John studied Computer Engineering and Finance through the Engineering Route to Business program (ERB) at the McCombs School of Business. He was a member of the Texas Blazers, the Roden Engineering Society, the African Students Association, and the Student Government. He won several awards, including the Texas Exes’ President’s Leadership Award 2010, McCombs School of Business George Mitchell Student Leadership Award, Merrill Lynch Award for Distingished Scholarship, and Texas Wranglers Scholarship Award 2007.

Country of origin: Kenya

Yves is ALBs second alumnus, He graduated at the top of his class from the Spears School of Business at Oaklahoma State University in 2014. 

He has since returned to Africa to work for General Electric’s oil and gas division in Angola. Yves manages project finances and is part of the GE accelerated leadership program. 

Yves went from being an ALB scholar, to 1st in his class, and now one of ALBs biggest donors – true to the spirit of paying it forward. 

Country of origin: Angola

Takalani studied Economics at UT Austin and furthered her studies at institutions in Cape Town, South Africa and Switzerland. ALB anchored her time in Austin, giving her invaluable upliftment, mentoring, and community.

Her current focus is in Data Science and allied services. That includes leading a tech communications company (Nine Generations), being COO at an education-focused company (Dissertation Solutions ZA), and leading communications at a Data Solutions company (Afeli Solutions).

Her philanthropic endeavours includes working on the Obama Foundation’s inaugural gathering outside of the US, the President’s Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa, and audio content production at TAIK (The Africa I Know).

Country of origin: South Africa

Diana is a proud longhorn with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During her time at UT, Diana spent her time giving campus tours as an Admission Ambassador. She was also part of the Senate of College Councils, the Coptic Students of Texas, and the Texas International Students Association. She won a number of awards including the Orange Jackets Margaret C. Berry Scholarship and the Olin Ray Cable, Jr. Presidential Scholarship. She also spent a semester in Washington DC as an Archer fellow.

Country of origin: Egypt

Wambui was born and raised in Kenya. She attended high school in South Africa prior to moving to the U.S to pursue a college education. Wambui is ALB’s second alumna. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BSc. in Aerospace Administration and Operations. Wambui aims to use her skills and experiences to bridge the gender gap in the aviation industry. 

Country of origin: Kenya

Ukairo is a multi-hyphenate creative who explores storytelling through filmmaking, music and poetry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio-Television-Film Production from The University of Texas at Austin where he developed a strong passion for documentaries as he saw their power to highlight the voices of marginalized people. The support in terms of community, career guidance and financial aid which he received from ALB gave him a sandbox to stretch himself creatively during his undergraduate studies as he went on to make memorable short films including work that was featured on BET & IndieWire. He is currently an MFA Candidate at The University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts where he is honing his directing and writing skills, this time exploring kid’s stories, the fantasy genre as well as sci-fi. 

Usomine Omamegbe grew up in Nigeria and attended school there from elementary school through 11th grade, before coming to the US in 2020, and completing my senior year in Rabun-gap, Georgia. Currently a sophomore at UT Austin, studying Finance with a minor in Accounting at the McCombs School of Business, she is  involved with some student organizations on campus, like the Black Business Student Association, African Student Organization, National Association of Black Accountants, and many more. In my free time I swim, do content creating, and work on my YouTube channel. After college, I plan to return to Nigeria to work in the finance industry, as a consultant or investment baker, before starting my own investment firms to provide affordable financial services to many Nigerians.

Country of origin: Nigeria