Avukile Zoya is a passionate public health professional with a rich background in public health system strengthening, and psychological counseling. She brings a wealth of experience from her work across Southern Africa, where she has been instrumental in implementing programs that improve access to healthcare for marginalized communities. With a Master’s in Psychological
Counseling from Columbia University-Teachers College, Avukile has worked on the ground in Botswana as a Princeton in Africa Fellow, where she led life skills workshops for adolescents living with HIV/AIDS and mentored a cohort in leadership skills. Following this, she dedicated three years to the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in South Africa, focusing on sexual and reproductive health, pioneering innovative screening and treatment initiatives in the cervical cancer space, and collaborating closely with governments and public health stakeholders to strengthen health systems. Before joining WomenLift Health as the Program Coordinator for the Southern African Region, she provided and continues to provide invaluable support to the Princeton in Africa fellowship, offering improvements to the program to strengthen its impact for African Youth.
Beyond her professional commitments, Avukile is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for hiking, camping, and exploring food markets. She also enjoys consuming and producing podcasts. Avukile is deeply committed to empowering women to find and amplify their voices, equipping them with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to reach their fullest potential. She believes in fostering an environment where women can confidently embrace their own voices, vulnerability, and inner strength, enabling them to thrive and lead with authenticity.