Trophy of Women in Stem Award by Women on Boards Network with Dr Chao Mbogho as the winner

My distinctions include select fellowships and recognitions that highlight a career dedicated to advancing responsible computing, inclusive tech mentorship, and STEM education. From global science fellowships to continental leadership awards, each recognition reflects both personal commitment and the collective impact of the communities I serve.

  • Leaders of Africa Institute | April to December 2025

    Selected as one of 125 leaders from 3,000 applicants across 30 countries to the Grant Writing Scholar program, to hone science communication and fundraising skills to expand the impact of my computing research. Recognized with three awards: Best Capstone Proposal, Best Project Education and Empowerment, Audience Vote Award at the Grant Writing Showcase Event in Dec 2025.

  • Stimson Center | 2024

    Selected to join stakeholders from developing countries to discuss artificial intelligence, evaluate the technology's impact around the world, and propose responsible ways forward.

  • The Mozilla Foundation | 2022-Present

    Leading Responsible Computing efforts in Kenya.

  • TechWomen | 2017

    Selected as 1 of 100 women in STEM worldwide to spend 5 weeks in Silicon Valley in professional development. Part of Kenya’s team of five that won a Techwomen pitching competition.

Trophy issued to team Kenya that included Dr Chao Mbogho for winning Techwomen 2017 Pitch

Fellowships

Certificate issued to Dr Chao Mbogho for winning africa region short talks big impact OWSD research competition

Select Recognition & Awards

  • Awarded as part of the Leaders of Africa Institute Grant Writing Fellowship, in December 2025, following a competitive capstone showcase of 16 finalists selected from over 125 scholars.

    My capstone project, centered on the KamiLimu mentorship model, was recognized by the award committee with the Nodumo Dhlamini Education and Empowerment Award for its contribution to building capacity and advancing education. The project also received the Best Proposal Award for overall excellence among all showcased capstone projects and the Audience Choice Award, reflecting strong resonance with a live audience of peers, funders, and practitioners during the final pitch session.

    Together, these recognitions affirm the project’s educational impact, clarity of vision, and relevance to inclusive skills development and responsible innovation in Africa.

  • A 2025 award by the Women on Boards Network recognizing a woman who has enhanced the visibility and importance of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), both in the public and private sectors.

  • OWSD’s Short Talks, Big Impacts competition in 2025, invited 11 finalists from three regional rounds (Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Asia-Arab) to present their research in dynamic 3-minute talks. Chosen as the Africa Region winner and placed 3rd globally, I delivered a research talk on“Nurturing Employability Using Structured Mentorship for University-Level Tech Students in Kenya.”

  • DIAR Awards by Daima Trust Kenya | 2025

    Recognized as an influential leader in diversity, inclusion, and representation.

  • Reimagine Education Awards | 2020

    The work I lead at KamiLimu was selected as a Silver global winner & Africa Regional Gold winner for its mentorship model that nurtures employability and enhances learning. The work was chosen as one of the leading applications from a cohort of 1500.

  • The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World & Elsevier Foundation | 2020

    Selected as 1 of 5 women globally and the first Kenyan recipient to receive the award as a recognition for impact in research, innovation, and community involvement.