Ms. Jackie Kado Olang is the Executive Director of the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). NASAC, whose secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya, is a consortium of twenty-eight science academies in Africa, with membership drawn from all spheres of science. Jackie is a Masters of Arts graduate in Project Planning and Management (MA-PPM) from the University of Nairobi.  She also holds a Bachelor of Education degree (BEd.) in Mathematics and Commerce, from the same university. Her specialization is project management for policy in science and she has over eighteen years’ experience working with scientists in Africa. She is an astute proponent for home-grown solutions that will enable Africa overcome its challenges and realize its potential. Besides her role in NASAC, she also provides input to a number of African initiatives and serves on the several national and international Committees.