RISE is thrilled to host Bonnie Sepora, a Community Solutions Program Fellow, for an 8-week virtual practicum. Bonnie is a lecturer at the Institute of Development Management and a community organizer focusing on LGBTQ+ advocacy in Gaborone, Botswana.

Bonnie holds a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the University of Pretoria. In addition, they are a graduate of the Young African Leaders Initiative with nearly a decade of experience in the human rights movement in Botswana and internationally, particularly standing for the rights of marginalized groups in the Sub-Saharan Africa diaspora. Bonnie has worked with various organizations in Botswana, including Friends of Diversity, DITSHWANELO—The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, SRHR Africa Trust, Young African Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA), among others.

We are looking forward to working closely with Bonnie during their practicum. We will develop communication strategies around reforming the birth/death registry to affirm transgender and intersex citizens in Botswana and advancing responsible, inclusive sexuality education in Tennessee. We also hope to create networking opportunities for Bonnie with local partners and plan to do complementary short documentaries about access to HIV/AIDS treatment, affirming medical care, and responsible, inclusive sexuality edcuation in Botswana and Upper East Tennessee.

The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a professional development program for the best and brightest global community leaders working on issues related to the environment, tolerance and conflict resolution, transparency and accountability, and women and gender.

Through tailored, hands-on learning experiences and the Community Leadership Institute, fellows gain valuable experience in U.S.-based community work, increase skills and knowledge, strengthen their capacity for leadership and development in their home countries, bring years of experience to community development in the United States, and create action plans for community-based initiatives back home.

U.S.-based institutions that host CSP fellows are community-based, non-profit organizations or government offices that actively engage in community development projects. Fellows and hosts work together and learn from each other during an 8-week practicum.