Wakuna Galega, PhD is a visionary leader and a distinguished expert in sustainability, with a multifaceted career spanning pharmaceuticals, aesthetics, international development, environmental sustainability, and venture capital. Her academic excellence is highlighted by a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, where she made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of biodegradable plastics. With a fervent commitment to advancing economic growth in Africa, Wakuna is entrepreneurial spirited. She currently leads emerging ventures in real estate and manufacturing in Cameroon.

During her PhD at Stanford University, Wakuna pioneered research that revealed for the first time, the potential of microorganisms to convert greenhouse gas mixtures into biodegradable plastics. As a result of this groundbreaking discovery, her work earned a prestigious million-dollar NASA grant, through which she led the development of innovative, cost-effective methods to enhance biodegradable plastics production for space explorations. Her contributions include authoring a patent and publishing peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the intellectual property landscape and academic discourse related to tackling plastic pollution.

Wakuna’s expertise spans sustainable practices within the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are seamlessly integrated into business strategies. As a forward-thinker and trailblazer, she launched a green chemistry initiative at a global multinational company, driving sustainable process development, and shaping industry practices. She currently holds a strategic role in performance innovation within her organization. Her role involves identifying and implementing process improvements that not only enhance business performance but also contribute to the company's broader commitment to corporate responsibility. Her projects to date are on track to save the company millions of dollars through the implementation of innovative cost cutting strategies and revenue optimization.

Wakuna has a robust international background, having worked with esteemed organizations such as the World Bank and the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce (USGCC). Her contributions to global sustainability initiatives have solidified her reputation as a leader in the field. In addition to her roles with global organizations, Wakuna has played a pivotal role in the clean tech and climate tech sectors. Her consulting work with multiple start-ups has been instrumental in advancing innovative solutions that address environmental challenges. As a venture capital investor, Wakuna has a keen eye for identifying promising investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs addressing real-world problems.

Born and raised in Cameroon, Wakuna harbors a profound passion for the African continent and a deep-rooted commitment to its economic growth. As the CEO and Co-Founder of FELOWA Community Homes, she spearheads an innovative real estate venture dedicated to addressing Cameroon’s housing shortage. By developing high-quality homes within planned and secure communities, Wakuna is driving forward sustainable urban development and improving living standards in the region.

Wakuna’s global exposure, coupled with her African heritage, uniquely positions her to bring a rich diverse perspective, and an extensive wealth of experience and insight to the SIU board of overseers.