Mary Lancelot
2025 Fellow
Founder and CEO, MLC Fashion

Mary Lancelot is a dynamic and purpose-driven social entrepreneur committed to building a sustainable future through circular economy principles. She is the founder and CEO of MLC Fashion, a social enterprise that upcycles plastic waste, fabric scraps, and secondhand clothing into fashionable, eco-conscious products. Mary’s innovative approach to sustainability addresses both environmental pollution and youth unemployment in Ghana. Mary blends her academic knowledge with her entrepreneurial drive to create meaningful impact. She is currently pursuing an MBA in International Action Learning in Food Security at Business School Netherlands, further equipping her to lead and scale sustainable enterprises.
Mary has mentored over 50 young women in her community and facilitated entrepreneurship training sessions for adult literacy groups and graduates. Her work has been recognized with awards, including Best Regional Entrepreneur in Ghana’s North East Region. In 2023, she was selected for Vital Voices’ Global Ambassadors Program Virtual Summit, where she engaged with global leaders and sharpened her leadership capabilities. She was awarded Youth in Business (1st Runner up) by Africa Youth Excellence Awards, 2024.
Mary’s long-term goal is to expand her influence across Africa by empowering more young people to embrace green entrepreneurship. Through coaching and strategic partnerships, she continues to inspire the next generation to view waste as a resource and sustainability as an opportunity. Her mantra, “Turning waste into wonder,” embodies her mission to protect the planet while building livelihoods.