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Current and Past Heinz Fellows
Current Fellows, 2007-08
 Ying Peng, from Xi’an China, completed five years of studies in public health, after which she was employed by the Epidemic Department of the Center for Disease Control in Xi’an China where she was promoted to director of epidemic and sanitation system management in local areas. Her greatest achievement and challenge at the CDC was when she was director during the SARS epidemic. She helped implement the SARS epidemic investigation procedure which is now used as a model at the CDC. In 2004, Ms. Peng joined Plan International as a member of the health program team. The program focuses on children living in poverty in rural areas and their right of development. Ms. Peng expects to play a major role in developing and advocating public policy changes in China to achieve cost-effective delivery of health care services and ensuring desired outcomes, including patient safety and patient satisfaction.
 Yujie Li, from Beijing China, completed her Master’s degree in the history of Western legal law at the Peking University Law School, and then joined the Open Constitution Initiative (OCI). OCI is made up of Chinese citizens promoting human rights and rule of law in a changing China. Ms. Li believes that China’s progress and stability depends not only on economic growth but on a fair society with transparent legal regimes and protection of rights, both of which are already listed in China’s constitution and in signed international covenants. Her proposed Fellowship program of study includes education in law and its application in society, training in NGO capacity building and management, and the establishment of a network of lawyers, legal scholars, and social activists.
Alumni
Abdullah Hanif of Afghanistan, 2006-07
 Dr. Abdullah Hanif is a medical doctor from
Kabul, Afghanistan. After his medical studies he sought additional training in the areas of business administration, leadership, grant management, monitoring, and evaluation as part of his work with international NGOs in the health sector.
After more than two decades of war, occupation, and Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the need to build indigenous human capacity is urgent. While Hanif possesses substantial clinical skills, the desperate state of his country’s health services and the severe shortage of leadership in the areas of community-level health and decision making have motivated him to seek further preparation for strengthening the new government’s decimated public health system. His goal is to find and address the preventable causes of the high mortality rate of Afghanistan’s innocent mothers and children.
Hanif’s year at the University of Pittsburgh as an H.J. Heinz Company Foundation Fellow will be crucial in his later assumption of a leadership role in responding to the public health needs of his country in an integrated and structured way.
Final report (Word/PDF)
Saida Karimova of Azerbaijan, 2005-06
 Ms. Saida Karimova served as a Reproductive Health Trainer/Mobilizer for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR): an organization that provides primary and reproductive healthcare among vulnerable populations throughout Azerbaijan. Prior to her work with UMCOR, Ms. Karimova was an OB/GYN at a state clinic in Baku, providing medical services and counseling to women on a multitude of health and family planning issues. In addition to her medical training, Ms. Karimova has attended several training sessions in the past year on topics varying from Advocacy Training to Facilitation Skills to Community Participatory Development. In her application, she explained the need to public health education, specifically on women’s health issues, in Azerbaijan and her ability and desire to contribute to this sector. Ms. Karimova holds an advanced degree in General Medicine from Azerbaijan State Medical University, with an additional two-year specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Stavropol Medical Academy in Russia.
While at the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Karimova broadened her skills in the area of public health, specifically in the areas of women’s health issues and epidemiology. Specifically, she expanded her knowledge of health project implementation, management, and evaluation. Her goal in participating in the Heinz Fellowship Program was to “gain a greater academic knowledge in women’s public health issues, that I will utilize to address the pertinent public health needs in Azerbaijan.”
Final report (Word/PDF)
Jyoti Vidhani of India, 2005-06
 Ms. Jyoti Vidhani served as the Food Aid Program Officer for Catholic Relief Services in
Ahmedabad, India: an international relief and development agency that runs aid programs on health, education, agriculture, women’s issues, HIV/AIDS and disaster preparedness. Prior to this position, she was the Project Team Assistant for the Initiative on Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities; additionally, she has voluntarily served as a Disability Advisor/Advocate for the Blind People’s Association and Sabarkantha Physically Handicapped Welfare Mandal. Her work with all of these organizations have entailed gathering and analyzing information about employment and legislation issues affecting persons with disabilities, as well as advocating for the rights of the disabled. As a woman with disabilities herself, Ms. Vidhani has experienced the daily struggles of barriers to and discrimination against people with disabilities. In her applications, Ms. Vidhani outlined the need for a more formalized approach to advocacy and development for person’s with disabilities in India. Ms. Vidhani holds an Advanced Diploma in Computer Science from Datapro InfoWorl Ltd (affiliated with the American Council on Computer Education), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the Navgujurat Commerce College of Gujarat University.
While at the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Vidhani took courses in GSPIA, the School of Social Work, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and the School of Education - all relating to disability issues. Her goal as a Heinz Fellow was to “learn strategies for emancipation, independence and equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities in India, translated through access, education, employment, leadership, social policy and networking at all levels.”
Final report (Word/PDF)
Irina Li of Kazakhstan, 2004-05
 Ms. Irina Lee served as the General Manager of the Eurasia Leader Group (ELG) in
Astana, Kazakhstan: an organization that focuses on women, family and children's social issues. Ms. Lee was the founder of this organization. Prior to her work at ELG, she worked as Social Issues Senior Advisor for Astana Finance, JSC, a local investment holding. An example of her work there was organizing a conference and awareness campaign entitled "Life Free of Violence" under the UNIFEM aegis in Astana. It was this project that served as the impetus for Ms. Lee to start her own organization to assist families, women, and children in solving gender and cultural issues , and address economic and social injustice such as domestic violence and poverty. She has presented at several regional conferences on a variety of women-focused topics: "Indicators of Success for a Women-Leader in the 21st Centrury" presented at the Women Leaders in Business Politics and NGOs conference and "Integration of Women's NGOs for Strengthening Women's Social Policy" at a Civil Forum hosted by the President of Kazakhstan. Ms. Lee has a graduate degree in Finance and Crediting from Tomsk State University in Tomsk, Russia and an undergraduate degree in Teaching English and Kazakh as Foreign Languages from Eurasian University in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Ludmila Ungureanu of Moldova, 2004-05
 Ms. Ludmila Ungureanu worked for the American Bar Association (ABA)/ Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (CEELI) organization as an Institution Building Advisor. This organization focused on helping Moldovan NGOs to become programmatically, organizationally, and financially sustainable. Specifically, the organization assisted NGOs in their process towards becoming forces in the legal and political arenas. Ms. Ungureanu conceived and implemented one of the organizations most successful programs, the Traveling Lawyer, where pro-bono lawyers make
'house calls' to citizens in Moldova's impoverished, rural regions: allowing these citizens access to the legal system. In addition to her work with ABA/CEELI, she began a regional NGO called the RADA Foundation. Ms. Ungureanu described this organization as a think-and-do-tank, supporting and disseminating best development practices among NGOs in the region, particularly in the areas of civil society development and broad participation in policy development and decision making. Ms. Ungureanu holds a Law Degree from the State University of Moldova, where she focused in International Law. She has also participated in several organizational development training programs including: Organizational Assessment, Financial Planning and Management, Fundraising, and Strategic Planning.
Humaira Rafique of Pakistan, 2003-04
 This one year was a unique experience in my life and I learned a lot. During this one year, I tried to grab every single moment and utilize my time in the best possible way. Academic study and professional activities remained equally important for me: that was the reason I chose to take exams of three courses and focused attention on simulation and assignments in rest of courses. These, I feel, provide a crucial source of learning. Taking a variety of courses in a variety of fields, including nonprofit development, capacity, evaluation, planning and policy analysis, has greatly increased my ability to thrive in the Development Sector in
Pakistan. Moreover, close guidance and support of my professors played an incredibly important role in my learning. Apart from this, the professional work and exposure at conferences enabled two related effects; firstly, it really broadens my vision and secondly, enabled me to make connections for knowledge sharing. Additionally, the internship that I took part in at the Camp Fire USA strengthened me in the sense that now I can move in challenging environment with more confidence and professional approach. If I just take a look back, I can feel an incredible difference in my professional capacity and knowledge, as well as having participation in other cultural activities that made it a unique experience of life. Now, just after completion of program, I am feeling more determined and ready to work in Development Sector of Pakistan.
Final Report (Word/PDF)
Jargalmaa Tsendjav of Mongolia, 2003-04
 With intention of developing my knowledge and skills in the area of education administration and development, I audited several courses during the fall 2003 and spring 2004 semesters. These courses were very useful for me as I had a chance of learning not only from faculty but also from other students in the field, as well from challenging and practical assignments. In addition to coursework, I was able to present a paper at the annual meeting of
Mongolia society and American Center for Mongolian Studies in March 2004, entitled, "Reform Initiatives and Changes in Mongolian Higher Education sector." This paper I have written under the directed study of my mentor Dr. John Weidman. I also attended several conferences throughout the United States on a variety of topics related to education policy and research.
Since my arrival to Pittsburgh and with advice and support from UCIS staff, I have been registered to Pittsburgh Council of International Visitors. It is a great organization that provides excellent opportunities for students and international visitors to get immersed in rich and fascinating cultural events in Pittsburgh. In addition, there are innumerable opportunites to experience arts, culture and sporting events throughout the city. Theater and symphony performances, ice skating in Schenley Park, visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo, and cheering on Pitt athletic teams are just a sampling of the American and Pittsburgh experiences that I enjoyed during my tenure as a Heinz Fellow.
Final Report (Word/PDF)
Niyazaly Kaipov of Kyrgyzstan, 2002-03
 Since my first experience working for Price Waterhouse LLP, on a USAID funded Mass Privatization Program in Kyrgyz Republic, as a specialist of a Control Team in 1994, I have been working on development projects funded by the World Bank, US. Peace Corps, and UNDP in the
Kyrgyz Republic. My last position was as a Business Consultant for the Swiss Association for International Cooperation (Helvetas) funded Business Promotion Project (BPP). BPP provides workshops in Basic Marketing, Planning, Hospitality, and Product Promotion for community based tourism groups in Kyrgyz Republic.
The H.J.Heinz Fellowship Program at the University of Pittsburgh is a really unique opportunity for me to improve my professional skills in Business Consulting, in English and of course in culture. I have focused my academic studies on two areas:
* NGO Sector: During the fall term I took two GSPIA courses "Management for NPO" and "Marketing for NPOs". New issues related to NPOs were presented by instructors. The information is very useful and I will apply the new tools in my future career.
* Business Consulting: I am now attending two very interesting courses offered through the Katz Graduate School of Business: "Consumer Behavior" and "Competing in Global Environment". The course sessions are very interesting. New structures, systems of classification and evaluation are unique and have practical importance.
My life in Pittsburgh is full with activities within the local community. UCIS professionals are at the same time very friendly and open people. All of them are ready every time to support or to give good advice about interesting events going on at Pitt. Last Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, my wife and I met with families of my American colleagues from UCIS, and we decided to celebrate in the same manner as they did it. We saw how traditions are coming from one generation to other in USA, and how relatives can be closer to one another, even if they are living far from each other. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a new version of the Nutcracker Jazz band Preservation Hall and all other events put unforgettable images in my memory. Pittsburgh has interesting museums, theatres, and parks. Lastly, during spring break we visited Orlando and Daytona Beach, Florida. It had a very big impact on my tourism experience and I saw with my own eyes how the tourism industry works in the USA. During this year I will optimize this great opportunity and will continue learn more about America.
Final Report (Word/PDF)
Rudina Hoxha of Albania, 2002-03
 After an eight-year experience in the only English-speaking paper in
Albania called "Albanian Daily News", the Heinz Fellowship came to me as the right tool in the right moment. It was like a fresh breath for my own career. Right away, I saw it as the chance of my lifetime. The Heinz Fellowship is giving me a range of opportunities to expand my knowledge in my primary fields: journalism and public relations.
The courses I have attended so far include: "Introduction to Journalism", "Advanced Reporting" and "Public Relations." They have thrown light on many aspects of great interest for me and given rise to the discussion of new issues about my fields of study. The journalism courses, in particular, have been rich in examples, becoming in this way quite useful in respect of grasping the new material. Various journalistic styles and techniques have also been studied and applied.
Besides the academic studies, the time in Pittsburgh has been beautiful. This city is full of variety in four seasons. The nature is a great source of beauty while even the man-made things are so much impressive. Flowers knock me out every day. Monuments, statues and historical buildings remain my muse, while the libraries are an oasis of peace and meditation for me. Culture is my favorite subject. In my paper, I cover the culture column. During this period of time in Pittsburgh, I have taken part in various cultural activities that give color to life. I have learnt a lot in respect of the different cultures and customs through the various inter-cultural activities organized in the context of the International Weeks, organized annually by the Global Studies Program, the most recent addition to the University Center for International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Also, with the UCIS support, I have had the chance to be present in many key events which have provided me with many insights.
My experience in Pittsburgh is a course in itself. It has expanded my horizon and I am really optimistic that I would really influence in a way on a better future for my own country.
Mário Enoque Bambo of Mozambique, 2001-02
In
Mozambique, Mário Enoque Bambo worked in FDC- Foundation for Community Development (http://www.mozambiquerelief.org), a non-government organization committed to promoting justice, solidarity and the well-being of the population throughout the country, primarily in the rural areas where many disadvantaged grassroots organizations are based. This work is accomplished by partnership, advocacy, empowerment, networking, and promotion of local philanthropy and grant-making.
As a 2001/2002 Heinz Fellow, he audited classes both in the fall and spring terms on Fundraising, Planning and Designing development projects; Planning and designing capacity building projects and HIV/AIDS prevention programs, in Public Health. He participated in conferences on HIV in Harrisburg and Chicago along with the local community visits, provided Mário with some insights about the U.S.
Final Report (Word/PDF)
Maria Cecilia Beltrao Raposo of Brazil, 2001-02
Maria Cecilia Beltrao Raposo left Brazil as the executive coordinator of a young non-profit organization. Besides this position, she was also directly responsible for the development of the Information and Communication Program and for managing and facilitating the workshop Strategic Communication for Non-Profit Organization and, eventually, the workshop Social Marketing for Non-Profit Organization.
Before starting the H.J. Heinz Fellowship Program as a young and recent professional in the third sector (who came from the private sector), Maria had questions related to her field (marketing and communication) that she wanted answered considering the third sector context. These questions were basically related to: 1) Social Marketing, 2) Communication for Development; 3)Social Entrepreneurship. However, after coming into contact with the courses in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs - GSPIA, especially Planning and Designing Development Projects, and Globalization and Non-profit Organizations, I was able to assess again my needs and this allowed me to rethink my goals.
Final Report (Word/PDF)
Thorpe Lekau of South Africa, 1997-98
 Prior to her fellowship, Thope Lekau trained as a community development worker, was an activist with the ANC, and supported people's rights to effect change in the community. As a Heinz Fellow, Thope attended courses in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and at the Katz Graduate School of Business, where she focused on women's small business development. While in the United States, she also received a two-month internship at the Women's Development Center in Chicago, where she trained women wanting to start their own small businesses. Thope is a gracious hostess and is proud of her past and excited about the future in South Africa.
In 1998, Thope returned to South Africa after her fellowship experience and has turned her dreams into reality. Thope opened Kapanong Guest House (phone 2421-361-2084; e-mail kopanong@xsinet.co.za or kopanong@hotmail.com) in the formerly black
township of Khayelitsha, outside of Cape Town, South Africa. "Kopanong," which means where the world meets, provides visitors with first-hand views of township life. "We have a culture that other people, other countries, are interested in," says Thope. She compliments her guests´ experiences with a taste of excellent African cuisines. Not only was "Kapanong" chosen by the British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Peter Hain for an overnight visit, but Thope was distinguished as a finalist in the MTN Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
Final Report (Word/PDF)
Mannika Chopra of India, 1994-95
Mannika Chopra returned to the University of Pittsburgh in November 2002, as part of the Returning Heinz Fellow Program. Chopra is a reporter for a leading Indian newspaper, The Statesman, and freelance writer for USA Today, The Boston Globe, The Times of India, The Pioneer, The Telegraph, and Indian Abroad.
During her visit, Chopra presented a public lecture entitled "Who Influences Whom: Global Perspectives of the Impact of Media of Formulating Public Policy" with Greg Victor, International Editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Additionally, she was the keynote speaker for the University of Pittsburgh Model United Nations simulation.
Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, 1991-92
 Throughout her work life, Mrs Assamba served both the public and private sectors and has been extensively involved in non-governmental organizations. She also served the voluntary sector through her work with United Way of Jamaica, the Jamaica Cancer Society, the Jamaican Bar Association, the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica, the Lions Club of New Kingston, and many other organizations. She has been given recognition for her outstanding achievements and contribution to society by several organizations including the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston and the Duke of Edinburgh Sixth Study Conference in Sydney, Australia. She was also named "Woman of the Year" in 1999 by the American Biographical Institute.
Representing the Caribbean on the Board of CUSO (a Canadian Development and Volunteer Sending Agency) from 1995-1999, Mrs. Ndombet-Assamba held the office of treasurer from 1997-1999, being the only non-Canadian to have held this position in that organization. She also had a number of Parliamentary responsibilities. Only recently she was Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Minister of Industry and Tourism and Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Technology. She was also as a Government Senator for five years prior to becoming Member of Parliament, serving on a number of sub-committees of the Senate. Prior to her parliamentary attachments, Mrs Ndombet-Assamba was general manager of COK Co-operative Credit Union Limited (COK) from 1994 to 2002. She also served in several other key positions throughout her 14 year tenure with that organization.
Among her other achievements is the prestigious H.J. Heinz Company Foundation Fellowship which she obtained from the University of Pittsburgh in the USA. She is an attorney by profession and received her legal training at the University of the West Indies and the Norman Manley Law School. Mrs Ndombet-Assamba was also trained by the Capital University of Columbus, Ohio, in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is a mediator and trainer in that discipline.
She is currently the General Counsel/Chief Corporate Officer of Paymaster Jamaica Limited, Jamaica’s first multi-payment agency.
Gilberto Morillo of Venezuela, 1986-87
After returning from Pittsburgh as the 1986-87 H.J. Heinz Company Foundation Scholar, Gilberto Morillo moved back to Caracas, Venezuela. Gilberto joined the State National Petroleum Company and worked in the Financial and International Departments. In 2000 he was seconded to the Ministry of Finance as Special Advisor to the Minister. In October 2001 Morillo visited Pitt again as a Returning Heinz Fellow to address students and faculty on the topic of "Venezuela Today: Finances and Politics." Since 2003 he has worked with CANTV (National Telecommunications Company) as Financial Planning Manager. Recently he wrote to us from Caracas about the benefits of his participation in the Heinz Fellowship Program: "Being exposed to the academic world of the U.S. in particular, and to life in a developed nation in general, gave me the opportunity to learn about various aspects of life in those areas. That knowledge helped me propose innovative ideas to handle challenges in my own country."
A happy reunion (from left to right): Rosie Schulz, Wolfgang Schlör, Mrs. Morillo, Gilberto Morillo, Glema Burke, and William Brustein.
Please click here to read the University Center for International Studies
' Int'l magazine's fall 2005 issue article titled "Leading by Example: Heinz Fellows Bring the World to Pitt's Doorstep" by Niki Kapsambelis.
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