Velma Funebe

Junior, University of Maryland, Public Health with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
LearnServe Alum

Board Member since 2025

Velma Funebe is a junior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, pursuing a degree in Public Health with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She is a student changemaker and social entrepreneur passionate about advancing health and social innovation. Her journey has taken her from nonprofit community work to biotechnology and clinical research, and even into aerospace engineering. These experiences shaped her vision for creating healthier, more equitable futures.

Velma is the founder of BraidsbyVelma and iBraid, initiatives that combine creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship to reimagine the beauty industry. She has also contributed to projects in clinical trials and global health, focusing on elevating diverse voices and ensuring that research reflects the communities it serves.

Born and raised in Cameroon, Velma brings a global perspective to her work, grounded in her roots and her commitment to building bridges across cultures. She is also learning German, a reflection of her belief in lifelong learning and meaningful connection. At her core, Velma aspires to design solutions that uplift communities, expand opportunity, and drive lasting change.