Introducing our 2021 Peacock Fellow

Written by Keerti Kalluru

My name is Keerti Kalluru, and I am excited to join CFK this year as the UNC Peacock Fellow. I am an undergraduate student at UNC pursuing degrees in Nutrition and Human Development & Family Studies. During my time at UNC, I have had the opportunity to engage in global health research, which fueled my interest in addressing health disparities especially in the field of maternal and child health. I believe in working with communities to improve access to nutrition and education, both of which can lead to healthy development and livelihoods. 

In addition to my research work, I am the co-president of Healing in Motion – a student organization at UNC that promotes the well-being of people with chronic illness through dance – and I volunteer with Birth Beginnings Doula Volunteer Services. 

I firmly believe in and support CFK’s community-driven approach and work to alleviate poverty throughout informal settlements. I am eager to elevate the work being done in Kibera and amplify the voices of community leaders for CFK’s 20th anniversary.

As this year’s UNC Peacock Fellow, I will be focusing on communications efforts for CFK’s 20th anniversary by creating promotional content and increasing engagement and fundraising.

In addition, I will support the expansion of CFK’s ethical research platform and will work on nutrition-related projects in collaboration with the Lishe Bora Mtaani Nutrition Centre in Kibera. Although this year has not been typical, I am really enthusiastic about contributing to CFK and maybe (hopefully!) will have the opportunity to witness the work of the wonderful team in Kenya sometime this year.

Here is a little more information about me: 

Hobbies: I love to dance! I have been dancing Bharatanatyam (an Indian classical dance form) since I was seven years old. I am on a dance team at UNC and one of my favorite memories is when we won 2nd place at a national competition in Chicago. I also like reading, watching movies, and trying out arts and crafts. 

Fun Fact: I lived in India for seven years and can speak three Indian languages – Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. 

One new thing I learned this year: My grandmother taught me how to use the sewing machine. 

Keerti performing with her dance team at UNC. Keerti visiting Golconda Fort in India.

 Help fund future international experiences for students. 

Stories of Progress Introducing our 2021 Peacock FellowKeerti Kalluru is joining CFK as our 2021 Peacock Fellow. Keerti is a UNC student studying nutrition and human development and family studies. This year, she will be helping develop communications and fundraising material for our 20th Anniversary. Celebrating International Women’s Day 2021As part of the K-GAN, CFK worked with 25 local organizations to organize a procession and celebration in honor of this year's International Women's Day, which recognized the critical role women play in ensuring an equitable recovery from COVID-19. Research, Connections, and CommunityBorn, raised, and educated in Kibera, Melvin Ochieng connected with CFK during its early years. Now, 15 years later, he works as a Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), one of CFK’s largest research partners. Read more stories

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