Welcome

Talla Cisse is a recognized leader in global development and education, dedicated to ending inequity through community-led solutions. Named an AGYLE 40 under 40 Leader and an African Visionary Fellow, his work is grounded in both rigorous research and personal experience.

After immigrating to the U.S. at age 12, where he was initially labeled “at risk,” Talla’s journey through the education system ignited a lifelong passion for unlocking human potential. This drives his professional mission: to use qualitative and quantitative methods to understand systemic challenges and co-design sustainable solutions with communities.

He has contributed his expertise to premier organizations including the World Bank, Harvard University, the United Nations’ Foundation, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-authored a pivotal report at Harvard on global education reform, “Education to Build Back Better.”

In 2019, Talla channeled this commitment into co-founding the Foundation for a Healthier Senegal (FOHSEN). Under his leadership, FOHSEN increases access to essential maternal and infant health services in rural Senegal by deploying digitally-empowered community health workers. For this impactful work, he was recognized by the American Institutes for Research as a Champion for Change.

Talla holds two master’s degrees—in Public Administration (Joseph R. Biden Jr. School of Public Policy) and International Policy (Harvard University). His undergraduate work was completed at the Mississippi State University. His insights have been featured in publications like Business Insider and he has presented his research globally.