SheVets Africa Team
Dr. Mona Hassan Ahmed, Sudan
Founder & Executive Director, SheVets Africa
Founder & Executive Director, SheVets Africa
Dr. Mona Hassan Ahmed is a veterinarian, scientific researcher, and Assistant Professor of Veterinary Physiology at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. With over a decade of experience in veterinary medicine, she is a passionate advocate for climate-smart livestock practices across Africa.
She holds a Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany, and a Master’s degree in Animal Physiology from the University of Khartoum. Her research and teaching focus on sustainable livestock systems, immuno-metabolic health during critical transition periods, and empowering future veterinary professionals through education and mentorship.
As the founder and Executive Director of SheVets Africa, Dr. Mona leads with a vision to build a strong, inclusive network of African women veterinarians driving change in animal health, food systems, and climate resilience.
Dr Sandrine Tene-Kenne, Cameroon
Mentorship Support Officer
A passionate veterinarian with over a decade of experience in animal health, One Health advocacy, public health communication, and gender equity, Dr. Sandrine brings remarkable expertise and heart to our mentorship team.
Her academic journey spans across the continent—from Mauritania to Ghana, Senegal to Cameroon—earning multiple master’s degrees in veterinary public health, food policy, and One Health.
As President of the Act for Life Association and an influential voice at events like the First Forum of Women Scientists in Cameroon, Dr. Sandrine is a recognized leader in promoting neglected zoonoses, gender equity, and inclusive community engagement.
Whether leading rabies awareness campaigns or training rural communities in hygiene, food safety, poultry farming, and strategic planning—her mentorship is sure to empower and inspire the next generation of African women in veterinary science.
Dr. Emmanuella Chiemella Odekhe, DVM, MVSc, Nigeria
Program Coordinator
A seasoned veterinarian and lecturer at the University of Abuja, she brings deep expertise in animal health, One Health, and sustainable livestock systems.
With a strong academic background in Veterinary Reproduction and years of experience leading clinical and community-based animal health programs, Dr. EMMANUELLA is passionate about empowering the next generation of African veterinary professionals.
In her role as Program Coordinator, she is the bridge between mentors and mentees, ensuring every participant receives the guidance, support, and inspiration needed to thrive in their career journey.
With a strong academic background in Veterinary Reproduction and years of experience leading clinical and community-based animal health programs, Dr. EMMANUELLA is passionate about empowering the next generation of African veterinary professionals.
In her role as Program Coordinator, she is the bridge between mentors and mentees, ensuring every participant receives the guidance, support, and inspiration needed to thrive in their career journey.
DR. SARAH BOLTON, Australia
Partnerships & Collaboration Support Officer
With a rich blend of academic excellence and practical expertise in animal welfare and sustainable agriculture, Dr. Sarah brings deep expertise and global experience to our mission of driving change across Africa’s veterinary and livestock systems.
Dr. Sarah earned her Doctor of Philosophy, 2024 (Animal Welfare) from the University of Melbourne, She also holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, 2012 from the same institution.
Her recent role reflect her broad expertise: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of British Columbia, Canada – contributing to animal welfare science across natural and social disciplines
In her role as Partnerships & Collaboration Support Officer, Dr. Sarah is responsible for fostering and strengthening strategic relationships with academic institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners to support and advance the SheVets Africa’s mission.
Contribution to SDGs
SheVets Africa contributes to:
- SDG 1 & 2 (No Poverty & Zero Hunger) by improving livestock productivity and incomes.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by empowering women in science and agriculture.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action) through advocacy and training in low-emission livestock practices.
Programme Introduction
Vision and Mission
Vision: A gender-inclusive livestock sector across Africa, where female veterinarians thrive as leaders, researchers, and sustainability advocates.
Mission: To provide structured mentorship, technical capacity-building, psychosocial support, and leadership development for early-career female veterinarians committed to transforming livestock systems.
Featured Activities Gallery Cohort 1
🎉 Yesterday marked a powerful start to the Foundation Phase of the SheVets Africa Mentorship Program (Cohort 1) with our first workshop: Self-Awareness & Mental Wellbeing — delivered by Dr. | She
#shevetsafrica #mentorshipmatters #womeninlivestock #veterinaryleadership | SheVets Africa
🌟 Yesterday, we had the pleasure of learning from Dr. | SheVets Africa
🎉 Today, we successfully wrapped up the Foundation Phase of the SheVets Africa Mentorship Program – Cohort 1 with a powerful and heartfelt workshop on "Veterinary Careers & Livestock Pathwa
✨ What a powerful session we had yesterday 💻 ! | SheVets Africa
#shevetsafrica #climatesmartlivestock #livestocksustainability… | SheVets Africa
💻 An impactful and insightful session on Academia and Research in veterinary science marked the 3rd workshop SheVets Africa Mentorship Main Program Cohort 1.. | SheVets Africa
🌱 Yesterday’s session was truly inspiring and impactful! | SheVets Africa
✨ On 28 July, we were thrilled to host a powerful session led by Dr. | SheVets Africa
SheVets Africa Workshop: Smart Feeding, Low Emissions in Livestock | SheVets Africa posted on the topic | LinkedIn
#shevetsafrica #womeninstem #veterinaryleadership #mentorshipmatters #africanwomeninscience #empowerment #networking #globalvoices | SheVets Africa
#learning #connection #empowerment #shevetsafrica #mentorshipmatters #womeninveterinarymedicine #sustainablelivestock #veterinaryleadership #knowledgesharing #capacitybuilding #veterinarycommunity… |
Meet our mentors team Cohort 1:
1. Veterinary Clinical Practice & One Health Mentor, Dr. Sherifat Balogun-Raji, Nigeria
With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Sherifat is a passionate veterinarian specializing in clinical practice and disease prevention.
She plays a key role in strengthening One Health collaboration across veterinary, medical, and environmental sectors to improve animal and public health outcomes. Her leadership supports enhanced disease surveillance, response, and capacity building in the public health sector.
Through her work, she inspires and mentors young professionals to advance veterinary practices across Africa.
With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Sherifat is a passionate veterinarian specializing in clinical practice and disease prevention.
She plays a key role in strengthening One Health collaboration across veterinary, medical, and environmental sectors to improve animal and public health outcomes. Her leadership supports enhanced disease surveillance, response, and capacity building in the public health sector.
Through her work, she inspires and mentors young professionals to advance veterinary practices across Africa.
2. Livestock Entrepreneurship & Agribusiness Mentor, Ms. Latifah Aitse Lawal, MBA, Nigeria
With over 16 years of experience, Ms. Latifah specializes in livestock entrepreneurship and agribusiness, driving scalable solutions that enhance productivity and profitability across Africa.
With over 16 years of experience, Ms. Latifah specializes in livestock entrepreneurship and agribusiness, driving scalable solutions that enhance productivity and profitability across Africa.
As Head of Mechanization at NIRSAL, she leads programs integrating sustainable technologies to support smallholder farmers. She has successfully restructured livestock initiatives to resolve conflicts and secured significant funding to boost livestock farming aligned with food security goals.
Committed to empowering communities, she also mentors professionals to expand their impact and access global opportunities.
3. Climate-Smart Livestock Systems & Advocacy Mentor, Carolina Lizarralde Piquet, PhD, Uruguay
Dr. Carolina is an accomplished agronomist and soil scientist with academic roots in Uruguay and New Zealand, holding degrees in Agronomy, Animal Science, and Soil Science.
With global experience working across Latin America, Africa, and Europe with organizations like FAO, UNDP, and Gates Foundation-Gatsby Africa, she champions climate-smart livestock systems that promote both productivity and environmental stewardship.
Now based in Uruguay, she lectures while continuing to support international livestock stakeholders with evidence-based, locally adapted solutions.
As founder of the Global Network of Women in Sustainable Livestock, she also advocates for inclusive leadership and capacity building in sustainable agriculture.
4. Academia & Research in Veterinary Science Mentor, Dr. Nabulindo Nakami Wilkister, Kenya
Dr. Nakami is a Veterinary Clinical Specialist and Theriogenologist with 11+ years of experience in reproductive technologies, livestock genetics, and genome editing.
A Postdoctoral Scientist at Baylor University, her research addresses male infertility. She lectures at the University of Nairobi, mentors students, and leads research promoting sustainable livestock development.
Her work with ILRI, IAEA, and AU-IBAR has shaped breeding strategies and genome editing policies, supporting Africa-led innovation in livestock systems.
5. Sustainable Animal Production and Farmer Engagement Mentor
Ms. RUTENDO MAGAYA (MSc), Zimbabwe
Ms. RUTENDO is an Animal Scientist and Livestock Extension Specialist with over 5 years of field experience in sustainable animal production, herd health management, and farmer capacity building.
Currently serving as a Veterinary Extension Officer at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development in Zimbabwe.
As a mentor with SheVets Africa, she empowers the next generation by sharing her knowledge and field-based insights to promote sustainable, inclusive livestock systems.
Ms. RUTENDO is an Animal Scientist and Livestock Extension Specialist with over 5 years of field experience in sustainable animal production, herd health management, and farmer capacity building.
Currently serving as a Veterinary Extension Officer at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development in Zimbabwe.
As a mentor with SheVets Africa, she empowers the next generation by sharing her knowledge and field-based insights to promote sustainable, inclusive livestock systems.
Meet Our Mentees Cohort 1
