Heri Ryanga has more than 17 years of experience in coaching and mentoring youth and young women. Currently, Heri is leadership and emotional intelligence coach with Shujaa Rising Consulting. She also is an author of several books on life skills including Why Not You? and Level Up! Kids. In addition, Heri volunteers with organizations that provide educational opportunities to vulnerable children and skills and training to homeless youth to help them earn a living and get off the streets. She holds a bachelor's degree in Media and Communication Technology and a master's degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies with a focus on women and the violence they experience in war. She is pursuing a doctorate in Peace and Conflict Studies. Heri is passionate about youth and female affairs with a special interest in preventing and creating awareness of the sexual violence women face in war. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Heri plans to continue her research on women and how they are affected by war, to collaborate with organizations that are dealing with this issue, and to form an organization to create awareness and advocate for change.