Still Shining: Kolanut Alumni Stories 🎓
Kolanut alumni continue to inspire through their journeys and their commitment to excellence. They are living proof that the values we celebrate — excellence, creativity, integrity, leadership, and community spirit — shine far beyond the classroom.
On this page, we honor those who have left their mark on the Kolanut Awards.
🌟 Each story, each journey is a powerful example of perseverance, achievement, and impact.
We proudly follow their paths — from early recognition to personal, professional, and civic accomplishments.
Christiane VOUFO
🧠 Neuroscientist and education consultant
she is deeply committed to advancing girls’ education, expanding STEM access, and promoting digital skills development across Africa.
She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UC Berkeley, where her research focused on how brain circuits form during early development.
As a World Bank Education Fellow and consultant, she has contributed to EdTech and STEM education initiatives in the DRC, Rwanda, and Nigeria, with work published alongside senior government officials. ✍️🌍
Christiane brings exceptional research and analytical skills to the design of impactful education strategies for women and youth throughout the continent.
Ivan TCHATCHOUWO
🎓 CEO of the Zone
A true example of dedication and passion
Darlene FOLAS
🎓 Graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in Education Policy
She is committed to creating meaningful change in the education system.
Over the next two years, she will serve with Teach For America, a nationally recognized nonprofit working to combat educational inequity. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in education, with the goal of joining the New Jersey Department of Education, where she hopes to help shape more equitable and inclusive education policies. 🌍
Herva KANA
🎓 Financial Analyst at a tech company
She brings analytical precision and strategic insight to the world of business and innovation.
A proud graduate of Georgia State University, she majored in Managerial Science with a concentration in Data Analytics. She is currently preparing for her PMP (Project Management Professional) certification to further strengthen her leadership and project execution skills. 📊🎯
Angela KANA
🎓 Master’s student at Montclair State University
She is passionate about student well-being both inside and outside the classroom.
Alongside her studies, she works at a middle school as a Treatment Coordinator, helping uninsured students access essential healthcare services — from dentists to ophthalmologists. 🏥👓
Philip SIMO
🎓 Graduate student at Rutgers University
🏆 Excellence in action
Alliance MEGALA
🎓 UCLA Alumna
A dedicated fitness trainer and community builder, Alliance is passionate about empowering others through movement, wellness, and connection.
Her work combines physical strength with social impact, inspiring healthier, more united communities. 💪🏽🤝
Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.
Developer
Emma DEMEFACK
🎓 Bachelor Degree in Ecology and Evolutioanry Ecology
Graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I am passionate about learning about and conserving our environment. I plan to pursue a graduate degree in Ecology and thus a career in academia.
Jack Takouezim
🎓 Bachelor Degree in Journalism
My name is Jack Takouezim, I am a 22 year old ambitious Journalist from Newark, New Jersey with a passion for camera operation, content production, and storytelling. My academic career wasn’t the easiest, it took me a while to hone in on exactly I wanted to do in terms of my career.. especially in college. I felt extremely lost at times but my persistence, faith, and due diligence helped me through it and allowed me to find myself and help me make it to the position I’m in today. When it comes to Journalism,the field is very broad and has multiple compartments and layers to it. Due to all the rigorous work that I did throughout my four years at college I believe that I can excel in any position when it comes to my field, but my specific niches are camera operation and writing.