Back to team members list

Fara Ndiaye

Deputy Executive Director

Driven by a profound commitment to uplifting communities and fostering positive change, Fara Ndiaye has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable development and social progress across Africa. As the co-founder of Speak Up Africa, her work is rooted in a steadfast belief that through collaborative efforts and a shared vision, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Fara’s journey has been fueled by an unwavering passion for public health, sustainable development, and social transformation. With over 15 years of experience, her expertise spans critical areas such as global health, civil society engagement, water, sanitation, hygiene, and gender equality. Fara approaches these issues with a holistic perspective, recognizing the intricate interconnections that shape the well-being of communities. At the core of Fara’s work is a deep respect for the power of advocacy, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. She understands that lasting change requires collective action, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to listen and learn from those most affected by the issues at hand. Her skills in organizational assessment, strategic guidance and advocacy strategy development have enabled her to navigate complex landscapes and bring together diverse stakeholders towards a common goal.

Before her current role, Fara’s passion for public health and community empowerment manifested in her work with Malaria No More, where she spearheaded groundbreaking communications, partnership, and advocacy initiatives in Senegal. Her experience also extends to addressing migration challenges, having worked with both small non-governmental organizations and major global institutions, such as the International Organization for Migration and the International Center for Migration and Health in Geneva, Switzerland.

With a solid educational foundation, including a bachelor’s degree in political science and international development from McGill University, and a master’s degree in international law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Fara leverages her deep understanding of the political, legal, and socio-economic dynamics to shape sustainable development efforts. At the heart of her work is a profound belief that hard work, determination, compassion, and optimism are essential for creating a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.