Tracy undertook a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Edinburgh, and “hoped to learn how to strengthen [her] commitment to leadership and service.” As the founder of the non-profit ATTA Breastmilk Community, Tracy completed her degree and was able to simultaneously implement her learnings into the organisation. Tracy Ahumuza, pictured in Old College Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Edinburgh has been a journey of growth and discovery. It felt very much like joining a family that is rooting for you at every corner. The experiences have broadened my global perspective, strengthened my leadership skills, and deepened my commitment to tackling maternal mental health, and newborn health challenges. Tracy Ahumuza Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program alumna Read more about Tracy’s journey and her non-profit ATTA Breastmilk Community Choosing a programme of study When asked what led her to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, Tracy replied, “I applied hoping to join the network of changemakers that the Mastercard Foundation has cultivated over the years. From my previous role as head of health communications at the Infectious Diseases Institute in Uganda, I knew they were dedicated to saving lives and livelihoods, and this mission deeply resonated with me. Having started ATTA, I hoped to learn how to strengthen my commitment to leadership and service.” As a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tracy explains, “I had very little knowledge on how to run a non-profit business and wanted to understand the practical aspects of start-up management and novel innovations in the context of my community. I hoped the degree would merge my career in health communication with business to create sustainable systems for ATTA to outlive my personal interventions. I got more than the degree, and have had access to business idea competitions and accelerators that have been extremely helpful. I have even been able to teach the team back home things as I learn them.” “I feel better equipped with the expertise and network to accelerate ATTA’s mission as we work towards ending preventable newborn deaths in Uganda. I expect that there is still a lot of learning to do, but I am definitely better positioned to drive impactful, community-led solutions that have the potential to transform healthcare across Africa.” Envisioning the future “I have a big dream to make ATTA a model for community-led breast milk banking on the African continent. I want to see a world where all newborn babies have access to the human milk they need to survive and thrive, even in the absence of their mother’s milk. I want to see a world where maternal mental health is prioritised. I feel that this past year at the Business School has helped me understand what that might look like. I have had to confront my understanding of non-profit businesses and begin building for financial stability and sustainability of our work. I envision using the skills I have gained to form collaborations that will make all of this work possible. I hope that very soon breast milk donation will be as normalised as blood donation.” Studying in Edinburgh Returning to studying after nine years and travelling to Edinburgh for her one-year master’s Tracy reflects, "I felt very much like I was living in the storybooks I read as a child. Edinburgh is a beautiful city. The views are ethereal even on the darkest, rainy or windy day.” When asked to tell us something about her culture, her first response was, “there is no gathering without food in our culture.” Tracy as part of the bride’s entourage at a Ugandan traditional wedding ceremony. Read more about Tracy’s story Liquid Gold: Tracy Ahumuza and the ATTA Breastmilk Community Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Publication date 15 Nov, 2024
