The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. UBC’s vision is to create an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.
Building on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC’s learnings and success, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in the next 10 years, (2024 to 2034) is projected to support 351 graduate students in seven professional master’s degree programs. Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be provided with transformative learning through enriched educational experiences and a full range of programming that includes academic and social support, focus on student wellbeing, personal development, leadership, and transitions to dignified and fulfilling employment.
The thematic focus will be on forestry, agriculture, and water and land management as key enablers of sustainable entrepreneurship and community-led development. Academic concentrations are areas of strength at UBC with strong potential for impact of community co-created place-based learning, including:
Faculty of Forestry: Master of International Forestry, Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management, Master of Science/Master of Applied Science in Forestry (Thesis-based) and the Master of Sustainable Forest Management.
Faculty of Land and Food Systems: Master of Food Resources Economics, Master of Land and Water Systems and Master of Food Science.
Faculty of Science: Master of Data Science.
Former UBC President and Vice-Chancellor
Reflecting UBC’s strategic commitment to supporting international students, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars will benefit from academic and social support programs such as Jump Start, programs focused on student wellbeing and personal development, direct support of a dedicated program office and team /advisors and a full range of academic success programs.
Meet the Team
Terry Sunderland
Academic Director
Terry Sunderland is Professor in the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences and has nearly 30 years of experience in tropical forestry and research. His academic career has showed a gradual transition from a focus on botany and ecology towards the social sciences. He is a graduate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (horticulture and botany), the University of Oxford (MSc in forestry), and University College, London (PhD biology and anthropology).
After more than 15 years living and working in Cameroon, he moved to the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in 2006 and was based in Indonesia for the next 12 years. He originally led the Centre’s research theme on Landscape management for environmental services, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods. In the last five years of his tenure at CIFOR he led the development of a program of work on forests and food security that evolved into the research theme Sustainable Landscapes and Food Systems. In January 2018, he joined the Faculty of Forestry and leads their programme on international cooperation and engagement.
Abigail (Abby) Aidoo
Program Director
Abby is a former Mastercard Foundation Scholarship recipient, completing a Master of Business Administration from the UBC Sauder School of Business in 2022. While studying at UBC, Abby was an active member of the community, serving as the Vice-President, Student Development with the MBA Society and serving as a mentor for current and new scholars.
She has worked in many roles over the years, working as a Chief of Staff at Microsoft Canada to co-creating and co-managing start-ups such as the GracedLife Leadership Center and Zerone Analytiqs in Ghana. Abby’s passion to give back to her community, both in Canada and on the African Continent, was also evident in her participation in the joint research project between UBC and the University of Edinburgh to develop mentorship tools to support students studying outside their home country. Additionally, during her time in UBC, she collaborated closely with Sauder LIFT to take their highly prestigious, entrepreneurial program to Ghana, where it provides workshop on strategies for starting and managing businesses. Abby brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this role and we are looking forward to working with her on this new phase of the Scholars Program.
Althea Evans
Program Manager
Althea brings extensive experience in education and community-based work, both at UBC and beyond. She joins the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC with over two years of experience supporting the resettlement and academic success of students in UBC’s World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program. Most recently, she contributed to UBC’s Strategic IBPOC Initiatives team, advancing strategies to make student services and supports more equitable and inclusive. Her work is grounded in a student-first approach, with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and community-building.
Earlier in her career, Althea served as Regional Manager for Jumpstart Charities, Western Canada, managing funding to expand access for children from underserved communities to physical wellness programs. In this role, she demonstrated strong leadership and strategic oversight, ensuring programs were effectively delivered to maximize impact for participants and communities. Althea completed her degree in International Development Studies at York University and is deeply committed to advancing programs and initiatives that uplift and create meaningful opportunities for communities facing systemic barriers. She also earned a UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures and held a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) license from 2022 to 2025, further strengthening her expertise in student and newcomer transitions.
Astha Dalakoti
Experiential Learning Advisor
Astha Dalakoti (she/her) is the Experiential Learning Advisor for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She focuses on delivering holistic support to the African scholars, including cultivating leadership development, strengthening program partnerships, and supporting the scholars to pursue meaningful employment. Astha had the privilege to participate in experiential learning at UBC, and she is deeply committed to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s vision to foster transformative learning for the next generation of African leaders.
Astha stands at the intersection of multiple cultures and identities. She is a person of South Asian descent who grew up in China and immigrated to Canada with her family. After completing secondary and higher education in Canada, Astha had the privilege to work abroad in India, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Kenya. With 10+ years of global experience in the nonprofit sector, working with UN agencies, NGOs, academia, and governments, Astha specializes in organizational planning, program development, and institutional partnerships.
Astha holds a MA in Asia Pacific Public Policy from UBC, and a BA in Psychology from McGill University. She recently completed the certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at UBC in 2024, and adopts an anti-racist and anti-oppression approach in her work.
Melissa Mumbi
Experiential Learning Advisor
Melissa Mumbi is the Experiential Learning Advisor for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia and a proud Mastercard Foundation Scholar alumna here at UBC, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice. Inspired by her own lived experiences, Melissa’s passion for student development and community empowerment has guided her journey at UBC and beyond.
Throughout her time at UBC, Melissa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating equitable, supportive, and inclusive spaces for students to thrive. She played a key role in launching and coordinating the first Black Student Space at UBC Vancouver where she transformed a vision into a vibrant community hub that addresses the distinct needs of Black undergraduate and graduate students.
Beyond campus, Melissa has worked in the nonprofit sector supporting immigrants within their transition and is the Founder and Executive Director of Tawahudi Unite Foundation, which advocates for Kenyan communities impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder through community-centered awareness and accessible support. Melissa’s work is grounded in her belief that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential…
Toyosi Bamgboye
Program Advisor
Toyosi Bamgboye is the Program Advisor for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia. From his early years, Toyosi has been drawn to the transformative power of education and its pivotal role in shaping individuals’ futures through his mother’s 35 years of experience working in education in his home country, Nigeria.
His passion for student development is deeply rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to achieve greatness when provided with the right foundation, guidance, resources, and support. Throughout Toyosi’s career, he has dedicated myself to fostering environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Whether working as a mentor or academic advisor, he has consistently prioritized the holistic development of students. Toyosi strives to understand students’ unique needs and aspirations, helping them navigate their educational journeys confidently and clearly. His extensive experience, continuous professional development, critical thinking abilities, and passion for creating a holistic learning environment enable him to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively, ensuring the achievement of our program goals and objectives in empowering Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Africa.
Thoko Moyo
Counsellor
Hello, I’m Thoko Moyo (She/They), an RCC with many years of experience supporting folks with a diverse range of lived experience and social locations seeking mental health support. As a Black Bi-Racial, Queer, gender fluid person, I practice entirely through a world view that understands the value of empowerment and radical self-love for those of us navigating current and historical oppressive societal systems. My counselling approach is strengths-based, anti-oppressive, intersectional and trauma informed. Throughout counselling sessions, I prioritize transparency, collaboration, empowerment and building trust. I would be honored to join your self-discovery and mental health journey as a supportive co-pilot.
Polly Lee
Program Assistant
Polly Lee is the Program Assistant for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia. She is originally from South Korea where she completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Japanese studies. She has been working with international students for over 6 years and always strives to do her best to ensure international students’ well-being.
Polly worked in the program as an Interim Program Assistant in 2023. While working, she supported scholars’ transition and helped them to navigate their journey in Canada.
It was the most rewarding and fulfilling experience throughout her career. It drives her to come back to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program. As the Program Assistant, she helps oversee admission, coordinates events, and acts as the first point of contact for scholars. Polly is excited to rejoin the program and is looking forward to meeting scholars!
Zee Rintoul
Program Administrative Assistant
Hello everyone my name is Zachary Rintoul. I have an academic background in Anthropology from the University of Victoria, and I’ve recently been expanding my skills in data analysis, statistics, and programming – specifically with SAS and Python. I am excited about applying those skills in practical ways towards my position (especially all the data with Qualtrics).
My most recent work experience comes through Hiring Solutions – I have worked at departments such as Learning Exchange, Indigenous Community Legal Clinic and Arts Academic Advising. In those roles I provided administrative and academic support. I enjoy helping people navigate systems and making information more accessible.
Outside work, I have a strong interest in health and medicine, particularly in research around complex diseases like HIV, and I like exploring how technology and data can be used to improve people’s lives. And finally, to unwind I enjoy listening to classical music while walking through parks.
I’m really looking forward to collaborating with all of you and learning from your experience as we look to filtering, and eventually adding new students to study at UBC.