Cason Kirby (he/they) is a program officer for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

In this role they manage the professional development experiences component, matching fellows with U.S. organizations for short-term professional development placements. He previously supported the Fellowship as intern, consultant, program associate, and program coordinator.

Cason has taught English in secondary schools in France and facilitated projects in human rights, public health, and youth development as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal. Before returning to IREX, they also worked at COVID-19 testing sites at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and provided outreach services to the unhoused population in New York City.

Cason holds a BA in French and international trade from Clemson University and speaks Fulani.