Over the past few weeks, a sense of community has been buzzing in four different corners of the world – Nepal, Nigeria, Brazil, and India. In these areas, our dedicated Community and Domain leaders took local initiatives and turned them into memorable events for our Aspire Alumni. Their creativity and perseverance gave rise to meetups that nurtured connections, setting the stage for meaningful growth in every locale.
Nepal: Building Threads of Friendship
For the first time, our Community and Domain leaders in Nepal spearheaded the Aspire Alumni Nepali meetup at Rustic Chiya in Kathmandu on January 18, 2025. The session saw 39 alumni gather from four different districts — Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kavre. Aspire Nepali भेटघाट: Building Threads of Friendship was the name of the meeting — a name that perfectly captured the gathering’s spirit. People clustered around tables to chat and play bingo or rock paper scissors, activities that served to bring them closer.
Within minutes, introductions turned into real connections as alumni bonded over shared experiences.
“Passionate and energetic alumni came together to brainstorm innovative event ideas, showcasing their commitment to driving educational change in Nepal,” shared Sony Sherpa, Community leader.
From brainstorming sessions to a heartfelt pledge of continued engagement, the Nepal alumni left feeling inspired, unified, and ready to lay the groundwork for the community’s next steps.
“[This meeting was a] great opportunity to network and hear inspiring stories about people’s experiences and work,” Aayushree Nepal noted.
Nigeria: A Visionary Start in Ibadan and Online
On January 4, 2025, a Nigeria Aspire Alumni gathering was held at the FCR in ABH, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Brought to life through the efforts of local Community and Domain leaders, this event was a key milestone in uniting the Nigerian alumni base.
“The participants benefited mostly from the mentorship and networking sessions, and we hope to do even better at the next event,” said Ibeye Esther, one of the leaders in charge of planning the meetup.
Twenty alumni assembled to talk about their collective vision for the Aspire Alumni Community in Nigeria and set concrete targets for the coming year.
Moreover, there was a mentorship session led by Dr. Olusegun Adejare, a deputy director of Physiotherapy at UCH and an accomplished leader in his field. He spoke about Visionary Leadership, weaving in personal anecdotes that underscored the importance of perseverance and professional growth.
While in-person events have been attractive, the Nigerian community and domain leaders have also been organizing several engaging online events. One among them was the ‘Understanding Community Needs’ event organized by Awesome Akinfewa, which saw over fifty participants. Olutayo, a renowned community relations expert, facilitated the session and shared actionable strategies for conducting needs assessments and aligning projects with community priorities.
Brazil: Creating Our Alumni Community Online Event
On January 15th, an excited crowd of around 40 to 50 participants hopped onto Zoom for Creating Our Alumni Community. Led by local leaders who designed this pilot project, the forum aimed to deepen connections among Aspire alumni across Brazil. The event started with a simple, uplifting premise: “We are not just a group; we are a community.” From there, participants dove into discussions about how to strengthen bonds, share opportunities, and keep one another motivated.
By the time the virtual doors closed, it was clear that everyone was eager for this to become more than a one-off event.
“The exchange of ideas and engagement demonstrated that this initiative meets a real need in the community, creating a space for continuous support and belonging”, said Thiago Santana, one of the Community leaders who organized the event.
India: Reimagining Healthcare in Rural Communities with Dr. Vishesh Kasliwal
In India, our leaders have been busy organizing several virtual sessions. One among them focused on healthcare innovation. Thirty participants joined a talk with Dr. Vishesh Kasliwal on Opportunities in Rural Healthcare, examining how telemedicine is reshaping access to medical services in remote areas. Attendees came away not just with a more holistic view of telemedicine’s potential, but also with actionable insights on logistics, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement. Dr. Kasliwal’s fervent commitment to improving rural healthcare resonated; participants were visibly inspired to explore ways they could adapt similar strategies in their own fields. As participants shared with Zoya Jawed, one of the leaders in charge of the event “[they] are eager for more sessions on related topics in the future!”
Looking Ahead: One Community, Many Voices
These four events serve as reminders of how local leaders, equipped with fresh ideas and a collaborative spirit, can spark new horizons within our global Aspire community. From Kathmandu to Ibadan, from a Zoom call in Brazil to a telemedicine discussion in India, each gathering offered a unique blend of connection, insight, and optimism.
We celebrate our Community and Domain leaders for their unwavering dedication to making these events a reality. Their creativity and perseverance ensured that each meetup felt like a true reflection of local needs, passions, and aspirations. Stay tuned for more in-country events!
