Joanita Nakamwa is Program Associate for Global Health Innovation at Grand Challenges Canada. She supports engagements with innovators, partners and contractors at all stages of innovation sourcing and investment/contract management for the Saving Brains and Saving Lives at Birth portfolios.

Joanita holds a Master of Science in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her experience as a registered nurse in Kenya inspired her particular interest in global health over the course of her studies. Previously, Joanita was a project coordinator for a provincial HIV policy and research organization where she collaborated with research and community stakeholders to address HIV and crucial issues that affect the health and wellbeing of Black communities in Ontario. She volunteered at an AIDS service organization where she helped set up a newcomer women’s group to promote smoother integration and wellbeing. Alongside her volunteer engagements, Joanita worked on healthy communities initiatives in Ontario as a research and evaluation assistant. Joanita is a graduate of George Brown College with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration – Project Management.