Dr Cerene Rathilal is a 2014 MRF scholar. She holds a PhD in Pure Mathematics from UKZN and is currently a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. She is the JFAC for Algebra and Topology at the CoE-MaSS, is a fellow of the National graduate academy for Mathematics and Statistical sciences and a Canon Collins Scholars' scholar. Cerene is passionate about community engagement and empowerment of youth. Through the Mathematical Development initiative (MDI) and ABSOLUTE X, she has reached over 2000 students who have benefited from free Mathematics lessons. As a Rotarian, she has organized and facilitated numerous outreach programmes including computer literacy classes, teacher training workshops and Career guidance programs for high school learners.