Mid Career Fellowship > 2026 Fellows

2026 Fellows

Adarsh B U (India)

I am a technical solutions consultant at Happiest Minds Technologies, where I help organizations adopt innovative digital solutions. I also serve as vice president of the Internet Society Bengaluru Chapter and contribute to initiatives that promote Internet access and community networking.

I am passionate about using technology to create social impact and empower underserved communities. As a certified Building Wireless Community Networks (BWCN) trainer, I enjoy working with community leaders to strengthen digital skills. I believe a secure and inclusive Internet can be a powerful enabler of education and innovation.

When I’m not working on technology, I enjoy mentoring young professionals and collaborating with people who want to build a better digital future.

A woman in green suit and colourful shirt

Alessandra Desiderio (US)

I am a policy consultant, registered federal lobbyist, and entrepreneur based in Colorado. I am the founder of Svolgere Group, where I lead legislative campaigns across energy and infrastructure. I also founded ReactorBrief, a policy intelligence briefing that uses AI tools to track developments for policymakers.

I have advised over 80 small businesses on digital transformation and have hired and mentored over 100 consultants. Previously, I deployed the KIVA online lending platform to expand Internet-based financial access to underserved communities. I am a fellow of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program and a project management professional.

Through this fellowship, I aim to better my understanding of global Internet governance and expand my impact on digital policy and rural broadband access. I am passionate about ensuring the Internet remains open, secure, and trustworthy.

Alybek Kurbanaliev (Kyrgyzstan)

I am a governance and reform practitioner from the Kyrgyz Republic working at the intersection of anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), and digital transformation. I work with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where I lead projects that help public institutions move from paper-based processes to transparent, digital systems that promote accountability.

My work focuses on building practical systems that make governance more effective and trusted. This includes helping develop national e-services platforms, business protection tools, and data protection frameworks.

I also work on strengthening financial integrity systems and helping with alignment to international AML/CFT standards. I’m also involved in financial literacy initiatives across Kyrgyzstan, working with schools and teachers to build awareness of digital safety.

Outside of work, I enjoy engaging in international professional networks and contributing to conversations on how technology is reshaping public institutions.

Charles Fredricksson de Belen (Philippines)

While Filipinos are among the most digitally connected people in the world, the government still means long physical queues, paperwork, and weeks of waiting. As a good governance advocate, public policy professional, and civic technology founder, I’m working to change that, one technology at a time. Through my civic technology initiatives, I have helped build artificial intelligence (AI) digital governance platforms that allow local governments to deliver public services faster. This includes digital permits and clearances to AI-powered tools that give local executives data-driven insights for better decisions. I also co-developed a skills passport that reached over 260,000 users within three months of launch.

My work focuses on the gap between government systems and the people they are supposed to serve. Previously, I led the development of one of the Philippines’ first COVID-19 digital contact-tracing systems and helped build an AI-powered legal assistance chatbot providing free services to underserved communities. Across these initiatives, the goal has been the same: using technology to make institutions more responsive, accessible, and useful to citizens.

I hold a Juris Doctor from San Beda University, a Master of Science in Innovation and Business from AIM, and a Master of Public Policy from the London School of Economics. Outside work, I love getting to know a place through its food, chasing great coffee, and hiking trails—hopefully stumbling upon a legendary Pokémon along the way.

Jelina Tanya Tetangco (Philippines)

I’m a supervising science research specialist at the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) in the Philippines. I lead teams focused on national digital infrastructure that helps initiatives in agriculture, health, education, and disaster resilience.

Working in the public sector, I’m drawn to the convergence of technology and public policy. I believe technology can make a real difference in science-driven decision-making and building capacity in ways that meet what the country actually needs.

Outside of work, I have a small kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) and coffee shop.

John Gbadamosi (Nigeria)

I am a digital rights and Internet governance professional from Nigeria with over 15 years of experience. I currently serve as a program manager at Media Rights Agenda, where I work on issues relating to online safety, digital inclusion, and policy advocacy.

I am actively engaged in global multistakeholder Internet governance and serve as a liaison to ICANN. I have participated in several international fellowships, including the African School of Internet Governance, which have strengthened my expertise in technology policy. I also serve as a regional coordinator for the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter.

I am passionate about promoting an open and rights-respecting digital future, particularly within the Global South.

A man in light grey suit with white shirt

Krishna Maharjan (Nepal)

I am the secretary general of the Disability Empowerment Society Nepal (DESN) and a computer engineer working at the intersection of digital inclusion, accessibility, and governance. I lead initiatives that use technology to better access to public services for persons with disabilities, with a focus on inclusive digital systems and accessible information and communication technologies (ICT).

One of my key areas of work is expanding the Disability Assessment and Recording System (DPARS), a digital platform that helps local governments deliver services more effectively. I believe the Internet should be open, accessible, and beneficial for everyone, including those often excluded from digital transformation.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and exploring new ideas that connect technology with social change.

A woman in black suit with golden necklace around the neck

Mahwish Naeem (Pakistan)

I am an HR and organizational development leader with 18 years of experience across the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors. I currently serve as head of HR and administration at Premier Choice International, where I lead initiatives focused on organizational transformation and digital HR systems.

I am passionate about helping people grow through technology and purposeful leadership. I believe in integrity and empathy, and I am interested in how technology can create more inclusive workplaces.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring cultures, and fashion design. I hope to explore the role of digital innovation in driving positive social impact.

Maria Stela Clarisa Nau (Indonesia)

I work at the intersection of public policy, technology governance, and democracy. I manage government relations for a global technology company in Indonesia, working with ministries on AI regulation and digital infrastructure. I am also the founder of Demokrasi Digital, a research institute focused on algorithmic power.

My background is in media and public affairs, and I spent years in political journalism before moving into the tech industry. Through Demokrasi Digital, I run programs on algorithmic literacy, mostly in eastern Indonesia, where I grew up. I also teach at Universitas Indonesia.

Outside of work, I am a mother to a young daughter. That makes everything I do in this space very personal; the kind of Internet she grows up with is not abstract to me.

Md Kamruzzaman Khan (Bangladesh)

I work in Internet infrastructure at Systems Solutions & Development Technologies (SSD-TECH), where I focus on core network operations and rural broadband connectivity across Bangladesh. With over 12 years in the field, my work sits at the intersection of networking and digital transformation.

Beyond my daily work, I contribute to the global Internet community through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and APNIC. I believe technology has the power to make life easier, but only if everyone experiences it equally and safely. I want to make sure Internet access reaches everyone with privacy and trust built in.

When I’m not working or studying for my master’s degree in computer science, you’ll find me at the gym or binge-watching a mystery thriller series.

Monica Alip (Uganda)

I am a digital programming manager at NetHope, an international consortium of more than 60 member organizations. In this role, I contribute across Connectivity+, community-based digital transformation, and AI workstreams to build foundations for emergency response and impactful programming. I also serve as a co-lead of NetHope’s Digital Programming Working Group and the Field and Humanitarian Working Group, where I foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

With formal training in computer science and information technology, I am committed to advancing equitable access to technology and promoting sustainable practices.

My technical focus spans financial inclusion, digital literacy, and research on bettering machine learning for electronic waste (e-waste) management. I emphasize inclusive project design to make sure solutions are created for and with the communities we serve.

Outside of work, I enjoy fashion, braiding hair, painting, or experimenting with new recipes.

Norman Angel (Uganda)

I’m a data scientist at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), where I manage and analyze communications sector data to support evidence-based regulation. My work focuses on building data-driven solutions that support digital transformation and the communications ecosystem.

My background is in data science, and I’m particularly interested in Internet governance and the responsible use of AI for social good. In 2023, I co-founded Sauti Data Lab, where I lead a team designing scalable data solutions that enable decision-making rooted in responsible data.

When I’m not buried in code, you can usually find me out for a run or traveling in search of new adventures.

Nestor Bonilla (US)

I am Deputy Director of the Mycelia Foundation, where I lead engineering initiatives that expand connectivity, education, and technology access for underserved communities. My work includes building networks that reach areas often overlooked by larger providers and developing the tools that support our programs. I collaborate with communities, governments, and partners to develop solutions that address local needs.

I have spent much of my career working to strengthen the Internet ecosystem across Central America and beyond. As a former leader of the Internet Society Nicaragua Chapter and an active participant in regional Internet governance initiatives, I have seen how community-driven approaches can create lasting impact.

I believe that people closest to a challenge are often best placed to solve it, and that meaningful connectivity creates opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

I grew up playing piano, and these days you will find me dancing salsa and bachata whenever I get the chance.

A woman in black and white jacket with blue scarf

Ritu Srivastava (India)

I am a director of Jadeite Solutions, a Delhi-based social enterprise focusing on rural technology and financial inclusion services. I also work with IEEE Future Networks as a program officer and have deployed hybrid community networks in Bhadrak, Orissa, and Almora, Uttarakhand.

I have over 18 years of experience in rural technology, focusing on community-led networks and radios. I chair the IEEE working group on Internet grades of service in rural areas. My interests include broadband policies and network performance. I’m currently pursuing my PhD from the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Dharwad.

When I am not working or studying, I am found in my garden or relaxing with a book.

Shafina Elara (Fiji Islands)

I’m an IT lecturer and instructor at Fiji National University, where I design and deliver training in networking and cybersecurity for professionals in the tourism, medical, and education sectors. I hold a master’s degree in information systems from the University of the South Pacific.

I led a paperless teaching initiative that won gold in a national quality competition and have delivered over 100 workshops across Fiji. What drives me is the belief that technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. I care deeply about keeping the Internet open and secure, and I’m passionate about mentoring women in STEM.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me enjoying the quiet pace of life in Nadi with my family and a good cup of coffee.

Shehab Farrukh Niazi (Pakistan)

I work at the intersection of human development, digital skills, technology, and economic empowerment. I build programs that expand what’s possible for people who’ve been left out of the digital economy, particularly women and micro-business owners navigating the shift to an AI-driven world.

My work spans large-scale digital inclusion initiatives and AI-powered platform design. Through programs like CIRCLE’s Digital Literacy Program and CIRCLE Baji in Pakistan, I have contributed to reaching more than 175,000 women. I believe in helping ecosystems close the gap between what people know and what they actually do.

Outside of work, I explore psychology, natural health traditions, and the ways ancient wisdom and modern technology can complement each other.

Disclaimer: The Internet Society reserves the sole right to decide if an applicant proposal meets the eligibility requirements.