Ghislaine Akakpo has more than four years' experience improving the quality of education in rural areas of Benin. As president of her non-governmental organization, ProGen Benin, Ghislaine is currently working to improve the accessibility and quality of education, especially for girls, in underserved regions of Benin. She has been mobilizing contributions in Benin and in the United States for local communities to improve the quality of education in their schools and ensure that children have full and equitable access to basic knowledge, as well as chances to develop life skills in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, Ghislaine volunteers with local associations to raise awareness about several diseases and gender-based violence and to mentor young female leaders. With her master's degree in Law, she is committed to ensuring a suitable and inclusive educational environment for children from low-income families and to advocating for girls' education in rural areas. On completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Ghislaine aims to use the skills and knowledge she has acquired to continue providing innovative approaches to education and community development in Benin and elsewhere in Africa.