Jersia Livia de Sousa

Founder and manager of Complexo Escolar Sao Miguel Arcanjo in Luanda, Angola, where she oversees the school's strategic plan making sure the yearly academic curricular, calendar and goals are met as well as liaising with the municipal education board and other government schools. Also serves as an executive director of Otchali4Her, a NGO supporting STEM training and digital literacy for women, where she set up the strategic plan and training programs. Previously was reservoir engineer for a multinational oil and gas operator where she was responsible for reservoir management, simulation and performance of an oil field. Also worked as administrative manager of a school providing access to affordable literacy education to low-income communities where she led management and administration, logistics, marketing, financing, employee contracting, and liaising with governmental institutions.

Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Accounting and Auditing at Agostinho Neto University, Angola and holds a BSc in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from Middle East Technical University - Northern Cyprus Campus (METU-NCC), Turkey. 

While at MIT, seeks to improve knowledge, skills and competences in renewable energy (with a focus on solar energy); deepen understanding of and expand competences in AI, robotics and app development; improve non-profit management skills; familiarize with NGOs advocating for women’s empowerment; and collaborate on research in related areas. 

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs under the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.