Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT)
Members of the 2024-2025 cohort of the WATT Program and other Wesleyan community members at the Celebration of the African Scholars Program on September 21, 2024
Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT) is a year-long peer mentorship program that was launched by the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) in the summer of 2023. Each year, the program matches members of the new cohort of the Wesleyan African Scholars Program in pairings with returning students from Africa. The program aims to support new African Scholars in their transition to Wesleyan and Middletown, provide returning students from Africa the opportunity to guide and mentor a first-year peer, and enable strong community-building within the University's vibrant African community.
In addition to the chance to participate in various WATT events and opportunities throughout the year, mentors and mentees are also part of the International Buddy Program (IBP) as Senior Buddies (mentors) and Junior Buddies (mentees) and invited to engage in this companion program. WATT and IBP are planned and coordinated by OISA.
For students interested in getting involved in WATT: If you are a current student who will continue your studies at the Wesleyan campus in the Fall 2026 Semester and would like to serve as a WATT Mentor, please contact OISA in the Spring 2026 Semester for more information about applying. Both international and domestic students who identify as African and are interested in befriending, mentoring, and supporting an incoming African Scholar are encouraged to apply!
Members of the fourth cohort of the African Scholars Program will be contacted by OISA staff during Summer 2026 and invited to join WATT and be paired with a mentor. For questions about WATT, please send an email to oisa@wesleyan.edu with "WATT inquiry" in the subject line.
WATT Mentees - First-Year African Scholars
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Divina Forlemu Anobouweh (she/her)
Class of 2030
Cameroon
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English and French
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (MB&B), Informations and Modeling, Health Studies
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: I love the latino and ballroom dance club on campus, I'm looking forward to engaging with SUYA, the African Student Association and the Student Health Advisory Board(SHAB) from my Sophomore year.
Why I joined WATT: I joined WATT to share the joy that exists in the close-knit community, to learn more about how to thrive at Wes as an African and to be an inspiration for all students who want to be at Wes.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Divina(she/her). I come the South West region of Cameroon. I am a freshman at Wes, and a prospective MB&B major and Informatics and Modeling minor. I love cooking and dancing, so don't be surprised to see me twirling with latino and ballroom dance club on campus. I joined WATT because I value its deep sense of community. I am committed to learning from my seniors and building a pathway for those who will come after.
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Roque (Ray) Omondi (he/him)
Class of 2030
Kisumu, Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Swahili, Luo, and now learning French
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Neuroscience, Global Engagement Minor (GEM), Theater
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: On-campus jobs, community work, internships, theater performances
Why I joined WATT: To learn about the experiences of seniors, tips on how to thrive as an African scholar, resources to explore, and most of all to connect and be part of a community that understands and builds each other.
Bio: Jambo! (That's Swahili for Hello!) My name is Roque Ray Omondi, but you can call me Roque. I use he/him pronouns, and I'm a freshman interested in Neuroscience and Theatre. I grew up in Nairobi, spent a huge chunk of my life at the shores of Lake Victoria, and I'm enjoying my time in the United States! On campus, I'm involved in theatre performance as well as hanging out with friends (Trust me, it counts!). I love having conversations with people from different backgrounds, discussing cultures, and learning why people do what they do. I'm a loud laugher. Outside of class, I love writing poetry, watching movies, and listening to music.
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Amani Nyonyoozi Tumusiime (she/her)
Class of 2030
Kampala, Uganda
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Physics, African Studies, Informatics and Modeling
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: Astronomy Department Outreach Assistant, Black Raspberry Pianist
Why I joined WATT: I joined WATT because of my deep connection to the continent and other Africans. I hoped to nurture this connection at Wesleyan by building connections with the other African students at Wesleyan. It will be very helpful as I transition to university and can learn from people who have undergone similar journeys to me, adjusting to a new institution of learning but also a new country. I look forward to doing the same and supporting future African scholars through the mentorship program.
Bio: Hello! I'm Amani from Uganda, and I use she/her pronouns. I am a freshman and prospective physics major. I grew up in the city center of Kampala, so I love bustling urban environments. On campus I plan to be involved in outreach activities of the Astronomy Department and be a pianist in the Black Raspberry band. I love stargazing, road trips, and music! I am excited to be a part of the WATT as a passionate pan-African. After attending the African Leadership Academy in South Africa, I have grown a deep connection with other Africans and believe that even within the diversity of the continent, we have a shared mission.
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Nahom Ayana (he/him)
Class of 2030
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Amharic, Oromic, and English
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Undecided
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: I am planning to get involved with Code_Wes, Wesleyan Refugee Project, Wesleyan Math Club, and Wesleyan Science and Education Club.
Why I joined WATT: I want to be part of the WATT program because I want to connect with other African students, build a strong community at Wesleyan, and learn and grow together throughout college.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Nahom and I use he/him pronouns! I am a first-year student currently exploring my interests in engineering, computer science, and other areas of STEM. I grew up in Ethiopia, Assosa town, Benishangul-Gumuz Region. On campus, I am involved in different STEM and international student communities and am always looking for opportunities to get involved. Outside of school, I love learning about technology, working on projects, organizing things, and spending time with friends.
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Ala Alimi (she/her)
Class of 2030
Gafsa, Tunisia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Arabic, French, English, and German
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Computer Science and Economics
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: MSA, CodeWes, ISAB, ASA
Why I joined WATT: I want to meet new people, learn from how other students navigated their first year, participate in the opportunities this program offers, feel more connected to campus and the African community, and make the most of my freshman year.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Ala, I use she/her pronouns and I'm from Gafsa, Tunisia. I'm a freshman planning to major in Computer Science and probably minor in Economics. I really like math and problem-solving, especially finding different ways to reach a solution. Outside of class, I enjoy volunteering, spending time with my family, writing , and learning new languages. I'm always up for trying something new and traveling whenever I get the chance. Feel free to reach out anytime!
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Isaac Boakye (he/him)
Class of 2030
Accra, Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Twi, Patois, Pidgin
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Computer Science, Mathematics, Philosophy, Applied Data Analysis
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: Science Library Student Worker, Wesleyan Math Club, Code_Wes, Wesleyan Students in Research, African Students Association, WesEngineering, IMS
Why I joined WATT: I joined WATT because I want to build a strong community with other African students while having mentors who can help me navigate my first year at Wesleyan. I also hope to learn from the experiences of returning students and contribute to the supportive community WATT creates for new African Scholars.
Bio: A little Ghanaian hello from Wesleyan! My name is Isaac, and I’m intending to study Computer Science and Mathematics, with a possible minor in Philosophy. I’m particularly interested in the quantitative side of these fields, especially algorithms, probability, optimization, mathematical modeling, and the way computation can turn abstract mathematical ideas into something we can test and explore. I enjoy problems that require both mathematical reasoning and computational thinking, and I’m excited to see how far I can take those interests through courses, projects, and research. As for Philosophy, I have a feeling it might follow me around a lot, mostly because I tend to keep questioning things even after I think I’ve figured them out. I can be very serious about something one minute and completely unserious the next, so there’s usually a little bit of both wherever I am. I’m excited to meet everyone, share new experiences, and be part of the group!
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Jane Namusisi (she/her)
Class of 2030
Kampala, Uganda
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Luganda, English, and Spanish
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Economics and Data Analysis
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: I am involved in the African Students Association, African Club Ujamaa, Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, and the Ultimate Frisbee team, and I am planning to join the Wesleyan sustainability club and Kai Entrepreneurship.
Why I joined WATT: I joined WATT to connect with other African students and build a strong community at Wesleyan. I also value the opportunity to learn from returning students, share experiences, and build a supportive network as I begin my undergraduate journey at Wesleyan.
Bio: Hi everyone! I'm Jane, but my family calls me Jj, so I'll happily answer to either. I use she/her pronouns. I was born in Uganda. I'm planning to major in economics and minor in Data Analysis. I'm especially interested in understanding how markets, human behavior, and economic decisions interact, and how data can help uncover patterns, test ideas, and turn those questions into meaningful insights. At Wesleyan, I'm excited to explore those interests through the Economics Club and Kai Entrepreneurship Club, while also finding community in other clubs. Outside of school, I love cooking, especially experimenting with new recipes and sharing food with people. I'm excited to meet new people, exchange new ideas and perspectives, and see where my interests and experiences take me at Wesleyan. -
Elvis Maina (he/him)
Class of 2030
Nanyuki, Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Kiswahili and English
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Computer Science
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: Jobs and clubs
Why I joined WATT: I joined the WATT Program because I wanted to learn new skills, gain experience, and become more confident in pursuing my goals. I also wanted to connect with other students and take advantage of opportunities that could help me grow academically and personally.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Elvis Maina and I use he/him pronouns! I am a freshman majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. I grew up in Kenya. I enjoy learning new things, meeting new people, and exploring new experiences. I also love dancing, cooking and going on outings.
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Elizabeth (Liz) Maina (she/her)
Class of 2030
Nyandarua, Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English and Swahili
Intended Major/Minor & Academic Interests: Computer Science, Mathematics, and Data Analysis
What I'm excited to get involved in at Wesleyan: African Students Association, CODes
Why I joined WATT: I joined WATT to connect with a community that celebrates and understands the African experience on campus, while also growing personally and professionally. It's given me lasting friendships and a space to stay rooted in who I am while pushing myself forward.
Bio: Hi everyone! I'm Liz (she/her), a freshman diving headfirst into Computer Science and Math, basically here to make computers do math for me. 😅I grew up in Nyandarua, Central Kenya, and somehow ended up loving both fiction writing and traveling, so I guess I just really enjoy building worlds, whether on paper or with a plane ticket. Excited to meet you all! ✨
WATT Mentors
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Yordanos Gebru (she/her)
Class of 2028
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Amharic and English
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science, Informatics and Modeling
What I'm involved in at Wesleyan: Soft Robots Lab, Code_Wes, Neuroscience Club, African Students Association
Why I joined WATT: I am staying in WATT, because of the small and incredible African scholars community we have here. They had been such a great resource, mentors, and even friends. So it is my pleasure to welcome Class of 2030 African scholars.
Bio: Selam! My name is Yordanos, you can also call me Yordy. My pronouns are She/Her. I’m a sophomore planning to major in Computer Science, and minor in Informatics Modeling. At Wesleyan, I’m involved in the African Students Association, Neuroscience club and Code_wes. In my free time, I enjoy photography, gardening, singing, and reading.
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Marc Iradukunda (he/him)
Class of 2028
Burundi
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, French, and Kirundi
Major(s)/Minor(s): MB&B, Computer Science, and Informatics and Modeling
What I'm involved in at Wesleyan: ITS employee, Science Library assistant, Green Fund member
Why I joined WATT: I want to be part of the WATT program because I want to be someone new students can turn to for support, questions, or simply a friendly conversation. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned from my own experiences, and helping make the transition to college a little easier and more enjoyable!
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Marc, and I use he/him pronouns. I’m a rising junior majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MB&B) and Computer Science, and I grew up in Burundi. On campus, you can usually find me working with the IT department or at the Science Library. I’m also a member of the Green Fund, where I get to contribute to sustainability initiatives on campus. When I’m not studying or working, I enjoy playing basketball and watching soccer games.
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Chahd Taha (she/her)
Class of 2029
Rabat, Morocco
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Darijs, Arabic, French, and English
Major(s)/Minor(s): Physics and Economics
What I'm involved in at Wesleyan: Arab Students' Association (ASA), Muslim Students' Association (MSA), Wesleyan African Student Association (WASA), IMS Technician, Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT) mentor, and International Buddy Program (IBP) Senior Buddy
Why I joined WATT: I joined WATT because I know how much one genuine person can change the way you experience a new place. As a mentee last year, I had someone I could ask the random questions, share the little wins with, and turn to when I felt completely lost. Now I want to be that person for someone else and hopefully make their college experience feel a little more like an adventure and a little less like figuring everything out alone.
Bio: Hi!! I’m Chahd, a sophomore at Wesleyan, originally from Rabat, Morocco. My personality is basically 50% curiosity, 30% “let’s see where this goes,” and 20% confidently making plans I probably should have thought through first. I love discovering new places, meeting people with completely different stories and going down random internet rabbit holes. One of my favorite things I’ve done is learning how to fly airplanes because apparently driving wasn’t enough of a challenge, so I decided the sky was next. I was a WATT mentee last year, so I know firsthand how nice it is to have someone who makes college feel a little less intimidating. Now I get to be that person! Whether you want advice, have a very specific question at 2 a.m., need someone to hype you up, or just want to talk about absolutely anything, I’m here.
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Mohamed Abdelaal (he/him)
Class of 2029
Cairo, Egypt
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Arabic, English, and some German
Major(s)/Minor(s): Computer Science and Data Analysis
What I'm involved in at Wesleyan: Code_Wes, Teaching Assistant for Computer Science I, Muslim Student Association, Google Developer Group, African Students Association, and the Arab Student Association
Why I joined WATT: I joined the WATT Program because I want to help new African students navigate life at Wesleyan and feel more comfortable in a new environment. Last year, I had people who were very supportive and helped me a lot when I was adjusting, and I would like to provide that same support to incoming students.
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Mohamed, but I’ve been called Hoseiny my whole life, so feel free to go with that! I’m from Cairo, Egypt. I’m drawn to cognitively demanding activities, so you’ll usually find me participating in competitive programming, math, or chess contests. I intend to major in Computer Science, and I’m also thinking about starting an ICPC team at Wesleyan. Outside of that, I’ve got a love for car rides, elegant suits, and just spending time hanging out with friends or family.