Leaziza Cheikhna is a software engineer and a Ph.D. student in Computer Science who believes an innovative education system can efficiently empower the young. She has more than four years experience in community development, focusing on education and youth empowerment. Currently, Leaziza is involved with two organizations in Mauritania, both acting to create a stimulating environment for innovation and entrepreneurship and provide skilled training for the youth. She's a Project Manager at the Junior Chamber of Commerce and she co-founded the first ICT incubator in Mauritania, Hadina RIMTIC. She is also a member of Google Developer Group Nouakchott and Women Techmakers.Through her voluntary work in these non-profit organisations, Leaziza addresses the main issues affecting the youth in her community: unemployment, the education-to-employment gap, gender inequality, and youth participation in public affairs management. Upon returning from the Fellowship, Leaziza plans to use her acquired skills to continue advocating for education and supporting young people to develop innovative technology solutions to solve local problems.