Manjay Konneh

Manjay Konneh is a freshman from Guinea living in Philadelphia, studying Health and Societies on the pre-med track. This semester, she will travel to Gaborone, Botswana through a Penn Global Seminar to explore Botswana’s healthcare system with the emergence of cancer, and explore how traditional medicine is incorporated in the system. On campus, Manjay serves on the Women’s Cardiac Health Committee of the Heart Health Club and is an active member of HAIP, a student organization dedicated to supporting African immigrants in West Philadelphia by providing health resources and education on topics such as women’s health. On Fridays, she works with high school students through the Anti-Violence Youth Program at the Netter Center, a role she values deeply as it allows her to give back to the community while gaining meaningful hands-on experience. Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find her laughing with friends at Pottruck, whether swimming (even though she can’t!) or working out or going to any painting related event on campus. She is passionate about addressing health disparities and advancing global health equity, particularly for women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

During her upcoming trip, she is particularly looking forward to…
● Returning to the African continent after six years away
● Learning more about the intersection of traditional and modern medicine in Botswana
● Going to the safari in Botswana
● Meeting her assigned Penn Pal high school student in person
● Exploring the local community
● Enjoying warm weather after a long winter
● Learning a bit of Setswana