CALA Cohort 3 Progress Report

CALA is an initiative led by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and implemented in collaboration with the African Management Institute (AMI).

Elise Mahoro is a Senior Project Manager at International Alert, where she

works at the intersection of food systems and peace-building. Her story reflects

both professional advancement and personal resilience. She completed the

intensive 16-month course while expectant, becoming a new mother, and

transitioning into a new leadership role, all at the same time.

Elise joined CALA to strengthen her leadership skills, having realized that while

many professionals are equipped with technical expertise, fewer understand

how to lead diverse teams effectively. Through training and coaching, she

gained deeper insight into emotional intelligence and adaptive management,

lessons that reshaped her leadership style. She now takes a tailored approach

to supporting team members based on their unique strengths and needs, while

fostering collaboration and accountability.

Elise Mahoro – Rwanda