Atlas Corps celebrates its 15th anniversary! It is time to celebrate the achievements of our amazing network of over 1,100 leaders from 110 countries and share stories on the global impact of our Alumni, Fellows, and Scholars.
Today we speak with Atlas Corps Scholar Lombe (Cohort 3, Zambia) from our Virtual Leadership Institute. As the Programmes Manager (Voice) at Restless Development Zambia and an Operations Analyst for the Environment Unit at the World Bank, Lombe is a driver for both youth empowerment and climate change. Restless Development is a nongovernmental organization that empowers youth by elevating their voices for decision-making at the individual and community levels. Lombe shares with us how she has applied her passion and leadership skills towards global impact.
Lombe, we are truly inspired by and grateful for your impressive work towards youth empowerment and climate action in Zambia. Thank you for sharing with us your global impact, as well as your personal and professional growth. We wish you the best with this impactful work!
Name: Lombe Tembo Home Country: Zambia Current Organization: Restless Development; World Bank Role at current organization: Programmes Manager (Voice); Operations Analyst (Consultant) Social Issues that you have worked with: Climate action, Decent work and economic growth, Peace, justice and strong institutions |
Tell us about projects you have worked on?
I currently work for Restless Development Zambia as well as the World Bank. For Restless Development, I manage the projects and programs that are related to governance work and the engagement of young people with their duty bearers. As for the World Bank, my role is to support the task team with the operations of the projects in the Zambia Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) portfolio. I also provide support to the unit management in terms of portfolio monitoring.
Why is it important for you to promote sustainable development for the youth and underprivileged populations?
I am passionate about young people being involved in development processes, and making sure that they know where they can find information and opportunities for meaningful youth engagement. I am also passionate about the environment and climate change, and that is why my role at the World Bank under the Environment Unit is so fulfilling.
How has Atlas Corps contributed to your professional and personal accomplishments?
The different modules that I was exposed to have helped me in both my personal and professional growth, and they have helped me to really think critically about how I can increase impact in my work with the various competing priorities that may come up in my life.
What is your favorite Atlas Corps memory?
The very first call, which started with a playlist of songs sent in by Cohort 3 of the Virtual Leadership Institute, was my favorite one. It was particularly exciting for me because it reminded me of the amount of diversity that is celebrated and made possible by Atlas Corps. This might have been a purely virtual platform but it has helped me to forge some really good friendships and networks.
What advice do you have for applicants and current Scholars?
Being a part of Atlas Corps is one of the best decisions that you could make. You learn so much more than you might expect and you get a whole new family that you can relate to on a personal and professional level. Atlas Corps is exactly what comes to mind when I remind myself to surround myself with the right people.
What message would you like to send to individuals who support Atlas Corps?
You are doing such a commendable job and touching so many lives with the support that you are giving to Atlas Corps. For you, it might be one small action, but the multiplier effect is tremendous because you are ultimately growing leaders who later applies this excellence in their own work. Thank you, sincerely, for your contributions.
On November 20, Atlas Corps celebrates 15 years of engaging social change leaders. Join us to honor our legacy of service with more than 1,100 leaders from 110 countries at the Atlas Corps 15-Year Anniversary Gala. We will convene friends of Atlas Corps from all sectors and regions of the world to reflect on 15 years of engaging social changemakers and inspire towards our future. Join to connect with our community, meet Fellows, and celebrate Atlas Corps!
Photos from the personal archive of Lombe Tembo