Ishaq-Balogun, Anisa Oluwatobi

As a multipotentialite with a strong passion for science, social impact, and leadership, I've had the privilege of holding various leadership positions that have honed my skills and fueled my drive to create a positive change in my community. As the founder and executive director of Anisa Sickle Cell Foundation (ASCF),— a non-profit increasing awareness on sickle cell disease driven by my personal lived experiences and passion to be a voice for those affected and contribute to the quest for treatment advancements in Nigeria, I've organized and led several initiatives targeting diverse audiences including community outreaches, webinars, seminars, and workshops targeting diverse audiences including community leaders, youths, students, parents and young children to promote awareness about sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and the role of genotype compatibility in reducing the prevalence of this genetic condition in its epicenter– Nigeria. Through my leadership, ASCF has provided 300 free genotype screenings in the last five years. Through my leadership experience at ASCF, I've developed strong skills in non profit management, team management as I currently coordinate a team of 50 changemakers who share my vision of changing the narrative of sickle cell disease in Nigeria. During my undergraduate journey, I served as the Vice President of the Cell Biology and Genetics Students' Association and(CBGSA) leading 10 executive student leaders and over 400 students in the department towards academic excellence. As a people leader I ensured that I bridged the communication gap between students’ and top management by voicing their complaints, concerns and fears to build a student-centered society. I also spearhead a one month course on Cousera for students to explore the multi application of their course as many students in Nigeria hold the belief that life sciences are not essential to progress. I also created a question bank on Introductory Biology (FSC 111) for over 1000 freshmen in Faculty of Science which drastically improved their performance and grades in exam.