Rovani Sigamoney is a South African chemical and environmental engineer with over two decades of global experience in science and engineering policy, education for sustainable development, and gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She currently serves as a Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, where she leads regional initiatives in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Her portfolio spans Girls and Women in STEM, Higher Education and TVET reform, Climate Change Education, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Early Childhood Development. At UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, Rovani managed flagship global programmes in Chemistry and Engineering. She was the lead coordinator of UNESCO’s landmark 2nd Engineering Report: Engineering for Sustainable Development (2021), published on World Engineering Day, and she managed the globally celebrated International Year of Chemistry 2011, fostering international collaboration across over 50 countries.

Her work has contributed to policy dialogue and capacity development across multiple African countries and around the world, fostering inclusive and resilient education systems aligned with continental priorities. She has authored and contributed to peer-reviewed publications on life-cycle assessment, engineering education, and gender equity in STEM, and is a strong advocate for African women’s leadership in science and technology. Her career spans South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, the UK, and the USA—bringing a truly global perspective to her work. 

Tawanda Gijima is a dedicated engineer and National Project Officer at UNESCO’s Regional Office for Southern Africa. With a specialized background in civil, water, and sanitation systems, Tawanda now leverages his technical expertise to advance STEM/STEAM education across the region. He is a driving force behind initiatives that demystify science and technology for youth and primary learners, leading hands-on training in robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D prototyping, and coding. Tawanda holds a B.Eng. (Hons) in Civil and Water Engineering from the National University of Science and Technology and an M.Sc. in Sanitation and Wastewater Management from the University of Zimbabwe. He remains committed to inspiring the next generation of African scientists and engineers.

Dr. Lutendo Muremi is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg with over eight years of academic expertise. She earned her PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2024, specializing in surge protection and machine learning. An award-winning educator, she received the 2024 WiEBE Teaching Excellence Award and was voted Best Lecturer for first year B Eng Tech for 2024. She currently serves as the Chair of IEEE PES Women in Power for the South Africa Section (2024–2026). Her leadership extends to the IEEE Young Professionals Committee and advancing STEM outreach for secondary schools. Through her "Spark the Interest" program, she mentors students in renewable energy and engineering innovation. Dr. Muremi is a dedicated advocate for technical excellence and the global empowerment of women in energy.

Kamohelo Mokoena, a second year electrical and electronics engineering student at the University of Johannesburg and the Vice Chairperson of the IEEE UJ student branch. She is passionate about impacting the world through technology one community at a time.

Kelly developed and manages IEEE REACH, an Open Education Resource (OER) program that addresses the social relevance of STEM and does so through the lens of history! Self-described as passionately curious, Kelly aims to bring the same type of elevated inquiry and interest to students through IEEE REACH. The program addresses the role technology and innovation play in impacting global events and addressing social problems, providing a unique STEM education pathway, especially for girls. She holds an MFA in Documentary Film, a BA in Communication, is certified in IDM, and is a recipient of the UNESCO OER Implementation Award for Excellence, OEG 2021. She regularly presents at national and international STEM and Social Studies conferences and has presented at the United Nations as an invited panelist.