Susan Opok

Susan Opok is a 2023 Echidna Global scholar at Brookings. Her research focuses on the efficacy in implementation of school reentry for refugees and host communities in Adjumani District in Uganda.

She is a motivated and strategic female development executive who exudes passion, with the aim to create impact. She is currently the executive director of Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Chapter and has led three other nongovernmental organizations. She served as Uganda country director for Nurture Africa and for Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), which focused on providing socioeconomic services, education, maternal and HIV/AIDS care, protection, health and institutional systems strengthening, research, and advocacy to enhance gender equality. She also served as program manager at Windle Trust Uganda in the Acholi Bursary Scheme, which provided education and psychosocial support to former child soldiers and young mothers to facilitate reconciliation, reintegration, and reconstruction of northern Uganda.

Opok has worked closely with the government of Uganda and development partners at national, subnational, and international levels, including engaging with technical working groups and networks. In her community efforts, she sits on various boards, mentors, and advocates for girls’ education—a cause she believes in passionately and that has heightened her resilience and self-awareness.

She holds a Master of Science in Natural resource management and sustainable agriculture from the Agricultural University of Norway, a Master of Science in environment science from Makerere University, and a bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy from Makerere University.