Marie De Dieu Uwahorasenga
Oakland,CA
Summary
Driven by my passion for public health, I bring over 8 years of experience dedicated to improving the lives and health outcomes of diverse communities, including women, children under 5, and adolescents. My career spans multiple sectors-government, philanthropy, and NGOs-where I have developed expertise in policy research, advocacy, program management, and grantmaking. My skills extend to international development, evaluation and learning, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement, with a particular focus on nutrition, reproductive health, and sustainable agriculture. I am known for my collaborative spirit, sharp analytical skills, and proficiency in data analysis, which, combined with my robust program development capabilities, have significantly contributed to impactful health initiatives. These projects have showcased my ability to lead and innovate in challenging environments. Colleagues and managers describe me as enthusiastic, conscientious, diplomatic, and always willing to solve problems and advance team goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Analyst/Philanthropy Fellow
the David and Lucile Packard Foundation
10.2023 - Current
- Co-managed the development of the Global Reproductive Health Initiative Theory of Action and Learning Plan, coordinating partners, overseeing project and consultants, and facilitating communications.
- Led a five-year stock-taking to evaluate grant distribution, outcomes, and impacts across portfolios. Provided recommendations for future grantmaking to support African communities.
- Co-led the assessment of grant report practices, developing surveys, analyzing data, and reporting findings to enhance the grantmaking process across Just Societies Initiatives.
- Collaborated with the Initiative Team to design and develop the annual year-in-review process, resulting in a comprehensive report for the Board of Trustees.
- Served on the grantmaking team, recommending new global and Africa grants aligned with the Initiative Strategy. Reviewed proposals, wrote summaries, and facilitated partner meetings.
Project Management and Fundraising Coordinator
Solidaridad North America
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Coordinated global grantee projects on sustainable agriculture policy and programs, supported by USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Conducted research on inclusive food systems and climate-smart agriculture in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to identify fundraising opportunities and support the development of internal and external communication materials.
Research Assistant
The UC Berkeley - Public Health Department
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Conducted a literature review on the extent of food loss and waste in Africa to inform government decisions aimed at reducing food loss and waste. The research objective was to enhance agricultural systems and value chains for the optimal health of the population.
Nutrition Policy Analysis Intern
National Child Development Agency
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Worked with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to conduct research and analysis, leading to a policy brief with recommendations for the Rwandan government to develop policies aimed at reducing malnutrition in children under five.
Policy Consultant
Essentials for Essential Workers Campaign Organization
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Evaluated the needs of farmworkers, farmers, and landowners in managing the effects of climatic challenges on earnings, health, and productivity. Provided recommendations for policy advocacy and litigation to drive meaningful change.
Nutritionist
Gashora Girls Academy
Bugesera Eastern Province, Rwanda
01.2019 - 08.2021
- Managed and provided support and guidance to the kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. Additionally, collaborated extensively with the interdisciplinary care team to meet the healthy nutritional needs of each resident.
Country Program Coordinator
Global Give Back Circle
06.2016 - 08.2021
- Designed and led leadership workshops and coordinated a mentorship program to empower and enable adolescent women to become better leaders of tomorrow.
- Managed external partnerships and ensured guest speakers from various ministerial offices shared their professional experiences at these workshops.
Intern
Faith Victory Association, Kibuye District Hospital, and Nyakinama Health Center
03.2016 - 05.2018
- Implemented USAID-funded programs in vulnerable households in Rwanda, focusing on integrated nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene for pregnant mothers and children under the age of five.
- Conducted nutrition education and counseling sessions for pregnant women, people living with HIV, and post-surgery patients. Collaborated with doctors, social workers, and community health workers to treat moderate and severe acute malnutrition.
Program Researcher
Catholic Relief Services
06.2017 - 07.2017
- Led a team of enumerators in the field to conduct baseline and midline impact evaluations of health programs in communities, focusing on sanitation and hygiene facilities, nutrition, and kitchen gardens. Ensured ethical data collection and successful project implementation.
Education
Master of Public Policy - health, food, and nutrition policies
The University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy
05.2023
Bachelor with Honors - Human Nutrition and Dietetics
The University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences
11.2018
Leadership And Community Service
- Hosted a fundraising event that raised over $1M for girls' education in Rwanda through the Seattle non-profit, Rwanda Girls Initiative (2023).
- Mastercard Scholar Council Representative, Mastercard Foundation (2023).
- Deputy Secretary for Sankofa, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (2022).
- Facilitator, African Studies Association (2021).
- Volunteer leader for a COVID-19 community food giveaway, supporting over 300 families (2020).
- Founded a cooperative providing dignified employment for teen mothers; negotiated a lasting contract (2020).
- Volunteer event planner for Youth Connekt Africa, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (2017).
- Panel Moderator, World Vision Rwanda (2018).
- Project Manager, Public Health Students Association, University of Rwanda (2017-2018).
- Senior Facilitator, Peace Corps Volunteers (2013).
Timeline
Research Analyst/Philanthropy Fellow
the David and Lucile Packard Foundation
10.2023 - Current
Project Management and Fundraising Coordinator
Solidaridad North America
08.2023 - 10.2023
Research Assistant
The UC Berkeley - Public Health Department
01.2023 - 06.2023
Nutrition Policy Analysis Intern
National Child Development Agency
06.2022 - 08.2022
Policy Consultant
Essentials for Essential Workers Campaign Organization
01.2022 - 05.2022
Nutritionist
Gashora Girls Academy
01.2019 - 08.2021
Program Researcher
Catholic Relief Services
06.2017 - 07.2017
Country Program Coordinator
Global Give Back Circle
06.2016 - 08.2021
Intern
Faith Victory Association, Kibuye District Hospital, and Nyakinama Health Center
03.2016 - 05.2018
Master of Public Policy - health, food, and nutrition policies
The University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy
Bachelor with Honors - Human Nutrition and Dietetics
The University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Similar Profiles
Xiao-Wei WangXiao-Wei Wang
Consultant at The David and Lucile Packard FoundationConsultant at The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
ABEL J. PARTIDAABEL J. PARTIDA
IT Support Specialist and Project Lead at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital StanfordIT Support Specialist and Project Lead at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford
Christine KaneChristine Kane
Registered Nurse II, Staff at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital StanfordRegistered Nurse II, Staff at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford
Anna GarayAnna Garay
Inventory and Manufacturing Intern at SkydioInventory and Manufacturing Intern at Skydio
Emmanuel C. SheduEmmanuel C. Shedu
Machine Learning Engineer - Trust, Integrity & Safety at Meta PlatformsMachine Learning Engineer - Trust, Integrity & Safety at Meta Platforms