Mariama Maïga has over two years of experience in the community development field. She currently is the executive director of Seed of Hope for Africa, the communication coordinator for Youth Up Organisation des Jeunes Leaders, and the logistics head for the National Women Leadership Forum, where she focuses on helping vulnerable youth and women. Mariama Maïga holds a master's degree in Macroeconomics and Development and is currently pursuing her second master's in Gender, Population, and Development. She is motivated by her conviction that gender equality is the base of a sustainable society. She plans on pursuing a career in development and leverages any experience as a learning opportunity. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Mariama Maïga intends to launch a community-based development program focused on youth and technology.