Nancy Iraba is an award-winning marine scientist with more than four years of experience in marine and coastal resources management, community mobilization, and empowerment of women and youth in coastal communities on the economic use of marine resources. Currently, Nancy is a co-founder and science communication associate at Aqua-Farms Organization, where she is responsible for coordination and management of community-based projects, advocacy, outreach, and communication of organizational research findings to the public for action and behavioral change. Nancy holds a Master of Science in Marine Sciences from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is committed to increasing the participation of coastal women in the sustainable economic use of marine resources, as these women have long been left behind because of discriminatory gender norms. On completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Nancy plans to use the knowledge, skills, and partnerships obtained to continue championing for inclusive economic empowerment of women and youth in coastal communities.