Professional Fellows Updates and Highlights

Today
Mai Nambooze and Kelvin Mkude standing with Loretta Alvarez in front of a Sonoran Desert-themed mural

By Drew Milne
Since their arrival last month, Professional Fellows Mai Nambooze and Kelvin Mkude have been hard at work, and having some fun along the way! 

They began their trip to the Sonoran Desert with an introduction to the Sonoran Center. Center staff met with them to discuss the Sonoran Center’s mission and goals, and explain how each staff member fits into those goals. They met with project representatives from Project SEARCH, Employment First, the Circle of Indigenous Empowerment, and more. 
 

Mai, Kelvin, and Elisa Manuel smiling for a photo in the Sonoran Center office.

Kelvin and Mai meet with Elisia Manuel at the Sonoran Center main office.

Mai and Kelvin sitting in a sunlit office at a table with Mohammed Naabo

Kelvin and Mai meet with Mohamed Naabo, Teaching Graduate Assistant from Physiology and Sonoran Center Certificate Student.

Mai, Kelvin, and Danielle standing in front of a window in the Sonoran Center office and smiling for a photo.

Kelvin and Mai pose for a photo with Danielle Hallahan, Sonoran Center Program Manager.

The fellows were also given a tour of the University of Arizona Health Sciences campus and Banner Health, to see the bigger picture of health education and services in Tucson and Southern Arizona. At Banner, they stopped by a Project SEARCH work site. 

They also had the chance to visit the University of Arizona’s Disability Resource Center, exploring how the University of Arizona supports its students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.

Mai, Kelvin, and Disability Resource Center staff pose for a photo in the DRC.

Mai and Kelvin meeting with Disability Resource Center Staff Dawn Hunziker, Associate Director (second from left); Carsen Kipley, Associate Director (center); and Karen Andrews, Executive Director (right)

 

Of course, no trip to Arizona would be complete without experiencing the culture, history, geography, and people that make the Sonoran Desert so unique. 

Kelvin, Gabe, and Mai standing outside an old-west style building in front of a covered wagon, all wearing novelty ties

Kelvin and Mai poise with Sonoran Center Project Assistant and Peer Mentor Gabe Martinez in front of a covered wagon at Pinnacle Peak.

Kelvin cheers while his tie is cut off at Pinnacle Peak while Mai looks on

As is tradition, Mai and Kelvin's ties are cut off at Pinnacle Peak restaurant.

Mai and Kelvin sitting at a table and talking with other guests at a backyard barbeque on a clear day

Mai and Kelvin join Danielle Hallahan and her family and friends for a backyard BBQ at her home.

Mai, Kelvin, and Loretta sitting around a dining room table having dinner with Loretta's family

Mai and Kelvin have dinner with Sonoran Center Employment and Transition Program Manager Loretta Alvarez and her family.

They capped off this first section of their trip with a trip to Mount Lemmon with Gabriel and Mario Martinez. 
 

Kelvin poses for a photo in front of a large rock at the summit of Mount Lemmon
Mai poses for a photo at the top of a cliff on Mount Lemmon overlooking a wide view of the Tucson valley
Kelvin and Gabe embrace at the summit of Mount Lemmon
Mai and Kelvin smile while they stop for rest beneath a shaded rocky outcrop on Mount Lemmon
Mai poses for a photo in a narrow ravine on Mount Lemmon

Mai and Kelvin’s adventure isn’t over yet! On October 6, 2:00-3:30p.m., they will be presenting at Ubuntu: African Perspectives on Community & Belonging – Sharing Cultural Values that Shape Social Support. This talk will explore the African philosophy of Ubuntu, often described as “I am because we are.” It emphasizes interconnectedness, community, and compassion, highlighting how cultural values shape belonging and inclusion, including support for marginalized groups. The presentation will also invite discussion on how these principles can inspire stronger, more supportive communities globally. 

They will be staying through October 10, so keep checking back for updates!

The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston in partnership with the African Disability Forum (ADF).