Dr. Ellen is a renowned leader in Tanzania's public health, with over 28 years of experience boasting a three-dimensional understanding of Tanzania’s health sector from working with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, multilateral organizations, and Non-Government Organizations (NGO). She currently works as the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation from 2006 to date.

Dr. Ellen is a Medical Doctor by profession with a master’s degree in public health and an award recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Science D.Sc. (Honoris Causa) bestowed by The Hubert Kairuki Memorial University-Tanzania, on the massive wide-ranging contribution and success in the health sector.

Through Dr. Ellen's visionary leadership, a coalition of Non-State Actors (NSAs) in the Health Sector was adopted with the Mkapa Foundation leading as the secretariat. She has represented the Non-State Actors in various policy and strategic in-country and International health sector-related dialogues with the Governments, Development Partners, and Private Sector.