Gloria Phiri

Focus Areas

Gloria Phiri is the Executive Director and Founder of Pride Initiative, a women-led organization in Malawi dedicated to empowering vulnerable girls and single mothers through vocational skills training, and entrepreneurship development. Through the Youth Arise Project, the organization supports survivors of physical and sexual abuse by equipping them with practical skills in tailoring, ICT, and farming, while also linking them to employment and business opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to further abuse.

Phiri is a social impact leader with over 11 years of experience in financial services and community development. She has worked extensively in strategic partnerships, youth and women empowerment, and civic participation. Gloria was selected as a speaker at the Women in AI Ethics (WAIE+ USA) session during the now postponed RightsCon 2026.

“As a visionary leader I strive to create inclusive opportunities that empower girls and women to achieve dignity, independence, and sustainable change.”