Cherno Gaye is an activist with more than eight years of experience in civil society work. Currently, Cherno is programs manager for Activista The Gambia, a youth-led civil society organization that focuses on issues such as governance, democracy, youth and women empowerment, gender equality, sexual- and gender-based violence, and climate change. Cherno is in his final year of law studies at the University of The Gambia and holds a higher national diploma in Law. He is motivated to wake up every day and do something that brings positive change to the lives of other people. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Cherno plans to amplify his work to promote the participation of youth and women in politics, combat climate change, and advocate for good governance and gender equality. Cherno also plans to run for parliament so that he can offer people in The Gambia the representation that they deserve.