Abbie Wade is a communications officer for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

In her role, she is committed to showcasing the Fellowship’s impact across the United States and Africa. She manages the Fellowship’s social media presence; develops website stories, press releases, and other editorial content; and manages program video content development and production.

Prior to this role, Abbie served as communications coordinator from 2020 to 2021, supporting both the Mandela Washington Fellowship and IREX’s Strategic Communications Unit. Prior to joining IREX, Abbie supported media outreach efforts and social media engagement for nonprofits, governmental organizations, and corporations at GMMB, a strategic communications firm and advertising agency. Previously, she assisted with marketing and communications at GuideStar, including maintaining the organization’s social media presence and regularly contributing content to the GuideStar blog. Abbie also interned for WCVB News in Boston and Allied Integrated Marketing.

Abbie graduated magna cum laude from The George Washington University with a bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication and political science. Her academic coursework focused on digital media communication tools and media and peacebuilding.