alumni community will enhance Reach’s global mission and amplify its positive impact.”
Eric Jackson, Community Engagement Lead
Education: HBA in economics and peace, conflict and justice, University of Toronto
Current role: consultant at Deloitte
Professional interests: international and national security, emerging disruptive technologies, space, global affairs and diplomacy, critical infrastructure.
Connect with Eric if you’re interested in: geopolitics, economics, sports, public sector consulting
How have your experiences with Reach shaped your career or personal growth?
“Reach taught me early in my career the fundamentals of a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. So much of my work is complicated by competing agendas and unnecessary noise that hides the real issues at play. Leveraging a multidisciplinary approach allows one to cut through those competing voices and find a common cause — which makes solutions that much more effective and causes a snowball effect.”
Christian Narh Fiergbor, Member
Education: BSc business administration, Ashesi University
Current role: assurance and project coordinator, Social Value International
Professional interests: social value and sustainability practices, climate finance, global collaborations in environmental, social, and governance (ESG), impact measurement and management, youth leadership
Connect with Christian if you’re interested in: career coaching and mentorship, foreign policy, opportunities in international organizations, applied policy research, and public speaking
How do you think the council can support alumni and what are you most excited about as a member?
“Reach taught me early in my career the fundamentals of a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. So much of “The Reach Alumni Council can support alumni by fostering meaningful connections, providing platforms for collaboration, and sharing opportunities for professional growth. As a member, I am most excited about contributing to initiatives that amplify alumni stories and inspire collective action while creating a global network that drives positive change.”
Hannah DeBacker, Member
Education: MBA, University of Oxford; MSc in health policy, planning and financing, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the London School of Economics; BSc in global health, Georgetown University
Current role: chief of staff, Arena Labs
Professional interests: healthcare innovation, clinician well-being, performance science, strategic operations, and building mission-driven organizations
Connect with Hannah if you’re interested in: healthcare innovation, clinician support systems, operational strategy, startup growth, or wellness initiatives for front-line teams
What inspired you to get involved with Reach’s Alumni Council?
“I’ve always been passionate about supporting others in navigating their professional journeys, particularly in fields that combine purpose and impact. Joining the Alumni Council felt like a natural way to give back and foster meaningful connections among peers who are driven to create positive change. I’m excited to help strengthen the community and support initiatives that empower alumni to thrive in their careers and beyond.”
Anila Noushin Mahita, Member
Education: Bachelor of biomedicine (bioengineering bystems), University of Melbourne
Current role: academic programs officer, University of Melbourne
Professional interests: research, education, med-tech, mental health
Connect with Anila if you’re interested in: med-tech, mental health awareness in hardest-to-reach people, improving student experience, and supporting community
How do you hope to contribute to the council’s work based on your specific experiences/insights from your time as a Reach researcher?
“During my time as a researcher with Reach Alliance, I developed valuable insights into community-led initiatives, especially in youth mental health. This experience has strengthened my ability to identify key areas for growth and improvement within research processes. I hope to contribute to the council by helping enhance the research experience for future researchers, particularly by identifying gaps and opportunities for more effective support, collaboration, and resources. In addition, I am excited about the opportunity to expand Reach’s presence in Australia. I believe that by building strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including universities, nongovernmental organizations, community groups, and government bodies, we can increase Reach’s impact and extend its network. Strengthening these relationships will help create a more robust platform for collaboration, enabling us to drive meaningful change and innovation in the areas we focus on.”
Francesca Lanzarotti, Member
Education: Women’s health MSc, University College London
Current role: corporate partnership officer, Tender Education & Arts
Professional interests: women’s rights, menstrual equity, gender-based abuse
Connect with Francesca if you’re interested in: maternal healthcare, disability rights, social stigma
What message would you like to share with other Reach alumni?
“Not only is the work that all the Reach researchers conduct inspiring, but so are the accomplishments and professional pursuits of the alumni after their case report. We have such a rich and diverse alumni network and as the council we want to ensure everyone is able to benefit from this — socially, individually with personal development, and professionally with networking opportunities.”
The Global Reach Alliance alumni community is poised for an exciting chapter of growth, collaboration, and impact. With the newly appointed Alumni Council leading the charge, we are confident that the diverse perspectives and expertise of these exceptional leaders will foster a dynamic environment for all alumni. Whether you’re looking to engage in mentorship, expand your professional network, or collaborate on innovative projects, this is the perfect time to connect and contribute. All alumni are invited to actively participate in this vibrant community to facilitate meaningful change worldwide. Start today by joining the exclusive Reach Alliance Alumni LinkedIn Group here.
