Marie Bellon has extensive experience across francophone Africa, supporting local associations and authorities, civil society groups, women’s networks, and community leaders working to improve daily life in challenging environments. With expertise in community resilience, gender and social inclusion and participative governance—and experience at FHI 360, Forum Réfugiés, ASMAE, and UNDP— Marie believes that meaningful impact comes from human-centred collaboration, led by communities in their own language, adapted to the local context. Deeply convinced of the transformative potential of solar energy and inspired by the creativity and strength of the women and youth she has met in remote areas, Marie joined SunRoots to help expand access to sustainable energy and human development. She holds a master’s degree from the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.