A Role Model's Toolkit

Alumna Inspires with Focus, Purpose and Action

Dolorosa Duncan did not set out to become a role model. However, the power of her story and its ability to inspire are undisputable.

It took focus for a young woman from the Barabaig community in rural Tanzania, where it is still difficult for a girl to reach the age of 14 without being married, to defy the odds. When Duncan earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Africa University in May 2004, she became the first female university graduate in her family.

In the 15 years since, Duncan has worked with street children. She joined other women in her community to launch ‘Women for Change’, an organization that helps vulnerable children become educated.

Together with a colleague, Dr. Joseph J. Kavit, a physician, Duncan helped found Tandabui Health Access Tanzania to lead HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health projects. She attended graduate school at the University of London, earning a master’s degree in public health from

the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in 2012.

Between 2010 and 2018, while serving as regional program manager for Pathfinder International, Duncan led efforts to provide needed maternal, child, and reproductive healthcare services in rural Tanzania. She was recognized as an “Emerging Voice for Global Health” and selected for an Eisenhower Fellowship.

“Studying at a multicultural institution taught me to collaborate with mutual respect in a pluralistic society,” said Duncan. “It taught me to acknowledge, embrace and respect differences…

It has not only simplified my international job responsibilities, but also allowed me to make a significant contribution to my society.”

Currently, Duncan is working with the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania supporting health-related strategies and programs nationwide.