Programs Fortune - U.S. Department of State
Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership

The Fortune – U.S. Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership is a public-private partnership between Fortune Most Powerful Women, the U.S. Department of State, and Vital Voices Global Partnership. The program draws on the expertise of America’s most accomplished leaders to enhance the business and leadership skills of international professionals. During the program, mentees engage in skills trainings, panel discussions, networking events, and a mentorship program with top executives and their teams. Past mentors have come from America’s most prestigious companies, such as CVS Health, Johnson & Johnson, AIG, and Accenture. From this program, mentees gain critical business and leadership skills and the inspiration to pay it forward, accelerating positive change in their home communities. Now in its 20th year, the program includes 399 alumnae from 60 countries and territories.
Alumni are supported post-program through various forms of engagement. Each year, alumnae from a select region are invited to attend the International Alumnae Component featuring a successful American woman leader as a mentor and sessions to share best practices, discuss challenges, and form a regional network of leaders. Additionally, alumnae become members of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network of over 47,000 leaders worldwide as well as the U.S. Department of State International Exchange Alumni online community, offering them access to more than one million U.S. Government exchange program alumni across the globe, free professional publications and research resources, and millions of dollars in grant opportunities.
Meet The Mentees
Thi Nguyen
2024 Mentee, Co-Founder & CEO of INCONCEPT
Nguyen Ho Ngoc Thi is Co-Founder and CEO of INCONCEPT interior co. Ltd as well as co-founder and owner of Viengachy trading & service co. Ltd. In the past she has served as President of the BNI Connect Chapter and as a mentor for the Women’s Empowerment Club hosted by the US Consulate. She also brings her experience as a Project Development Manager for LG International Corp as well as her time as a Senior Executive with Sumitomo Corp Vietnam LLC.
Beyond her professional life, she is a mother of 2 teenagers, a Full Marathon runner, a relay Ironman 70.3 members (swim 1.9 km in the sea), top highest mountain Vietnam’s trekker.

Uthpala Pathirana
2024 Mentee, Founder and Managing Director of WhimsicalWits
Uthpala Pathirana, Managing Director of WhimsicalWits in Sri Lanka, embodies resilience and innovation. Raised in a village, she began her career as a web editor at TV Derana, teaching herself 3D modeling before advancing to roles as a 3D modeler and Project Manager at Mogo Games. She later founded WhimsicalWits, focusing on educational games, including “Cyber Hero”, a game funded by Internews to teach South Asian teens about internet security.
Beyond WhimsicalWits, Uthpala serves as a Director at Digital Turtles, advocating for digital literacy and social engagement in Sri Lanka. Passionate about empowering women in creative fields, she leads the Women in Motion program, offering mentorship and resources to women entering animation, game development, and digital industries.
Uthpala’s vision is to expand WhimsicalWits globally and inspire more women to pursue creative tech careers, marking her as a leader committed to impactful, inclusive change in digital and creative industries.

Mohau Leteka
2024 Mentee, CEO & Founder of IDF Capital
Mohau Polo Leteka is an entrepreneur and private equity investor, who is the Founder and CEO of IDF Capital – a South African-based entrepreneurial financier and advisory firm. Through IDF Capital, Mohau has contributed towards channelling investments into women-owned SMEs across South Africa. In 2015, she co-founded AlitheiaIDF to continue investing in high growth, women-owned and -led businesses across sub-Saharan Africa.
Mohau is an accountant with experience in the public and private sectors. She led the development of South Africa’s first Codes of Good Practice on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, a government policy aimed at transforming the economic landscape. This ground-breaking work has changed how Corporate South Africa interacts with the rest of the economy and has positioned her as a thought leader in areas of economic transformation and development in her writing and as a public speaker. Mohau is the current President of Association of Black Securities and Investment Professional (ABSIP).

Katarzyna Kowalska
2024 Mentee, Deputy CEO of KUKE
Katarzyna Kowalska was appointed Vice-President of the Management Board of KUKE in June 2016. She is a graduate of the Poznań Univesity of Economics and Business with a major in Finance and Accounting (specialty in corporate capital investments and financial strategies). Also, a graduate of the International Business Environment during the Summer School Programme at the London School of Economics, Oxford Executive Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford. She also graduated with distinction “INSEAD Online Certificates: Leading in a Transforming World.”
She commenced her professional career in financial consulting. Since 2012, she worked as Business Developer in the payments industry responsible for business development in Central and Eastern European countries, among others in Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Kazakhstan. She handled business relations with banks and interbank institutions, including central banks and clearing houses. In KUKE, the Polish Export Credit Agency, as a Deputy CEO, she is responsible for risk management, all operations, IT and HR. During her term, the company underwent enormous transformation. Revenues increased more than fivefold, all business lines began to generate positive cash flows, the company underwent a digital transformation, and the modern export support system gained international recognition. Her activity in the industry was appreciated and she served as Chairman of the Short Term Committee (2022-2024) of the Berne Union – The International Union of Credit and Investment Insurers.

Naima Ansari
2024 Mentee, Former Vice President at Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry and CEO of Innovations
Naima Ansari is a visionary entrepreneur and community leader whose journey began at a young age. Driven by a passion for empowering others, she has consistently broken barriers in the business world. In 2014, Naima made history as the first female Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she championed the interests of women entrepreneurs across the nation. A founding member of the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she later served as its President in 2021, furthering her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women in Business.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Naima is dedicated to community development. She has trained over 5,000 women and young people in various skills, helping them pursue their dreams and achieve financial independence. Her initiatives have created a ripple effect, encouraging a new generation to take bold steps toward their aspirations. Naima’s creative spirit shines through her background in film. She runs her own production house “Innovations” where she combines storytelling with entrepreneurial flair. Currently, she is preparing to launch an innovative tech platform that aims to revolutionize matrimonial matchmaking by connecting individuals through onsite and online events.
With her extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and forward-thinking approach, Naima Ansari is not just a business leader but also a beacon of hope for countless individuals striving to make their mark in the world. Her journey continues to inspire others to break boundaries and embrace their potential.

Edidiong Amos
2024 Mentee, CEO of Cizoti Nigeria Ltd.
Edidiong Amos is the CEO of Cizoti Nigeria Ltd. and a leading female practitioner in Nigeria’s geospatial private sector, with over 15 years of experience. She is a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management Private Sector Network (UNGGIM-PSN), holds an MSc in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Leeds, UK, and a B.Tech. in Geography/Remote Sensing Application from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
As a Consultant, Edidiong works with many government organizations in Nigeria, including the World Bank. Among many achievements, Edidiong was recently applauded for her outstanding performance as the project lead in the training of 400 young Nigerians on Digital Skills under the IDEAS Project of the Federal Ministry of Education, in partnership with the World Bank. In 2023, Edidiong produced Nigeria’s first documentary on the geospatial sector, founded the country’s premier one-on-one instructor-led eLearning platform, developed Nigeria’s Flood Prediction App, and the first Health Facility Information System for the FCT. In 2022, she was shortlisted for the Business and Innovation in Nigeria category of the British Council Alumni Awards.
Edidiong is also the Founder and Chairperson of the Geoinitiative for Women Empowerment (TGI), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in Nigeria’s geospatial sector. Through TGI, she has provided free training for young women in GIS, drone technology, and additive manufacturing, as well as free mentorship programs, industrial experience opportunities, and sponsored certifications, thereby creating equal opportunities for women to thrive in the geospatial workforce.

Rynee Fandora
2024 Mentee, CEO & Founder of
Rynee Fandora is a pioneering space entrepreneur who has significantly impacted her nation’s space industry. She embodies resilience and a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within her field. She founded a space education startup that has reached over 200,000 students nationwide, promoting STEM learning in areas like space technology, astronomy, coding, and programming. Through this initiative, Rynee inspires the next generation of scientists and explorers, equipping them with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving industry.
On the international stage, Rynee serves as co-chair of a sub-working group for the International Astronomical Union (IAU), advocating for rights and representation in astronomy. She is also part of the IAU’s Sub-working Group for Equity and Inclusion, addressing systemic barriers and fostering diversity within the scientific community.
Her advocacy has earned her global recognition, including an invitation to the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Women4Space expert meeting. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting equality and empowering individuals in STEM worldwide.
Despite societal constraints, Rynee remains dedicated to fostering space exploration and empowering marginalized individuals in the field. Her journey is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and a profound commitment to inclusivity in the space Industry.

Editar Ochieng
2024 Mentee, CEO of Feming’arisha Products
Editar Ochieng is the founder and executive officer for Feminist for Peace, Rights, and Justice Centre and the CEO of Feming’arisha products (a soap with a purpose). She is an unwavering force against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kibera. A survivor of sexual violence herself, she stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other survivors, nurturing their leadership potential to emerge as formidable anti-GBV activists. Not content with just advocacy, Editar empowers these survivors economically, liberating them from dependency and ensuring financial autonomy.
With boundless determination she created a humble yet powerful refuge – a muddy thatched rescue center – to provide solace and safety for women and girls escaping GBV. Her call to action resonates loudly, urging society to dismantle oppressive norms and embrace gender equality. Her aspirations are rooted in seeing a community where the power dynamics of GBV are transformed, where survivors rise as leaders, and where no one suffers in silence. Editar’s legacy is etched in the stories of empowered survivors and the beacon of change she’s ignited in Kibera and beyond.

Tayba Hatimy
2024 Mentee, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Baus Taka Enterprise
Dr. Tayba Hatimy is a dentist by profession and a passionate award-winning Social-Enviropreneur with 7 years of experience in fusing Business Development and Social Impact.
She is an Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (White House led initiative) 2019 Alumna and pitch awardee, Mandela Washington Fellow, Danida Fellow, United Nations Institute of Training and Research Pitch Awardee and Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund grantee (U.S Department of State). Dr Hatimy is a Board Director at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) – Mombasa Chapter and also a member of the National Climate Change & Energy Committee of the KNCCI, former Chair of Environment Committee at Rotary Club of Mombasa and the Coast Regional Representative for Rotary District 9212 Environmental Team for Clubs in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea.
She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Baus Taka Enterprise, a tech-integrated waste management enterprise based in Mombasa County on a mission to combat marine plastic pollution while providing green job opportunities for youth and women from vulnerable communities. Dr. Tayba is deeply committed to leveraging technology for positive oceanic transformations, inspiring both youth and women to actively engage in community-based climate action.

Nivia Tioe
2024 Mentee, Chief Marketing Officer of Homemade Indonesia
I’m Nivia, the Chief Marketing Officer at our company, Homemade Indonesia, where we connect traditional market sellers with buyers through our digital platform. I’m passionate about preserving Indonesia’s food culture, focusing on fresh produce, coffee, and spices, and promoting them both locally and internationally.
I am a passionate storyteller and love engaging in deep conversations, connecting with people from all walks of life. My goal is to invest in communities and enhance digital literacy for meaningful impact. I’m all about building connections and collaborating for a better future.

Smarinita Shetty
2024 Mentee, CEO & Co-Founder of India Development Review (IDR)
Smarinita Shetty is the Co-Founder and CEO at India Development Review (IDR), Asia’s largest media platform on the development sector. She has more than 25 years of experience leading functions across strategy, operations, sales and business development, largely in startup environments. Her core expertise and skills lie in building new markets and ecosystems; she has done this successfully with knowledge process outsourcing, low-income housing and adolescent girl empowerment.
Prior to IDR, Smarinita worked at Dasra, Monitor Inclusive Markets (now FSG), JP Morgan and The Economic Times. She also co-founded Netscribes–India’s first knowledge process outsourcing firm. Smarinita’s work and opinion has been featured in The Economist, Times of India, Mint and The Economic Times, among others. She has a BE in Computer Engineering and an MBA in Finance from Mumbai University.

Maria Del Carmen Molina
2024 Mentee, CEO of Zeon Investment
I’m the General Director and Founding Partner of ZEON Investments, a boutique real estate investment and development company in Guatemala. As a women-led company, we are dedicated to investment management and real estate project development. My expertise lies in business process improvement, project management, and negotiation. I specialize in real estate project development, with participation in projects such as Edificio 19diez Apartamentos, Veinit4 Apartamentos, AILE Apartamentos, and AVIA.
Academic Background: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Project Management from the Business School of UFM (MAPI), also in Guatemala.
I meditate regularly and enjoy supporting others in their personal development through meditation and various therapeutic practices to help them connect with their inner voice.
I have a Positive Psychology Diploma from Universidad Francisco Marroquín and am a Thetahealing Practitioner as well as a Family Constellator with Insconfa in Spain.

Maha Tawfik Badawy
2024 Mentee, Executive Manager of Business Development for Quantum
Maha is a dynamic leader in business development and public administration, known for her strategic foresight and ability to cultivate impactful partnerships. With a Master’s in Public Administration from the American University in Cairo and an international academic experience at Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals, she combines a deep understanding of public policy with a hands-on approach to business strategy. Her career spans diverse industries, where she has consistently driven growth and innovation by connecting vision with actionable results.
In her current role as Executive Manager of Business Development at Quantum, Maha leads initiatives that shape the company’s partnerships, revenue models, and market strategies. She works closely with cross-functional teams to create campaigns that resonate with clients and elevate brand impact. Previously, she headed strategic partnerships at ArabyAds and managed high-profile partnerships, overseeing projects for clients in different regions. Her career achievements reflect a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and the ability to drive cohesive teamwork across disciplines.
Beyond her professional achievements, Maha is passionate about civic leadership, community development, and international diplomacy. She has completed advanced management and project development training and served as a civic leadership fellow, gaining skills that empower her to address complex social and business challenges with innovative solutions.
She believes that the role of leaders is not to be a role model or to drive change, but to create the structures and provide experiences that bring people in the building process together for communal transformation.

Amira Selim
2024 Mentee, CEO of KENNAH
Amira Selim is CEO/Principal Architect of D_Dialogue, a boutique architecture and interior design studio, based in Downtown Cairo since 2016. With the aim of breathing life into existing buildings and spaces, renovating them to accommodate modern-day use, she went on to launch KENNAH in 2021. A tech-enabled hospitality brand that refurbishes and operates under-utilized properties for the purpose of short-term rental, KENNAH provides an innovative working model of Adaptive Reuse, a fundamental principle of Sustainability in the built environment.
Winner of DarE Incubator for Startups in ACE grant, and Tatweer Misr Innovation in Real Estate Competition for Startups, in addition to graduating from AUC VLAB Cycle 20, KENNAH is on a trajectory of growth as a high-potential startup that combines technology with relevant design and engineering expertise to address a real urban problem.
Amira obtained her BSc in Architecture from Ain Shams University in Cairo in 1999, then her MFA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Prior to launching her own practice, she spent more than 15 years exploring the different aspects of the design and construction industry, through positions in both local firms and multi-national corporates, a diversity of experiences that proved invaluable when setting up her own enterprises.

Monnaliza Medeiros
2024 Mentee, Partner & Portfolio Manager at Dealist
Monnaliza Medeiros, 26, from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is an entrepreneur, startup portfolio expert, speaker, and mentor, dedicated to democratizing venture capital access across the country. With over 9 years of experience in the startup ecosystem, she has worked with organizations like Outgo, ITNC business incubator, and Bossanova Investimentos. A graduate in Business
Administration from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, Monnaliza has collaborated with over 80 organizations and supported more than 3,000 startups, impacting all 27 states of Brazil.
Starting her entrepreneurial journey at just 8 years old, Monnaliza has since led educational initiatives with SEBRAE, Junior Achievement, and Campus Party Brazil. Recognized for her dedication, she was awarded Heroína do Ano at the 2022 Startup Awards and consistently ranked among Brazil’s top contributors to the startup ecosystem (2019-2024). She has organized and spoken at major events like Campus Party, CASE, and Startup Summit, impacting over 300,000 people through entrepreneurship education. As a community leader, she revitalized Jerimum Valley, transforming it from fewer than 80 members to a network of over 900 entrepreneurs.
Currently, Monnaliza is a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Dealist and author of the Gerindo Portfólios de Startups newsletter. She actively works to connect Brazil’s geographically distant regions with venture capital opportunities, making these resources accessible to underserved areas. Committed to building bridges in the startup ecosystem, Monnaliza continues to inspire and drive meaningful change across the country.

Katerine Schrupp
2024 Mentee, Founder & CEO of M&K Dress for Success
Katherine Schrupp is a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder of M&K, a brand specializing in executive clothing for both men and women, established 13 years ago. Originally focused on women’s clothing, M&K has successfully expanded to include a comprehensive line for professionals of all genders. The company proudly provides uniforms for the most renowned companies in Bolivia, known for their quality.
With a background in banking, Katherine has extensive experience in risk analysis, as well as in the commercial sector, corporate reporting, and data analysis, enriching her business vision and approach to fashion. Her experience in finance has sharpened her understanding of professionalism, enabling her to create garments that empower individuals in the workplace.
Under her leadership, M&K prioritizes social and economic inclusion, with a workforce that is 50% female, including a woman as the production manager. Katherine is dedicated to providing opportunities for women through training and a supportive work environment, believing that clothing can be a powerful tool for success.
Katherine’s commitment to discipline and excellence drives M&K’s mission to inspire individuals to “Dress for Success.” Looking ahead, she plans to launch a sustainable sportswear line made from recycled fabrics to help conserve the environment, while also aiming to export and internationalize her brand. Through her innovative approach, Katherine Schrupp is transforming the fashion industry in Bolivia and leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

Jovana Romčević
2024 Mentee, Creative Director & Founder of MAM Design Studio
A seasoned design and innovation leader with 15+ years of international experience, I seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. Rooted in Bauhaus philosophy, I’ve successfully navigated diverse sectors, from architecture to digital product design.
As a strategic thinker and creative problem-solver, I excel in design thinking, user experience, and business development. My passion for mentorship and knowledge sharing fuels my commitment to empowering women in tech. I’ve actively contributed to initiatives like IT Girls and New European Bauhaus, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
With a strong foundation in architecture and engineering, I bring a unique perspective to design process and solutioning. Beyond technical skills, I possess strong communication and leadership abilities. I’ve successfully led teams, presented at conferences, and engaged with diverse stakeholders. My dedication to continuous learning and a growth mindset drives my pursuit of excellence.

Marijana Kandic
2024 Mentee, Owner & Strategist of Bee Media
Marijana is an experienced storyteller, brand strategist and business developer, helping companies grow organically by building and meaningfully communicating brands, often with a twist or edge. First time entrepreneur as of April 20243, running her own boutique branding studio, she is deeply curious and passionate about brands, people and their behaviour and the planet. She is delighted to be working with and learning from people and brands brands who do not shy away from being authentic or making people’s lives better. She has 14 years of experience in the field of communication in diplomacy, tech, fashion, business and tourism. She thinks that her real job is to listen, have informed opinions and bring a strong point of view, one that she will stand behind and build from. Her real job, regardless of what she is working on, is to try to solve problems her clients have. Solving their problems in a timely and quality manner has consequently help her scale her business and employ talented and hard-working individuals who’ll help her solve even more problems for even more clients.

Hanium Chowdhury
2024 Mentee, CEO of Tahoor Studio
As a seasoned innovator and entrepreneur, my passion lies in crafting compelling brand stories that authentically resonate with the client’s vision. I specialize in restructuring and revitalizing brand images, ensuring they harmonize seamlessly with evolving aspirations. Developing content strategies that mirror brand evolution is a forte of mine. Moreover, my role in steering Tahoor Studio, the first Modest Wear Fashion Brand in Bangladesh, has been pivotal. Driving our global expansion into the Middle East
and USA markets is a recent highlight, where I actively oversee all facets of operations. I take pride in leading the entire show, ensuring our strategies are not just visionary but also meticulously implemented for impactful growth.
Beyond my leadership at Tahoor Studio, I actively mentor SME businesses and startups, aiding them in formulating robust business strategies and navigating challenges. This advisory role spans multiple startups and SMEs, and I am committed to supporting more businesses in their journey towards success. My approach combines strategic insights with agile methodologies, focused on sustainable growth and profitability. My commitment remains steadfast: to drive brand evolution, ensure operational excellence, and steer businesses toward profitability through visionary leadership and strategic counsel.
In personal life, I’m a mother to a pair of brave empathetic, bright twin boys. They are 13 and my source of resilience and strength since they came in my life, and more so, ever since I have been widowed in 2020. I believe the only way to stay agile, young in mind and energetic in soul, is by learning something every day. Curiosity towards life and willingness to adopt to the changes is what makes us resilient.
