Melissa Mbazo-Ekpenyong

Melissa’s role is to lead and oversee the operational efficiencies of the Anzisha Prize Programme while contributing to the strategic direction.

Melissa leads a team of three individuals to project manage all activities and events. She manages the marketing and storytelling of all aspects of the programme. Melissa manages the budget and is in charge of reporting to and managing the grant funder as a key stakeholder.

Melissa joined ALA after graduating from University and has held many positions over the last several years that have contributed as relevant work experience for her current role.

Melissa is currently leading the Launchpad program at ALA which is a professional development program for young professionals at ALA. She mentors both students and staffulty through her role on the People Committee and in the Advisory Program. Previously, she lived on campus and was part of the Residential Faculty and mentored Student Enterprises as a Board Member.

Expertise

Project management
Marketing in emerging economies
People management
Logistics and operations
Communications

Education

2009- 2012: Bachelor of Social Science in Economics, International Relations and Media & Writing, University of Cape Town
2017- 2018: Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice, Graduate School of Business – University of Cape Town
2019- 2020: Master of Business Administration – MBA Candidate, Graduate School of Business – University of Cape Town
2017: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign CC 2018 MasterClass, Udemy Academy

Honours and Awards

ALA staffulty member of the year: 2014
Bezos Family Foundation Educator: 2014
ALA outstanding team of the year: 2019

Publications

Report writing Career Mapping: Sometimes you have to make plans
Work or Study … or maybe both? How to work and study at the same time
Documentary Feature