2026 ACMHR-K Mentorship Program

Theme: Empowering Kenyan Women in Health Research, Career, and Leadership Workshop

MENTORSHIP Completed

About This Program

  • Women constitute a significant proportion of frontline healthcare practitioners, providing essential healthcare services and contributing to the overall well-being of communities. The Alliance for Cardio-Metabolic Health and Research Kenya (ACMHR-K) successfully organised a two-day mentorship workshop focused on research, career development, and leadership. The workshop was designed to empower Kenyan women from diverse backgrounds, including women currently involved in research as well as those aspiring to pursue careers in research and medical fields. This impactful program brought together accomplished women leaders, researchers, and professionals who shared their experiences, insights, and mentorship with participants eager to advance their careers, strengthen their leadership skills, and expand their research potential.

Program Objectives

  • Workshop Objectives
  • To empower Kenyan women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to advance their careers in research and other professional fields.
  • To strengthen research and leadership capacity by providing mentorship, guidance, and practical insights from experienced researchers and women leaders.
  • To promote networking and professional development by creating opportunities for collaboration, career growth, and peer support among participants

Program Content

  • Research Career Development and Mentorship – Participants gained insights into career pathways in research, mentorship opportunities, and strategies for professional growth.
  • Women’s Leadership and Empowerment – Discussions focused on building leadership skills, overcoming barriers, and increasing women's participation in leadership roles.
  • Networking and Collaboration – The workshop provided a platform for participants to connect with researchers, professionals, and peers, fostering future collaborations and support networks.
  • Promoting Gender Equity in Research Fields – Participants explored strategies for increasing the representation and advancement of women in research and healthcare.

Expected Outcomes

  • Participants will gain greater knowledge and confidence to pursue and advance careers in health research and related fields
  • Strengthened research, leadership, communication, and career-development skills
  • Increased understanding of research career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and professional development
  • Participants will develop stronger professional networks and opportunities for collaboration
  • Increased capacity to identify and overcome barriers affecting women’s participation and advancement in research and leadership
  • Establishment of a supportive network of Kenyan women in health research, careers, and leadership
  • Participants will be better equipped to take on leadership roles and contribute to health research and practice in Kenya
Start Date

Wednesday, June 03, 2026

End Date

Thursday, June 04, 2026

Location

Online: Zoom

Requirements

  • Minimum qualification: Diploma in Health Sciences or a related field
  • Open to Kenyan women interested in health research, healthcare, career development, and leadership
  • Interest in pursuing or advancing a career in health research or medical/health-related fields
  • Commitment to actively participate in the two-day mentorship workshop
  • Willingness to engage with mentors, speakers, and fellow participants
  • Commitment to professional development, networking, and peer learning
  • Willingness to contribute to advancing women’s participation and leadership in health research and healthcare

Meet Our Speakers

Vijayalakshmi Selvakumar, PhD
Dr

Vijayalakshmi Selvakumar, PhD

Post-doctoral associate, Rochester University

United States

Building an International Career in Health Research

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Selvakumar is a multidisciplinary researcher specializing in microbiology, immunology, and cancer biology, with over 10 years of international research and teaching experience across the United States, South Korea, and India. She is a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Rochester, where she is advancing cutting-edge research in cancer biology and microbiome science. Previously she served at different capacities at Kangwon National University and Kyungpook National University, contributing as a Research Professor, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Research Assistant Professor. During this time, she led projects in gut microbiota modulation, metabolomics, functional foods, and immunomodulatory therapies. Before she moved to South Korea, Dr. Vijayalakshmi was a Research Scientist Askoscen Probionics R&D, India. Dr. Vjay has also been an Adjunct Professor, and Assistant Professor. Dr. Vijayalakshmi has authored over 48 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals and has contributed to multiple book chapters in microbiology and biotechnology. Her research has been supported by international funding bodies, including the National Research Foundation of Korea (BK21 program). She also serves as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology and Associate Editor for the Journal of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Through this program, Dr. Vijayalakshmi will share her expertise, mentorship, and global perspective to inspire and empower women to excel in research, leadership, and beyond.

View Full Profile →