harlene Charmwakat Makai I am a Human Development and Policy Specialist with nearly 12 years of experience in administration, policy design, and human capital development. My career has been dedicated to corporate governance, strategic planning, and fostering sustainable development, particularly in government and non-governmental sectors. I served for 11 years at the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), where I led the Research Division and later served as Chief of Protocol for four years. During my tenure, I played a pivotal role in policy development, diplomatic engagements, and strategic program implementation, contributing to the Commission’s mission and governance framework. I am the Founder and Country Director of Empower Her for Africa, an initiative through which I have successfully enrolled over 100 out-of-school girls back into education and equipped women with vital skills for economic independence. My work extends to peacebuilding and conflict mediation in fragile regions of Nigeria, as well as advancing corporate governance through research-driven strategies. I am passionate about empowering youth and women and have spearheaded transformative programs aimed at economic growth, education, and social change. Academically, I hold an MSc in International Relations from the University of East London, a BA in History from the University of Maiduguri, and a certificate in Leadership and Digital Transformation from Texas Southern University, Houston, USA. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management and the Institute of Corporate Administration, recognized for my contributions to public service and women’s empowerment. Publications I am a published researcher, with works focusing on education, gender equality, corporate governance, and conflict resolution. Some of my notable publications include: “AI Learning-Driven Optimization of Microgrid Systems for Rural Electrification and Economic Empowerment” – Engineering Science & Technology Journal “Empowering Women in Agricultural Supply Chains: Unlocking Potential for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth” – International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews “Breaking Barriers: The Impact of Girls’ Education on Poverty Eradication in Northern Nigeria – A Focus on Sokoto State” – World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews “Religio-Political Terrorism and the Ideological Roots of Boko Haram” – International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews “Terrorism in Nigeria: Exploring the Causes and the Rise of Boko Haram” – International Journal of Science and Research Archive “Beyond Security Failures: The Complexities of Addressing Boko Haram in Nigeria” – World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews “Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers and Building the Future” – International Journal of Science and Research Archive “Advancing Girls’ Education by Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Equitable Opportunities” – International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews Professional Profiles You can find more about my work and research through my professional profiles: 🔹 LinkedIn: Charlene Makai 🔹 ResearchGate: Charlene Makai Fluent in English and Hausa, with a growing proficiency in French, I remain committed to driving policy reforms, education initiatives, and inclusive growth for a better future.