Get to know the team
Meet the passionate individuals driving our mission forward with dedication, creativity, and purpose.
Dieudonne Alemagi, Ph.D.
Honorary Board Chair
Dieudonne Alemagi, Ph.D.
Honorary Board Chair
Dr. Alemagi has over 20 years of international experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation, agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, natural resources, climate finance, project management, indigenous issues, and environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA/ESMP), including GCF and GEF project development and evaluation. He has published over 90 works, including peer-reviewed articles, and held senior positions such as Climate Change and Policy Associate Scientist at ICRAF and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia (2008–2011). Dr. Alemagi has consulted for the World Bank, UNDP, African Development Bank, FAO, IUCN, and other organizations, and provided capacity building for forestry and agricultural stakeholders across Africa and Canada. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Resource Management from Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Germany.
Tsion Mengistu Ademe
Research and Data Analyst Fellow
Tsion Mengistu Ademe
Research and Data Analyst Fellow
Tsion’s expertise combines technology and social impact. She is passionate about using technology to empower communities and drive positive change. She specializes in creating user-friendly web applications such as the Labor Management Information System and legal AI platforms to streamline program delivery, improve access to resources, and make data-driven decisions. At the Real Life Research Institute, Tsion applies her skills in software development, research, and project management to strengthen our digital and health literacy programs, ensuring underserved communities gain essential skills and opportunities. She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Software Engineering and Management.
Chris Begealawuh, Ph.D.
Senior Climate Security Advisor
Chris Begealawuh, Ph.D.
Senior Climate Security Advisor
Dr. Begealawuh’s expertise lies at the intersection of climate change, peace, and security. He is passionate about understanding how climate change drives conflict and insecurity, and how insecurity, in turn, exacerbates environmental challenges, bringing over 10 years of experience working on these issues. Chris has consulted for reputable organizations such as Oxfam and held fellowship positions at TBA21 Academy and Ocean Space Venice. He has also provided technical support to the African Union’s flagship projects, such as the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel, and was part of the University of Ottawa’s research team tracking NATO Burden-Sharing debates, defense spending benchmarks, and operations in strategic conflict theatres. In addition to his work on climate security, Chris designs and facilitates anti-racism and equity-focused programs in collaboration with universities and community organizations to promote inclusion and social justice. He is a regular contributor to Black History Month dialogues and initiatives at the University of Ottawa. Chris holds a Ph.D. in International Development from the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Achai Kuol Deng
Gender and Safeguarding Associate
Achai Kuol Deng
Gender and Safeguarding Associate
Achai’s expertise lies in gender, inclusion, and program support. She is passionate about teaching and has worked with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusive and interactive learning environments. Before joining the Real Life Research Institute, Achai supported the African Rebirth Program in Diplomacy, Leadership, and Peacebuilding, managing communications, addressing delegate concerns, and ensuring that safeguarding protocols were followed. At the Real Life Research Institute, she contributes to advancing gender equality and inclusive practices across programs and also provides support to literacy programs and other trainings. Achai holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs.
Richard Nyiawung, Ph.D.
Social Sciences and Policy Advisor
Richard Nyiawung, Ph.D.
Social Sciences and Policy Advisor
Dr. Nyiawung is an interdisciplinary social science and policy expert with over 10 years of experience working with community elders/members, academics, policy actors, and practitioners across North America, South/Southeast Asia, and Africa. He is an Adjunct Professor and Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he co-leads activities on Sustainable Indigenous Livelihoods and Economies through the Arramat Global Transformation Pathway - a project led by Indigenous scholars and experts from around the world. At Real Life Research Institute (RLRI), Dr. Nyiawung provides strategic advice on the vision, mission, and mandate of the organization to transform communities, lives, and connect people to places of comfort, traditions, and beliefs. This also includes key activities in defining the organization's pathway for change - “Theory of Change,” setting priorities, and grant application processes, together with other senior members of the team. Dr. Nyiawung holds a PhD in Geography and International Development from the University of Guelph, Canada, and an MA in Environmental Policy from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
Roselyn Ruvimbo Kwaramba
Research Associate
Roselyn Ruvimbo Kwaramba
Research Associate
Roselyn is a research associate with expertise in community development, disaster risk reduction, and youth-focused programming. She has contributed to international development programs and research initiatives, including roles with UNDP Iraq and the Young People’s Mental Health Trust, and is an alumna of the Africa Rebirth and Peace Gong Fellowship programs. She is passionate about advancing youth development, public health, and community resilience through inclusive and evidence-based research and programming. At the Real Life Research Institute, Roselyn supports senior research teams, coordinates community development initiatives, and project implementation. She holds a BSc in Community Development Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Disaster Risk Reduction Management Systems.
Yousaf Ahmad
Global Health & Innovation Advisor
Yousaf Ahmad
Global Health & Innovation Advisor
Yousaf has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with extensive expertise across primary and secondary care in the UK and internationally. In 2020, he was appointed by the Privy Council to the governing council of the General Pharmaceutical Council, overseeing the regulation of over 80,000 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and 13,000 pharmacy premises in the UK. An expert in Pain Management, Yousaf has presented research at international conferences, published in leading journals, and serves in advisory and editorial roles. He regularly delivers keynote presentations on cutting-edge clinical practices to industry leaders. At the Real-Life Research Institute, he applies his expertise to advance global health and health literacy programs. Yousaf holds both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy and multiple certifications in Global Health and Healthcare Leadership.
Carla Oyukuluk
Indigenous Engagement Advisor
Carla Oyukuluk
Indigenous Engagement Advisor
Carla is a committed community leader and cultural advisor with extensive experience in education and community engagement across Nunavut. She has served as a member of the District Education Authority, contributing her expertise to consultations on a wide range of issues impacting education and community wellbeing. Carla has travelled to 20 of the 25 communities in Nunavut, engaging directly with residents to listen, learn, and ensure community voices are reflected in decision-making processes. This breadth of outreach has provided her with a unique perspective on the diverse needs and strengths of communities across Nunavut. At RLRI, Carla continues to advance community-driven and culturally grounded projects, ensuring that programs remain respectful of Inuit societal values and responsive to local priorities.
Kyleigh Rosset
Mental Health & Harm Reduction Associate
Kyleigh Rosset
Mental Health & Harm Reduction Associate
Rosset’s work connects education and community empowerment, with a focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and addiction support. She has delivered hands-on programming in remote Indigenous communities across Canada and brings extensive experience teaching learners from early childhood through adolescence. She is passionate about bridging education, social impact, and STEM, integrating creative problem-solving, technology, and experiential learning into her work. At RLRI, Rosset supports mental health and harm reduction research and social development initiatives, helping young people in Nunavut and across Northern communities to benefit from community programs that are meaningful, inclusive, and culturally responsive. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Arts (BASc) in Health from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Teaching.
Enoch Tumwine
Youth Empowerment & Sustainable Development Advisor
Enoch Tumwine
Youth Empowerment & Sustainable Development Advisor
Enoch brings extensive experience in youth leadership and sustainable development. Recognised in 2022 among the Top 100 Most Impactful People in the World by Hoinser Magazine, Enoch serves as a Community Liaison Officer with the United Nations Association of Canada, promoting the Sustainable Development Goals within First Nations communities in Nunavut. He has trained over 3,000 young leaders across the world and engaged thousands more through community-based programmes. He has also served as a delegate at the United Nations in the United States and as an ambassador for the Institute of Peace and Economics. With advanced certificates in international security policy, nuclear weapons dynamics, and North–South development, Enoch brings to Real-Life Research Institute (RLRI) deep expertise in global peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and community development. Since 2021, Enoch has trained more than 3,000 young leaders through mentorship in leadership, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding, and engaged over 2,000 young people through community-based programmes. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto and is currently pursuing an MSc in Diplomatic Studies at the University of Oxford as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.