Stella Cherop

Stella Cherop serves as the Deputy Executive Director of Nala Center, where she plays a critical leadership role in driving the Center's strategic direction and programmatic work. With over five years of experience working with both local and international organizations, Stella brings deep expertise in climate resilience, peace and security, youth and women in conflict, geopolitics, and statecraft. She is passionate about bridging research, policy, and grassroots experiences to influence practical, inclusive solutions for Africa's evolving challenges.

In addition to her role at Nala Center, Stella is a Research Fellow at the Africa Policy Institute, an independent Pan-African think tank committed to generating policy-relevant research that informs transformative change across the continent. Stella is also a committed advocate for local-global partnerships and believes that lived experiences especially those of communities directly affected by conflict or climate shocks must be at the heart of policy design and implementation. Her approach is shaped by a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between governance, human security, and development.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies at the University of Nairobi, deepening her academic grounding in conflict transformation, mediation, and post-conflict recovery. Stella is known for her collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and commitment to empowering communities through knowledge, advocacy, and inclusive leadership.