Tasha Mhakayakora

Fulbright All-Disciplines Postgraduate Award - University of Washington

Tasha is an award-winning social activist who believes every child deserves to be healthy, no matter where they live. As founding co-chair of Bite Back's Youth Board and now one of its youngest trustees, she has led national campaigns and worked alongside policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to advance healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food systems.

She graduated from the University of Warwick with a BA (Hons) in Sociology before completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Law and Master of Laws at the University of Law. This interdisciplinary background shaped her commitment to challenging narratives of individual responsibility by focusing on the structural factors that influence health long before choices are made.

As a grantee, Tasha will pursue a Master of Public Health at the University of Washington, where she hopes to contribute to and learn from a community tackling global health challenges through bold, innovative, and evidence-based solutions.

Outside her advocacy, Tasha is an accomplished debater. Over 15 years with Debate Mate, from student to associate, she has represented the UK internationally while helping hundreds of young people develop the confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills to thrive. She looks forward to continuing this passion through the UW Debate Society and Centre for Speech & Debate.