Programs VV Visionaries in Partnership with the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund

Akila Kridene is a strategic development and social innovation specialist who assists public and private institutions in their strategic development. Her expertise spans fundraising, program design and implementation, and impact evaluation. Currently working as an independent consultant, she previously cultivated a distinguished career spanning a decade at the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section. As a lead Program Officer, she championed youth outreach, women’s empowerment, civil society and diversity and inclusion’s initiatives. Kridene’s dedication specifically focuses on empowering underserved communities in France.

Notably, Kridene recently partnered with the Fondation de France, a leading French philanthropic organisation, to optimize their strategy for promoting, supporting, and funding impactful outreach programs focused on human rights and combating discrimination across France.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to empower grassroots organizations, catalyzing positive change for marginalized communities in France.”

Elena Lulcheva is the Co-Founder of Lyuta Hala, an initiative dedicated to promoting gender equality and community building in smaller towns like Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Her work focuses on empowering women and youth through protests, workshops, and art projects, and dismantling societal barriers to create inclusive spaces. She’s passionate about gender equality, women’s rights, and mentoring future leaders.

Lulcheva has extensive experience in leadership and activism. She’s participated in programs such as the Community Engagement Exchange Program by IREX and the Stronger Together Leadership for Gender Equality by the British Council. She has also co-organized the Balkan Game Jam to inspire women in game development.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to break down barriers and create inclusive, supportive spaces where women and girls can thrive as leaders of tomorrow.”

Feyipitan Sadiku is driven to democratize access to education. She envisions launching a technology-driven global bridge program that addresses gaps in skill acquisition and breaks down barriers to international career opportunities for the next generation of students of color.

At GetIn Edu, she was pivotal as Community Engagement Lead, helping 1000+ students in developing countries secure over $5 million in graduate school funding. Her ability to translate complex processes into accessible resources while building relationships has empowered thousands of students worldwide. As a Graduate Assistant at Illinois State University, she supports 100+ students in a scholarship program, guiding them through academic challenges and resource sharing. Her commitment to student success earned her the First Star National Peer Mentor Award in September 2024 for her work supporting foster youth.

“As a visionary leader, I will design educational programs that empower underserved communities to access global opportunities and foster community-driven growth.”

The Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO) is an organization committed to empowering young Cambodians through education. TDSO provides free English teacher training in Siem Reap, Cambodia, recognizing the transformative power of language. Their mission is to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality English instruction, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.

Sokly, the Director of the Teacher Training Department, oversees a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the training programs meet the highest standards. Through collaborative efforts and personalized coaching, she strives with the team to enhance the teaching skills of their participants and ultimately improve the English language education of young Cambodians.

“As a visionary leader, I inspire those around me with my commitment, positive attitude, and professionalism to bring about positive change in the quality of education in Cambodia.”

Habanyama is a dedicated community advocate with a passion for fostering positive change and empowerment within underserved communities. With a Bachelor’s in Adult Education and Community Development, Habanyama has devoted her career to uplifting individuals and helping them achieve their fullest potential through education, and community programs.

Her academic background in adult education equips her with a deep understanding of unique challenges adults face in furthering their education and personal growth. She has successfully designed and implemented a variety of programs that support adult learners, focusing on enhancing literacy, vocational skills, and personal development.

Habanyama’s work extends beyond education, as she is actively involved in community-based initiatives that address social inequalities and advocate for sustainable development. Whether organizing local workshops or leading grassroots campaigns, she brings a compassionate and solutions-oriented approach to every project. Her commitment to community work and her ability to collaborate with diverse groups have earned her a reputation as a trusted leader and mentor.

Abdalla is the Program Manager of Safari Doctors, an initiative providing healthcare solutions to marginalized communities in Kenya. Her organization focuses on delivering vital medical services to remote and underserved populations through innovative approaches, like mobile clinics, to improve maternal, child health, and overall well-being in the region.

She has been with Safari Doctors since its inception in 2014, playing a pivotal role in scaling operations, expanding outreach, and strengthening internal capacities. Abdalla’s leadership is marked by her strategic management and dedication to improving access to healthcare for communities that lack essential services.

“As a visionary leader I am committed to breaking gender barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that underserved communities have equitable access to the resources and services they deserve.”

Mapa do Acolhimento is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing gender-based violence and preventing femicide in Brazil. By connecting survivors with a network of psychologists and legal professionals, Mapa offers trauma-informed care and advocacy to women in crisis, while also working to strengthen public policies around violence prevention.

Enrica Duncan’s background includes nearly a decade of leadership in nonprofit spaces, particularly in the gender field. She is the Executive Director of Mapa and currently serves as an Obama Scholar at Columbia University. Duncan studied politics at the New School and Conflict Resolution at the University for Peace. She was granted the French Government Initiative Marianne for Human Rights Activities and sherves as an expert in the Women’s Safety group at Meta.

“As a visionary leader, I committed to build the essential infrastructure that enables the social sector to innovate, produce data-driven insights, and scale impactful practices- specially on the gender-based violence realm.”

Eme Bassey is the Co-Founder of CAFET, where she spearheads the mission of helping African fashion suppliers expand globally by enabling them to create and deliver globally competitive products. Through strategic partnerships in infrastructure, education, trade, and technology, Bassey is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of the African fashion value chain.

Bassey holds a B.Sc. in Economics and a Tech MBA from Cornell Tech, Cornell University. She is a Yunus and Youth Global Social Entrepreneurship Fellow and Forte Fellow. She also champions female empowerment in her hometown, Calabar, through her community project, UFDI, which equips local tailors with the digital tools and skills they need for business growth.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to making fashion a pathway to prosperity in Africa, empowering the entrepreneurs, professionals, and artisans who are the backbone of the industry.”

At the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, Nikita Ahya is driving efforts to empower indigenous communities by providing transformative education and fostering leadership among tribal students and alumni. Her work focuses on increasing representation and participation of indigenous individuals in various sectors, ensuring they are equipped to become changemakers in society. Through strong industry-academia collaborations, Ahya is implementing intensive skill development and employability programs that open pathways for indigenous learners into public, private, and social sectors, as well as grassroots initiatives.

Ahya’s leadership at KISS focuses on education, social impact, and economic empowerment for marginalized communities. She has a wealth of experience in designing innovative programs that uplift underprivileged youth and women, fostering self-reliance and independence. Ahya’s contributions are crucial to the holistic growth of KISS as a global model for inclusive development.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to bridge the gap between education and opportunity for marginalized communities, creating pathways to lasting social change.”

Adela Beca is the Educational Program Director at Asociatia Techsoup Romania (part of the TechSoup Global Network), a leading capacity-building organization for nonprofits, educators, and youth in Romania and Moldova, serving over 4,500 NGOs and more than 13,700 K-12 teachers to date. Her expertise lies in developing long-term professional development programs for teachers, focusing on pedagogy, digital citizenship, STEAM and AI education.

While teaching in a rural school as part of Teach for Romania, she discovered her passion and mission in education and technology: to equip educators to act as changemakers for a more prosperous and democratic society. She holds a Master’s in advertising (INSA Barcelona) and a Bachelor’s in communication sciences (University of Bucharest). She received an IVLP Impact Award grant to implement the project DreamSTEAM: girls’ aspirations in the hands of future educators, driven by her participation in the 2023 IVLP #HiddenNoMore (US Department of State).

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to build a community of well-prepared and motivated educators who embrace their role, value continuous learning, and cultivate the civic and digital potential needed to shape a brighter future.”

Rachel Pierre-Champagne is the Human Capacity Development Program Director at Fonkoze, where she leads initiatives that empower marginalized communities through education, business management training, and leadership development. She plays a key role in implementing EdTek, a digital platform developed for Fonkoze’s clients, to teach essential business skills and foster self-sufficiency among women in rural Haiti. Additionally, she is involved with Innovators for Change, working to advance disability rights and community development through technical assistance and advocacy.

Pierre-Champagne has extensive experience in the non-profit and social impact sectors, focusing on community development, disability rights, and women’s empowerment. In recognition of her leadership, she received the 2024 Wheaton College Alumni Award. Moreover, she oversees a social enterprise, Innovators For Change

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that uplift vulnerable populations and promote social justice in Haiti.”

Ndak is the Founder of Mo Suleiman Education and Skills Acquisition Advancement Initiative (MSESAAI), a non-governmental organization that is working towards bridging the gap of inequality that exists in Nigeria’s education system. MSESAAI provides quality educational support to secondary school students (most especially girls) from low-income backgrounds who need assistance to excel academically.

Before starting Mo Suleiman Education and Skill and Skills Advancement Initiative, Ndak co-founded Reendak Travel and Tour, a travel agency that provides sustainable travel experiences for local and international clients, as well as host communities. Ndak has also worked as a youth mentor at Coventry Boot Camp and as an English tutor at Team Up UK, where she impacted young people with educational knowledge and skills empowerment.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to be part of building a world where future generations can benefit from inclusivity despite their gender, social status, and societal norm.”

Gehad Hamdy is the Founder of Speak Up, an Egyptian feminist initiative dedicated to ending sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Speak Up provides advocacy, legal aid, and awareness campaigns, empowering women and raising gender equality awareness in Egypt and across the SWANA region.

Hamdy is an award-winning activist with a background in healthcare and over four years of leadership in the non-profit sector. She has been recognized internationally for her impactful work, including being named one of BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in 2022. She has received accolades such as Social Change Maker of the Year by The Stevie Awards, the International Humanitarian Award by Women4Africa, and many other international honors.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to break the cycle of violence by creating safe, inclusive spaces where women can speak up, reclaim their power, and find justice. My mission is to empower survivors and inspire the next generation of young women to challenge injustice, drive change, and lead with courage.”

Christabel Afrane is the Founder of Kairos Ladies Network (KLANET), an initiative focused on empowering young girls in Ghana through mentorship and experiential learning. She aims to help girls overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and become agents of positive change in their communities. She is a passionate advocate for youth development and believes that young people, especially girls, should have access to quality healthcare and education, regardless of their socio-economic background.

In addition to her leadership at KLANET, she actively volunteers with local youth-led and women-focused organizations, advocating for policies that promote equity and support marginalized populations. Afrane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in International Affairs, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Ghana.

“As a visionary leader, I aim to empower young girls to realize their full potential and positively contribute to society.”

Moni Jefferson is an innovator committed to social impact. Moreover, she is an active duty Air Force spouse and accomplished multi-venture entrepreneur specializing in public relations, marketing strategy, business development, and community building.

Moni is known for her role in advocating for military spouse entrepreneurs and international speakers across local and national venues. Since 2014, Moni has helped build and scale multiple military spouse programs. Moni has even been invited to the White House and featured in Military Spouse magazine on the Nasdaq Tower in Time Square, Inc, and Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneurs for her work.

Her most recent venture as the CEO and Founder of The Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) since 2019 has helped over 10k + military spouses all around the globe to start, scale, and sustain their businesses. AMSE is the first fully digital military spouse entrepreneur program and platform with education, community, digital master classes, resources, national partners, and more. It was built by military spouse entrepreneurs for military spouse entrepreneurs. AMSE was inducted into the DOD’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) in its first year for its work and impact on the military spouse community.

Moni is also known for working in the tech space, creating and raising capital for her three Military lifestyle apps; MilCam, MilEmoji, and My Ultimate PCS. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in Communications and Public Relations and is a member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc.

Moni has been married for 25 years, has three children, and lives on the East Coast. She loves traveling and is dangerously addicted to nachos. In her downtime, she enjoys teaching her children how to cook traditional Puerto Rican meals and diving into a good crime podcast.

Jenny Clark co-founded Women’s Empowerment Coalition (WECO), a nonprofit that mobilizes marginalized women and girls by enhancing their educational and economic opportunities. In collaboration with community partners, WECO creates projects that directly benefit women and girls globally (currently in Kenya, Costa Rica, India, Peru, and Cambodia). Through a process of research and relationship-building, WECO finds and vets local organizations with existing programs for women or girls and collaborates on a needs-based gender equity project.

Jenny has co-led international community initiatives and volunteer trips abroad since 2012, primarily in Southeast Asia and Latin America. With a Bachelors in English/Psychology, and a Masters in International Development, Jenny has dedicated the past 10 years to growing her understanding of responsible international travel, gender equity, and grassroots community engagement. She is always interested to learn about new initiatives for equity and systems change, especially within philanthropic industries.

“As a visionary leader, I strongly believe that building a coalition for women’s empowerment on this kind of grassroots level creates lasting change because it contributes to the transformation of entire infrastructures.”

Teresa Njoroge is the Founder and CEO of Clean Start Solutions, the first social enterprise in East and Central Africa run by formerly imprisoned women. Clean Start’s mission is to restore hope, dignity, and self-confidence among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in Kenya for a successful reintegration through innovative support services, economic empowerment, and advocacy for systemic reforms.

With a background in social justice advocacy, Teresa has dedicated her career to addressing the challenges marginalized women face. She has successfully led initiatives that empower women through training programs and advocating for policy reforms that support their rights and well-being. Her leadership in founding the Sisters on the Outside Movement has further amplified the voices of women affected by the criminal justice system.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to reclaim her life and thrive, free from the stigma of incarceration.”

As a Women’s Economic Empowerment and Public Policy Expert, Grewal is dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic status of women in Haryana through targeted initiatives and community leadership development. Her mission is to create real-life changes for survivors of One-Stop Centers, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive while empowering community women to become leaders.

With extensive experience in policy development, including initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2.0, and program implementation, Grewal has taken initiatives to address structural barriers leading to women’s economic participation. Her work includes the Mission for Empowerment of Women in Haryana, where she collaborates with government agencies and international organizations to develop comprehensive strategies for empowerment. She is also committed to empowering youth to tackle gender-based violence.

“As a visionary leader, Grewal believes in the transformative power of collective efforts, collaboration and knowledge-sharing to create equitable opportunities for women and communities.”

Destiny Washington is a dedicated non-profit professional who is passionate about addressing racial and economic inequities. Professionally, Washington has published a number of reports on solutions for addressing education and economic challenges in the U.S. With a strong professional background and diverse experiences, Washington drives change through research, community engagement, and advocacy.

Prior to working in the non-profit sector, Destiny worked in higher education. She holds a Master’s in Higher Education from Florida State University, as well as a Bachelor’s in Communications from The University of Toledo.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to lead with unwavering integrity, kindness, and a never-ending curiosity about the world.”

The Women’s Rehabilitative Center (WOREC) and The School of Nonviolence are committed to empowering individuals and building peaceful communities. WOREC advocates for women’s rights to dignified work and freedom of mobility, while The School of Nonviolence fosters connection through Nonviolence Communication, Emotional Intelligence, and Socio-Emotional Learning.

Timilsina is a psychosocial counselor at WOREC, where she supports survivors of gender-based violence and victims of war, helping them address trauma and foster emotional recovery through healthcare and psychosocial support, as well as personal and group counseling. As the program coordinator at The School of Nonviolence, Timilsina leads workshops on Nonviolent Communication and Social and Emotional Learning, empowering participants with skills for self-awareness and relationship building, while fostering a culture of peace and nonviolence in the communities she serves.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to creating safe spaces where every individuals can heal, grow, and transform their lives.”  

Tania Naanous is the Executive Director of Lentes Púrpura, an organization dedicated to preventing and addressing gender-based violence through awareness-raising, survivor support, and gender perspective training for companies and organizations. Her mission is to create safer environments by building holistic and sustainable projects aimed at eradicating gender violence and promoting inclusivity across diverse communities.

With over eight years of experience as a gender specialist, Naanous has led research, diagnostics, and training sessions across public, private, and social sectors. She has facilitated healing circles for survivors of gender violence and implemented gender protocols. Her work has earned her leadership recognition and multiple awards, including the prestigious Lisa Smirl Award.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create inclusive systems that challenge inequality and foster environments where people can grow, thrive, and live free from violence.”

Madalitso Juwayeyi is the Co-Founder and Programs Manager of the Forum for AIDS Counseling and Training (FACT-Malawi), a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering youth, adolescent girls, and young women. Through innovative programs, FACT-Malawi increases access to Youth-Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (YFSRHR) services, focusing on HIV prevention, gender equality, and girls’ education.

Juwayeyi has over six years of experience advocating for sexual and reproductive rights, managing projects that address issues such as ending gender-based violence and promoting school completion for girls. She has collaborated with renowned organizations, leading impactful initiatives that provide critical health services to young people.

“As a visionary leader, I inspire young women to overcome barriers and lead social change for equitable development.”

Over the past two decades, Sanaz Javadi Farahzadi has built a versatile legal and development career across four continents. She began as a corporate legal counsel, providing expertise to companies across various sectors. This experience later transitioned into senior advisory and mentoring roles with UN agencies, businesses, and civil society groups.

Farahzadi possess a strong foundation in international trade, intellectual property, mentoring, education, and project execution. She is deeply passionate about fostering innovation, development, and entrepreneurship assisting women and youth. Through legal guidance, mentoring, and awareness programs, she creates a lasting, positive impact.

Farahzadi proudly serves as the Vice President of Partnerships for the Women in International Trade organization. This international women’s association, based in Washington D.C., champions women’s economic empowerment across its 40+ chapters worldwide. Moreover, she focuses on inclusion, social and economic entrepreneurship, and is currently coaching 10 women-led businesses from Asia, the MENA region, Africa, and Europe as a part of the World Intellectual Property Organization Project (WIPO) and the International Trade Center.

She has worked in more than 4 continents with UN agencies, governments, and the private sector, specifically with WIPO, International Trade Center, Swiss government, EU, WTO Gender hub, UN Women, IOM, World Bank and Civil Society.

Neshama Irie is the Founder of Grace & Glory Naturals, a cruelty-free, vegan skincare and haircare brand dedicated to empowering women through holistic beauty, wellness, and faith-based living. With a passion for community and youth empowerment, Neshama serves as the Vice President of Transformation Farm, a nonprofit that provides youth in underserved communities hands-on experiences with farming, homesteading, and horsemanship. Through her work at Transformation Farm and Grace & Glory Naturals, she aims to promote self-sustainability, creativity, and spiritual growth.

Based in Houston, Texas, Neshama is also the Statewide Lead Organizer for the Texas Organizing Project, where she advocates for social justice and economic empowerment across the state. She blends her organizing expertise with her entrepreneurial ventures, working to foster leadership, community resilience, and generational wealth.

Currently a Vital Voices & Estée Lauder Global Fellow, Neshama is leveraging the fellowship to build relationships with women leaders globally, expand her impact, and continue her mission of uplifting women and underserved communities through entrepreneurship and advocacy.

Rockyath Adechoubou is the Visionary Founder of Auction for Change, a platform harnessing the transformative power of art and community to spark social change and inspire innovation. She also leads Heyslf, an app designed to make wellness accessible, convenient, and inclusive for all. Adechoubou’s work seamlessly blends entrepreneurship, sustainability, and content strategy, creating impactful experiences that drive individuals and businesses to embrace new possibilities.

With leadership experience spanning global cities like New York, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Adechoubou’s diverse background uniquely positions her to lead as Program and Operations Manager for Subak Australia, where she drives impactful climate action initiatives. Her global journey, fueled by relentless passion and purpose, inspires others to foster innovation and sustainability, creating a lasting ripple effect of positive change.

“As a visionary leader, I empower communities to challenge the status quo and ignite meaningful, sustainable change.”

Noel Kokwon is the Co-founder of Ocha Kwetu, an organization supporting rural communities in Kenya. She encourages young people to return to their roots, share their skills, and uplift local livelihoods. While many are drawn to cities, she advocates for the potential in rural areas. She focuses on environmental conservation and regenerative agriculture, offering voluntary agronomic expertise. Noel also mentors rural children, inspiring them to excel despite challenges.

Kokwon works at a research institute studying the impact of climate change on biodiversity and applies her knowledge to enhance farming practices in rural areas. She also mentors children to dream big. She was involved in Model United Nations, representing various countries’ policies, and even won the Distinguished Delegate Award.

“As a visionary leader, I urge young people to return to their roots and give back. The future is in our rural homes, where we can turn things into gold.”

Winnie Wambugu is the Director of Nakuru Tubers, a trailblazing social enterprise revolutionizing food security in Kenya. Nakuru Tubers specializes in producing climate-resilient, disease-free seed potatoes using cutting-edge tissue culture and hydroponic technologies. Through this innovation, the company directly addresses the needs of smallholder farmers, equipping them with the tools to increase productivity and improve livelihoods. Beyond seed production, Nakuru Tubers is deeply committed to empowering women and youth by offering hands-on training in sustainable agricultural practices.

With over three years of specialized experience in seed potato research, Ms. Winnie previously served as an assistant lecturer at Egerton University’s Faculty of Agriculture. She holds an MSc in Horticulture and has enhanced her expertise through advanced studies in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems at Makerere University.

“As a visionary leader, I am driving the future of agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers with transformative, sustainable solutions that foster resilience and food security.”

Mago Hasfa is a Social Innovator and Literacy Specialist dedicated to transforming early literacy development through the Read to Learn Foundation, which operates in Uganda, Ghana, and Cameroon. The foundation’s mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality educational resources, empowering them to develop essential literacy and numeracy skills.

With over 6 years of experience, Mago has authored more than 30 African children’s books and initiated impactful campaigns like “1 Million Books to 1 Million Kids.” She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and has pursued certifications in project management and early literacy development. Her leadership has fostered partnerships with schools and communities, resulting in the graduation of 250 literacy champions and reaching over 35,000 children through community book clinics.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create inclusive and sustainable educational opportunities that empower future generations.”

Lea Nepomuceno is the Founder of Beauty Beyond Bars, a nonprofit empowering incarcerated people with personal care. In less than a year, Beauty Beyond Bars has donated over $25,000 worth of products. Nepomuceno teaches incarcerated youth as part of the organization’s “Problem-Solving Through Policy” program. Students identify problems they have encountered with the juvenile justice system, craft solutions, and Nepomuceno’s team transforms their solutions into legislation. Beauty Beyond Bars is the proud sponsor of the Culturally-Competent Hair Care Act, a bill that ensures incarcerated people of color have access to suitable hair products.

Nepomuceno is an undergraduate at George Washington University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She is a former school board member of the second-largest school district in California, and currently sits on the Executive Council of Brady’s Team ENOUGH.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to lead the next generation of criminal justice reform.”

Ph.D. Jovanna Nathalie Cervantes Guzmán leads an initiative focused on incentivizing women’s entrepreneurship in the Bio-MedTech field. Her mission is to empower women by providing them with the tools and knowledge to innovate and thrive in this high-impact sector.

Cervantes-Guzmán has experience as a woman entrepreneur, professor, mentor, and researcher. She co-founded Atellier Organic, Matilda Power, and EVA ACADEMY. She is also a Professor and tutor at QUT, Griffith University and University of Guadalajara, as well as a mentor of women entrepreneurs in international NGOs.

“As a visionary leader, I foster innovation and empower women to shape the future and think outside the box.”

Giannina Raffo is the Product Marketing Lead of CHAVA—the first sexual health education app made specifically for young Latinas, offering a safe learning environment with personalized information, a supportive community, and simple tools. CHAVA will deliver what is missing for 70% of women in Latin America: On-demand access to comprehensive and confidential sexual health education and care.

With over 10 years of experience in communication for social change, Raffo has led global campaigns on human rights, climate, and gender equality, collaborating with Google, The World Bank, European Union, Organization of American States, and Y20.

Raffo holds an MBA from Westfield Business School and is a Google Technology Policy Fellow, ICANN Fellow, and Latin American Coordinator for UNESCO’s GAPMIL Youth Committee.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create digital solutions that empower young Latinas with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and future.”

Dr Khadijah Bwanakheri Mohammed’s mission is to empower individuals of all ages, particularly adolescents, by providing access to comprehensive information and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, mental health and vocational matters while eradicating stigma and fostering a supportive community.

With over 7 years of diverse experience in medical practice, leadership, and community advocacy, Mohammed has honed her expertise in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, clinical care, and project management. She founded and led initiatives that have significantly impacted the lives of over 10,000 young people by enhancing access to education and healthcare services, reducing teenage pregnancy, and addressing period poverty. Her work includes securing vital partnerships, such as with WHO’s PMNCH, and serving as a National Mobilizer for the “1.8 Billion Campaign,” which positioned her as a key advocate for youth health in Tanzania

“As a visionary leader I hope to create sustainable solutions in regards to health in my community.”

Ketaki Sharma is the Founder & CEO of Algorithm Research, a boutique economics consulting firm that offers data driven insights to clients. Algorithm Research works extensively with various government entities on economic policy impact assessment, foreign direct investments and trade development, along with healthcare reforms targeted at the bottom of the pyramid.

Sharma is contributing to the knowledge economy in Middle East & Africa. Prior to starting Algorithm Research, she was involved in setting up research desks at two renowned regional banks; She was an India Economist with Nomura Securities and Sovereign Ratings Analyst with S&P. Sharma holds a Master’s in Economics from the prestigious Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, India.

“As a visionary leader, I want to build a lasting legacy that inspires women in developing countries to break constraints and create growth opportunities that advance society as a whole.”

Oriane Bismuth is a Visionary Leader and the Founder of Lucky Link, a consulting firm dedicated to reshaping the healthcare system by focusing on the fundamental needs of patients. She is also the Co-Founder of BillieJanne, a social enterprise dedicated to exploring innovative approaches in public health.

She advocates for empowering patients through the recognition of their experiential expertise, ensuring that healthcare solutions are truly aligned with their lived realities. Through her work, she seeks to challenge the traditional, paternalistic approach to healthcare by placing patient voices at the center of innovation.

Having worked in large health groups, Oriane realized that many projects were out of touch with patients’ real needs. Solutions were often designed without asking patients directly, focusing instead on what doctors believed was best, while neglecting patients’ social context, personal desires, and discriminants. Now, she collaborates with major public health players in France, such as Assurance Maladie, or the Agricultural Health Insurance.

“As a visionary leader, I seek to revolutionize healthcare by aligning solutions with patients’ real needs and advocating for their empowerment through experiential expertise.”

Joyce Gyebi is the Founder of Culinary for Social Change (CSC). With her team, she creates opportunities for underprivileged women by equipping them with the culinary skills and resources they need to thrive in the food industry. CSC envisions a world where these women empower themselves and their communities, fostering food justice and sustainability.

CSC also provides hot, nutritious meals to underprivileged children. CSC believes that hunger impedes learning and growth. This initiative addresses food insecurity and supports overall well-being.

As a successful food entrepreneur, Gyebi owns and runs the Mukasechic brand. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her work in the Ghanaian culinary industry. Her passion for collaboration and creating impact with her skills has led her to work with over 200+ women in training and feeding 100-200 women and children each month.

Gyebi is dedicated to women’s empowerment through culinary training and believes every child deserves a nutritional meal.

“As a visionary leader, I envision a community where women have equal opportunities to earn and achieve financial independence.”

Catherine Namara is the founder of the Be A Mentor Community, a network dedicated to empowering women and girls in STEM fields. Her vision is to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing mentorship, career guidance, and skill-building workshops to young women and girls. Through her initiative, Namara connects experienced women professionals in STEM with mentees, fostering a supportive community that promotes personal and professional growth.

With over a decade of experience in project management and educational outreach, Namara has led initiatives like the Women@Work program at MTN Uganda and served as the STEM Cohort Lead for Girls for Girls (G4G). She holds a Master’s degree in Management Science and is passionate about creating lasting social impact through mentorship.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to empower women and girls to reach their full potential in STEM, creating a more inclusive and innovative future.”

Marilyn Okowa-Daramola is a lawyer, legislator, and advocate for girls’ and youth empowerment. Beginning her public service journey in 2019 as a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Girl-Child Empowerment, she pioneered the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training initiative with massive success, empowering 1,850 female entrepreneurs and impacting over 5,000 livelihoods.

She founded the Marilyn Okowa-Daramola Foundation, a nonprofit whose projects have combated poverty, fostered women’s entrepreneurship, promoted youth political engagement, and enhanced educational support. Notably, her annual back-to-school campaign and Market Women’s Outreach have empowered 3,300 children and 1,128 women, respectively.

Marilyn was elected into the Delta State House of Assembly in March 2023 and has so far sponsored two key bills to protect the rights of people with disabilities and the rights of children.

“As a visionary leader, my commitment to service is aptly captured by my slogan – Our People First.”

Mallika Sinha leads resource mobilisation & compliance efforts at the Protsahan India Foundation. Based out of New Delhi, India, Protsahan focuses on caring, rehabilitating, and reintegrating historically marginalized children and girls who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). She also spearheads the organization’s scholarship program aimed at catalyzing care, capabilities & capital for the most vulnerable girls and children who have, or are at a very high risk of, falling off the margins.

An institution and systems builder in the making, Sinha strongly believes in bridging the world’s ever-widening inequitable resources, opportunities, and power imbalances through authentic & justice-lens feminist leadership. She has been working with youth organizations for several years and hopes to work towards building a generation of empowered girls and women at the last mile & beyond.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to enable spaces where equity and justice are not just ideals, but realities for all.”

Grace Amuzi is the Founder of Isrina Schools, a low-cost school located in Ajegunle, Lagos. Founded in 2016, Isrina Schools is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education to children from underprivileged families. The school’s mission is to deliver affordable, high-quality education to children at a subsidised rate, focusing on sustainability and inclusivity.

Through the innovative “Recycles Pay” initiative launched in 2019, parents can offset school fees by collecting recyclable waste, fostering both financial relief and environmental responsibility.

Amuzie hold leadership roles at Divine Stead Foundation, where she championed literacy programs and environmental campaigns within the community. Additionally, she is a certified Microsoft Educator, leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes. Her efforts have earned her several accolades, including the Savvy Prize for Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs and the Nigerian Volunteer Award in 2024.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to developing sustainable solutions that empower communities and transform lives through education and environmental stewardship.”

Veronicah Kiarie is an experienced accountant with 18 years in the corporate sector as an accountant/project manager.

Currently, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing a program in mental wellness in Kenya, focusing on youth—a cause that aligns deeply with her passion and purpose. Veronicah is dedicated to making a positive impact on young lives through mental health awareness and support.

“As a Visionary, I hope to create a generation of mentally healthy, self-assured young individuals who actively prioritize their mental well-being, utilizing innovative technology and therapeutic resources to overcome challenges and thrive in all aspects of life.”

Ana Isabel Dorantes is the Executive Director of Voces Vitales Guatemala, an NGO dedicated to empowering women and girls through programs that promote leadership, economic development, and life skills. One of its flagship initiatives, “Círculo de Amigas,” focuses on providing mentorship and fostering peer networks for young girls, ensuring they continue their education and avoid early pregnancy, laying the foundation for healthier futures.

Before joining NGOs, where she found her passion for helping others, Ana worked in multinational companies. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is an experienced executive with a background in strategy, operations, and international business development, having led assignments across Latin America and Europe. Ana Isabel has successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the Central America and Caribbean regions, ultimately discovering her deep passion for making a positive impact on others.

“As a visionary leader, my passion is sharing my knowledge and experience to enhance the well-being of women, transform lives, and inspire others along the way.”

Maica Teves is the Executive Director of SPARK Philippines, an NGO working for women empowerment and gender equality. The women’s economic empowerment portfolio of SPARK Philippines has launched and implemented initiatives that address the needs of women towards economic independence and give them access to economic opportunities. It has capacitated over 7,500 women who are now thriving entrepreneurs, business partners and economically empowered individuals.

Teves has over 20 years of multisectoral managerial experience engaging with different stakeholders in government, civil society, and the private sector. She has worked in both the Philippine Congress and the Senate of the Philippines, and is a member of the Philippine Development Council as the Representative of the women’s sector.

“As a visionary leader I strive to create opportunities that empower women to take charge of their futures, fostering an environment where their voices are heard, their talents are nurtured, and their ambitions are realized.”

Makepeace Deorji is the Founder of Tantalizing and Licky Cuisine and Pleasant Green Laundry. Both businesses were created to provide affordable, healthy meals made from locally sourced ingredients while operating under an inclusive atmosphere alongside providing accessible and affordable laundry services while implementing environmentally friendly practices, offering job opportunities to individuals who ordinarily may be barred from working and educating people on the importance of personal hygiene and qualitative eating.

Makepeace works as a lecturer with the University of Nigeria Nsukka, a federal institution in Nigeria with the mandate to restore the dignity of man through qualitative and inclusive learning. Deorji teaches Entrepreneurship Education which enables students to be entrepreneurially minded.

“As a visionary leader, I aim at empowering my local community by providing quality laundry and food and promoting sustainability practices.”

Wamide Animashaun is the Co-Founder of CAWSTEM (Connecting African Women in STEM), an organization bridging the gender gap in STEM fields through mentorship, skill-building, and networking. She believes that by supporting and connecting young women with resources, jobs, mentors, and a supportive peer community, we can retain and empower them to thrive in STEM.

Beyond her role at CAWSTEM, she serves as the VP Ecosystem at Propel, a startup helping African tech talent secure global opportunities and where she continues to champion diversity and inclusion in tech. With a rich background in consulting, energy, supply chain, and e-commerce, she has led teams across Africa and Europe at companies like Jumia and PwC. She holds an MBA from the American College of Greece and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Covenant University.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to break down barriers and create pathways for Africans to transform their careers.”

Tippi Fernandez is the Co-Founder and COO of BagoSphere, a social enterprise operating in the Philippines and in Singapore envisioned to be Southeast Asia’s most valuable community for transforming frontline workers by equipping them with human capabilities for job readiness, productivity, and long-term growth. BagoSphere enhances leadership by building capabilities, such as self-awareness, growth mindset, problem-solving and critical thinking skills through community and coaching, leading to improved retention, engagement, and effective management. Near-hires and employees gain confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and develop essential skills, resulting in stronger job performance and growth potential.

With a deep expertise in human resources and operations, Fernandez has spearheaded initiatives that enhance team efficiency, foster a vibrant company culture, and lead to significant organizational growth. She is passionate about scaling BagoSphere’s impact across Southeast Asia and is committed to empowering individuals through innovative learning solutions. Fernandez is also a 2017 Vital Voices Lead Fellow.

Alexandra Givan is the Global Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Creator Programs Lead at TikTok, where she builds and executes initiatives designed to develop, empower, celebrate and amplify historically marginalized creator communities across TikTok’s global platform.

Prior to TikTok, Alexandra was the Director of Sony Music Group’s inaugural DEI team. In this role, she spearheaded the development and execution of initiatives and policies across SMG’s global recorded music, publishing, and corporate divisions. Alexandra also spent several years as a communications professional at Comcast, managing government affairs programming to elevate Comcast NBCUniversal’s brand reputation. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and a certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University. A NY native, Alexandra loves traveling, experiencing new cuisine, and her plant family.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to eliminate barriers and promote access for historically marginalized and underserved communities across the globe.”

Shana Williams is a dedicated birth worker and owner of Serene Babes Boutique LLC, based in Houston, Texas. As a full-spectrum doula and midwife-in-training, Shana provides comprehensive support to mothers throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys. With a focus on holistic, physiologic birth practices, she works to create a calm and empowering environment for her clients, especially those who face health disparities in maternal care.

Shana’s passion for birth work is deeply rooted in her commitment to birth justice and advocating for underserved communities. She believes in the power of education and emotional support, ensuring that every family feels prepared and confident in their experience. In addition to her hands-on doula work, Shana is continuously expanding her knowledge, aspiring to establish her own midwifery practice to further her mission of improving maternal health outcomes.

Nikita Llerena is the Co-Founder of Aîbaibu Kayawai – Women Who Heal. The enterprise produces handmade bio-jewelry created by Indigenous Huni Kuin women from the Brazilian Amazon. It aims to promote income generation and autonomy for Indigenous women, provide a platform to share their stories, and leverage ancestral art as a way to keep the forest’s culture alive.

Llerena is a poet, storyteller, cultural producer, and Co-Founder of the Iris Institute – a not-for-profit organization that uses art, education, and cultural events as tools for social, political, and environmental awareness. She has worked in different peripheral settings from an early age, including refugee camps, favelas, Indigenous villages, and agroecological rural settlements, both independently and through organizations like Choose Love and Teto. Llerena holds a degree in International Relations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“As a visionary leader, my goal is to connect diverse communities through art for peace building.”

Leonora Souza Paula is the Co-Founder of Black Women Shaping AfroFutures (BWSA), a platform created to discuss plans and develop strategies for the future of Black women in the Global South. The BWSA’s primary goal is to uplift the work of Black women’s organizations through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, the strengthening of partnerships, and the co-creation of future-ready opportunities. Black Women Shaping AfroFutures plans to hold an annual forum that will feature thematic panels led by Black women from the Global South.

Leonora holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of California, San Diego. She recognizes the power of storytelling and its positive impact on global communities. Leonora is a former co-leader of the Kilomba Collective of Black Brazilian women.

“As a visionary leader, I think strategically and act collectively to mobilize resources that support expanding the impact of women-led organizations.”

Doreen Irungu is the Founder and CEO of Ustawi Afrika, a transformative organization dedicated to empowering rural women in semi-arid regions through climate-smart agriculture, water harvesting, and economic resilience programs. Under her leadership, Ustawi Afrika has trained countless women in regenerative farming techniques and provided access to markets and financial support, enabling them to overcome food insecurity and hidden hunger in their communities.

Doreen is a recognized leader in food security and gender empowerment. She was awarded the prestigious 2023 Stop Hunger Award in France for her work in combating malnutrition and hidden hunger in marginalized areas. In 2024, she was named a World Food Prize Foundation TAP Pioneer and selected as an Emerging Leader for the Tech-Women program, a U.S. government initiative designed to empower women in STEM.

A passionate advocate for gender equality and sustainable agriculture, Doreen believes in creating opportunities for women to lead and thrive in their communities. Her efforts focus on providing women with the tools to build climate resilience while fostering economic growth. She is committed to breaking barriers and planting the seeds of empowerment for women to realize their full potential and create lasting change in their communities.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create inclusive spaces where rural women can harness their power, embrace innovation in agriculture, and lead the way toward sustainable and resilient communities.”

Bamiduro is the visionary Founder of Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria. Focusing on gender equality, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, her foundation has made a significant social impact, empowering over 15,000 women and girls across diverse communities. Under her leadership, the foundation recently launched the KEF Bazaar, an innovative platform designed to bridge the digital divide and enable women to market their products to a global audience.

Bamiduro’s academic journey is as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, an MSc in Public Health, and a Master’s in Environmental Management. Further enhancing her expertise, she recently earned an MA in Gender and Development from the prestigious University of Sussex, equipping her with deep insights into women’s multifaceted challenges and the leadership skills necessary to drive impactful, results-oriented initiatives.

“As a visionary woman, I am committed to creating meaningful change by driving projects that empower communities and promote sustainability and equality.”

Aishworya Shrestha is the founder of Antardhoni Nepal, a nonprofit providing free mental health services focusing on the most marginalized communities, women and girls in the adult entertainment sector, victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, and adolescents. She also co-founded Heart of Nepal, a non-profit based on family livelihoods that directly supports the education of Dalit children through the financial empowerment of their mothers.

With a Master’s in Social Work, Shrestha has 8 years of experience in multiple social work fields. She is a former wheelchair basketball coach, an adult literacy trainer for women and girls in the adult entertainment sector, and a civic tech social worker. She is a social science researcher with publications on mental health, gender issues, GBV, and civic tech.

“As a visionary leader, I want to see a more equitable world by uplifting marginalized communities through grassroots approaches and sustainable solutions.”

Deane’s current initiative with SIWOK.org focuses on establishing vegetable gardens at schools for the Wichí indigenous communities. The mission is to empower students with sustainable agricultural skills, improve nutrition, and reduce child mortality through hands-on education and community involvement.

Deane also founded the Kelp Forest Foundation which looked to unlock the power of kelp (seaweed) to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. She has recently resigned from her position.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create lasting, positive change through sustainable development and education in some of the poorest regions of South America.”

Onyekwere is a dedicated educator and community developer in Nigeria, addressing severe socio-economic challenges through her initiative, Project MEND. Founded in 2023, Project MEND economically empowers mothers in low-income communities by providing vocational training and resources, thereby combating child hunger and educational failure.

As a public school teacher deeply invested in her students’ well-being, Agnes has successfully raised 3 million Naira from international and local partners, empowering 63 mothers and positively impacting 189 students. She has authored a book and over 60 articles on socio-economic issues in Nigerian education.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create sustainable solutions that uplift communities and transform lives.”

Ajara Marie Bomah is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in business development, media communications, and diaspora engagement. She is the Founder of Women Mean Business (WMB), a strategic communications agency that empowers African entrepreneurs to develop their brands and businesses. Her leadership at WMB has created a vehicle for collaboration, mentoring, and networking, providing safe spaces for women entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.

She is also a volunteer ED of Sierra Leone Youth Advocate Program (SLYAP), an initiative dedicated to empowering young leaders and fostering civic participation among Sierra Leonean youth. SLYAP aims to create a platform for advocacy, life skills development, and governance processes, equipping young people with the tools they need to be effective advocates for change.

She has held various leadership roles, including Deputy Western Region Secretary for the APC party, the Vice President of the West Africa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and the President of Power Women 232, a network of female professionals working to empower themselves in order to create impact in their communities. Her work has been instrumental in promoting youth and gender advocacy, through collaboration with government entities, private sector companies, and NGOs in the U.S. and Africa.

“As a visionary leader I strive to inspire and empower the next generation, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Ananya Kundu is the Founder and Executive Director of the White Dot Solidarity Network, a youth peace collective based in India that provides needs-based capacity building and resources to young leaders and youth-led collectives from marginalized/vulnerable communities across Asia. The organization works to provide a safe space and platform for collaboration and advocacy. She believes true and meaningful participation of young leaders from diverse identities is extremely important for creating sustainable peace.

Kundu also works as the Gender & Programs Expert at Equality for Peace and Development, Afghanistan. She is a Youth Advisor at Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, ANU and was previously the Country Coordinator for India at Women’s Regional Network, as well as Co-Chair of the Climate Change Working Group at WCAPS. Ananya Holds a Masters in Gender Studies and Bachelors in English Language and Literature.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to build a strong and inclusive feminist youth peace movement in Asia.”

Freedom to RISE (Radically Inspiring Self Excellence) is a nonprofit organization founded by Chanel Kennedy-Bertrand. The organization’s mission is to enhance literacy through engaging group and individual reading sessions, empowering individuals of all ages with essential skills for personal and academic success. Built on the pillars of Wellness, Education, and Leadership, Freedom to RISE offers four 10-week sessions each year and hosts a book swap book club to foster ongoing engagement with literature.

Kennedy-Bertrand holds a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Nonprofit Administration, a Master of Arts in Christian Formation, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Education, she is committed to creating impactful programs that utilize phonics and sound blending techniques to support literacy development.

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to transforming lives through education and empowering individuals to achieve self-excellence.”

Emilia Caro is the CEO of a colorectal cancer foundation dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. Her mission is to leverage her expertise to foster health equity and enhance patient care globally.

Previously, Caro held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the board of a medical assistance organization with more than ten facilities. She is the current president of Women in Global Health Argentina, where she actively promotes gender equity and develops policies for equitable healthcare opportunities.

“As a visionary leader, I harness my deep industry knowledge and passion for health equity to drive transformative change in the healthcare sector.”

Esther Ebis is the CEO and Founder of  Bequeenz Beauty, a blueprint company shifting beauty culture & shaping conversations around green beauty consciousness for a more profitable & circular economic growth. This is achieved through the manufacturing and selling of sustainable and innovative skincare products that build self-esteem, empower local female farmers, and teach young female undergraduates business skills. 5% of the company’s profits support programs for underserved female undergraduates, youth in-need, and help to create smarter cities through tree planting and recycling initiatives.

Ebis holds a Bachelors degree in Earth Science, is a 2x certified UN women empowered trainee, and is currently a Mastercard Fellow with a professional business certification from DUNIN-DESHPANDE INNOVATION CENTRE at Queen’s University.

“As a visionary leader, I want to be remembered for using social confidence as a tool to build women’s economic power.”

Youth Empowerment and Self-Sustainability is a youth-led organization that strives to impact 1000 youths in marginalized communities, including women, girls, and refugees. The organization works to accomplish goals that are in-line with UN SDGs while serving to achieve its main objective of empowering young people to develop initiatives that enables them to become self-employed and create positive change within their communities.

Frimpomaa is the CEO and Fouder of Youth Empowerment and Self-Sustainability (YESS). She is also a distinguished research consultant in humanitarian response with the Refugee-Led Research Hub. Frimpomaa holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and has an impressive academic background in gender equality, gender-based violence, human rights, climate change, governance, public policy, and refugee issues. Her experience spans notable organizations such as AGNES, RLRH, Defyhatenow, Plan International, Cameroon Red Cross, UNICEF, and Bridging Development Gaps.

Frimpomaa’s achievements have earned her scholarships and fellowships, including the European Forum Alpbach, YALI West Africa, and Drexel University’s Civic Engagement Exchange. She is dedicated to career development and mentorship of young girls while fostering positive change in her community.

Neha Shukla is a New York Times featured inventor, AI ethicist, and best-selling author reimagining the future of ethical AI. She is the Founder of Innovation For Everyone, a youth movement reaching 70,000 students across 35 countries to bridge the AI ethics literacy gap and build responsible technology to solve community challenges.

She is the Chair of the World Economic Forum’s first-ever entirely youth-led AI advisory body, the Generation AI Youth Council, which advocates for child-safe AI systems alongside corporations and policymakers. She is the best-selling author of Innovation for Everyone: Solving Real-World Problems with STEM and A Kids Book About AI. Her innovations and activism are recognized in the New York Times, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, CNN, and commended by President Biden and the Royal Family.

“As a visionary leader, I dream of building a generation of youth fighting for a more ethical and inclusive future of AI.”

Noreen Asekenye uses storytelling as a powerful driver for change. Through her nonprofit organization, Tell a Story Foundation, Noreen nurtures individual and community narratives and shares authentic stories told by real people to contribute to a humane world.

Tell a Story Foundation has documented stories of over 100 unsung community heroes in Uganda to remind us that ordinary people can do amazing things and that we are all capable of being leaders. The foundation has connected over 200 people to join fireside storytelling sessions as a tool to share stories and build conversations around social issues that affect the community. These fireside session have raised over 500 storybooks to support marginalized children in the Namutumba dDistrict of Uganda. The Tell a Story Foundation has also used storytelling to raise autism awareness. Their autism-focused story sessions culminated in a charity walk that raised $300 to renovate a local school that supports learners with autism.

Noreen is a fellow of renowned organizations, including Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Accountablity Lab Global, and Project Girls for Girls Uganda. She has received recognition for her significant contributions, including being a recipient of the Humanitarian Awards Global, Top 30 under 30 Opportunity Desk Changemakers, New Vision Uganda Top 40 under 40 Women Making Impact, and HerGenuity Afrika change maker.

“As a Visionary Leader, a heavy demand is placed on me to see generations connected and transformed by the true stories they told and listened too, the love and service we gave to our communities, countries and the world to make it a better place.”

Oluwaranti Damilola Oluwatunmise is a multi-faceted leader with a dual mission: empowering marginalized women and girls, and building a robust tech ecosystem across Africa. Damilola is the Founder of TechHer4Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting abused and marginalized women and girls. The organization provides this demographic with critical resources, such as equipping them with the tools to thrive in the digital age, mental health coaching, and job opportunities. Since it was founded in 2023, TechHer4Change has facilitated the training of 200+ women in tech skills, such as data analytics, frontend web development, and product design.

Damilola is also the Founder of CodeSchool Africa, a social enterprise through which she tackles the challenge of limited access to high-quality tech education using the innovative approach of blended learning combined with an LMS platform, interactive virtual classes, and hands-on in-person training in the organization’s training facility called CodeHubs. CodeSchool Africa has empowered over 1,000 young Africans with in-demand tech skills, fostering a stronger tech talent pipeline across the continent.

An Innovative EdTech Founder, Damilola and her team boasts of building Africa’s 1st AI-Powered Learning Management System (LMS); Witti.

“As a Visionary Leader, I am creating opportunities for women and girls, while simultaneously building a brighter future for Africa’s tech landscape.”

Pranati Bagchi is the founder and CEO of The Lavender Spaceship Project, an online learning platform aimed at devloping coding skills among girls aged 7-18 years old using their proprietary girl-centric teaching and learning model. Featured for her work in prominent Singaporean media like The Straits Times and Channel News Asia, Bagchi passionately champions women’s representation in tech spaces.

Bagchi holds a Master’s in Mathematics from Garhwal University, India, and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Rutgers University, USA, alongside having 20 years of experience in education across India, the USA, and Singapore. Moreover, she has served as a Girls In Tech board member and has spoken at EduTech Asia and the Women’s Forum on topics like gender equality in tech and social entrepreneurship.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to enhancing the representation of girls in technology fields, empowering them to lead the way and inspire future generations.”

Weronika Tomiak is the Founder and leader of The Neurodiverse Foundation, an initiative dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals through innovative educational programs, awareness campaigns, and advocacy for inclusive practices. The NGO’s mission is to bridge the gap between different neurotypes, promoting a society that values diversity and fosters understanding. Key initiatives of the organization include the “Neurodiverse Workplaces” conference and “Let’s Talk About Neurodiversity” webinar-workshop series, both designed to encourage self-discovery and inclusive practices.

Tomiak has a diverse professional background, having balanced the demands of medical school while leading impactful social initiatives. She is a graduate in Business Linguistics and a fifth-year M.D. student, with a deep commitment to social advocacy. Her past experiences include organizing events, leading campaigns, and implementing proactive measures to enhance systems in healthcare and education.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create an inclusive society where the unique contributions of every individual are celebrated and valued.”

Dr. Adriani Coleman founded DLPS with the mission to provide quality 21st century education skills through the use of technology to create a positive social impact for all Belizeans. She develops innovative digital learning solutions to empower students, teachers, and communities across the country.

Prior to launching DLPS, she served as an educator for eighteen years, during which she witnessed firsthand the importance of reaching all students, regardless of their learning needs or background. Her drive as a teacher stemmed from having a child with autism and another with dyslexia, which fueled her passion for inclusive and accessible education. She also worked extensively with at-risk youth, further solidifying her commitment to using technology to create transformative educational opportunities.

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to build a more equitable and inclusive system that unlocks the potential of every Belizean.”

Yinka David-Kaiyewu spearheads Purpose-Drive Global (PDG), empowering the next generation of African leaders in Media, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. PDG equips young minds with the skills and inspiration to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges through initiatives like the Gen Z Summit and PDG Academy, working to foster leadership, mentorship, and crucial networking opportunities.

David-Kaiyewu empowers both PDG and the broader public. She has successfully led projects for businesses and corporations, focusing on media, business policies, and nation-building. She is also the Director for Gen Z Shapers Project, supporting and building leaders in underserved communities in Nigeria.

“As a Visionary Leader, I am Raising Pan-African Gen Z Leaders in Media, Tech and Entrepreneurship”

Atchere Asuah-Kwasi is the Director of Operations at the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL), a Pan-African non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Washington, D.C., and Accra, Ghana. IAWL is committed to supporting the formidable works of women in law across Africa and the African diaspora. Their goal is to be a focal point for addressing issues across the legal and judicial professions. Before working full-time in the NGO space focusing on women in the legal profession, Asuah-Kwasi juggled volunteering for children and gender causes while also working actively in private legal practice. As an avid advocate for gender and children’s rights, she supports other non-profits to train or embark on donation drives, especially for girls and the less privileged. Asuah-Kwasi holds an LLM (International Children’s Rights), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and Bachelor of Arts in English and History.

“As a visionary leader I believe when positive impact is made, we will have a better world and a better tomorrow.”

Edith, a 29-year-old hailing from a marginalized community in West Pokot County, Kenya, is passionate about girls’ education. She is an educationist with a vision of taking literacy to the herdsboys and girls in her village. Through her organization, Edith’s vision is to equip girls with the tools and knowledge they need to reach their full potential, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for a brighter future. She aspires for girls to discover the power of dreaming big and defying expectations.

“As a visionary leader I envision a world where children are allowed to be children,girls are allowed to dream and have a voice and a future where access to books and education is not a privilege but a fundamental right.”

Douyon is the Founder and Head of Advocacy, Policy & Strategy at POLICITÉ, a Haiti-based consulting firm that doubles as an emerging think-and-do tank specializing in development policy. POLICITÉ promotes evidence-based, culturally relevant ideas to address socio-economic issues in Haiti. She also works as a Principal Consultant at Apwoch, a boutique social impact agency in the US, creating customized, research-based solutions to promote positive social change and equitable futures.

Douyon has contributed to strategic leadership, program development, grants management, research, policy development, and advocacy across various sectors for organizations in Haiti and the United States. She serves on the board of several organizations and is a leading figure in the anti-corruption movement, Petrochallenge, which mobilized hundreds of thousands of Haitians to call for accountability in Haiti’s largest corruption scandal.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to bridge research and advocacy to create impactful, sustainable solutions for social justice and development. “

Keely Kritz is the Founder of THE CLUB, an innovative program dedicated to advancing artists’ livelihoods through community and collaboration. Based in New York, NY, THE CLUB provides low-cost and accessible opportunities, encourages interdisciplinary creativity, and offers a supportive community for emerging artists.

Kritz has a diverse background as a multidisciplinary artist, community builder, and talent management professional. Her leadership experience includes roles in executive search and creative casting. Keely received her Bachelor’s in Media Studies and Social Change from the New School in New York City. Her work has supported the development of over 500 artists, producing 8 community-driven events and showcases, and launching over a dozen creative projects.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to uplift artists to create change.”

Code Blossom provides a free certification program for women in developing countries to become software developers. Every participant gets access to the program’s self-paced remote curriculum based on current market demands, as well as a personal mentor and access to the thriving community. Upon graduation from the program, Code Blossom help participants find internships or jobs.

Schleifer also has a full-time job as Head of Developer Education at Hasura where she leads the documentation team and the community team. Before that, she was a Developer Experience Engineer at Hasura.

“As a visionary leader, I want to enable as many women as possible to get their tech career kickstarted with Code Blossom. At the same time, I’m training women to become leaders within Code Blossom and mentor others.”

Mary Patrick is a youth leader, system thinker, peer educator, and advocate for mental health and climate change. Currently working on systems thinking and a waste management project in Kibera, Mary equips youth with the skills needed to create and implement effective solutions for lasting social change.

Through SAYDS, she helps develop system leaders who can facilitate sustainable social transformation. The program, empowers young people from various parts of Kenya with the knowledge to critically examine social issues in their communities and design enduring solutions.

Patrick’s extensive experience supports youth in development and empowerment initiatives. She has also served as a youth leader and peace advocate for the Global Peace Chain and Fikisha Organization, helping schools in Kajiado form peace clubs and establish guidance and counseling services.

“As a visionary leader, I inspire and empower youth to harness their potential, fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable and equitable future.”

Nessri Abdela is the Co-Founder and Advisor at Ethiopian Women Empowerment Association (EWEA), a local non-profit organization that enables underprivileged women and girls to improve their livelihood through social and economic empowerment. EWEA empowers women to generate income by enhancing their skills and providing them with startup capital.

Nessri also works for the World Food Programme in capacity-strengthening projects. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

“As a visionary leader, I envision a country where women enjoy equal participation and access to economic and social opportunities, shaping a balanced and prosperous society.”

Wazza Leah Mhone’s vision is to uplift the living standards of orphans and widows through provisions of physical, psychological, and spiritual support.

Mhone was once an administrator and attended nursery school before she found her organization, Better World for Orphans and Widows.

Through her experiences as a team leader in different projects, she has gained experience to lead others and build upon her confidence to be a woman leader.

“As a visionary Leader I believe a woman can do what a man can do.”

Aubrie Canfield is the Co-founder of Actuality Abroad, an organization that connects emerging storytellers with global changemakers through educational travel experiences. These documentary tours and travel courses provide the training and support needed to tell impactful, ethical stories across cultures. In each destination, participants collaborate with local changemakers to produce short films and photography that amplify important work.

Canfield began her career in the film industry, working freelance in production on movies of all sizes. She later became a creative producer in advertising, leading video and photography campaigns for clients like L’Oreal, DIESEL, Kate Spade, Fossil, and Melaleuca. At home in Central Florida, she is an educational activist, being the founder od grassroots gatherings that champion student-directed experiential learning.

“As a visionary leader, I believe that storytellers are the most powerful people in the world. Stories create our reality. When our storytellers can do their work ‘better,’ our world will become so.”

Devyani Kapoor is the Founder of the Edudevs Knowledge Foundation and the driving force behind the “Happiness-Shala” initiative. This groundbreaking program unites parents, teachers, and students to enhance emotional intelligence and resilience through a project-focused holistic 360-degree module. The initiative seamlessly integrates mental well-being practices from school to home, creating a supportive and positive environment that fosters students’ overall growth and well-being.

As an entrepreneur, author, thought-leader, and academic consultant, Kapoor truly wears many hats, excelling in each role with remarkable versatility and expertise. In her previous roles, she has led multiple impactful educational programs focusing on enhancing student well-being and fostering holistic development. Her leadership experience includes designing comprehensive curiculums that addresses academic needs, and collaborating with educators and other stakeholders to cultivate nurturing and inclusive environments for students.

“As a visionary leader, I aim to revolutionize education, making mental well-being as crucial as academic success for thriving students.”

Doreen Manda is a visionary leader, as shown through her work as being the Co-Founder and Country Coordinator of Ulubuto Gender Equity (UGE), an organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and climate justice. UGE empowers communities through education, advocacy, and collaboration, fostering an inclusive society where everyone enjoys equal opportunities.

As UGE’s Country Coordinator, Manda leverages her extensive experience to drive impactful initiatives. Previously, she was the Deputy Chief of Party for a USAID-funded project on gender-based violence prevention in Zambia, leading a five-year anti-GBV program.

Manda’s career includes roles at DFID (now FCDO), in Zambia and Zimbabwe. She managed programs in health, gender, social protection, education, WASH, governance, climate change, and agriculture, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver sustainable development outcomes.

“As a visionary leader, I believe that true progress is achieved when we uplift the most vulnerable among us, creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Elaine Yeap is a dedicated healthcare and technology enthusiast who holds a Master’s Degree in Management from the Technical University of Munich, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia. With a strong educational background and diverse experiences, Yeap has demonstrated her passion for driving impactful changes in the healthcare and technology sectors. Prior to her current role, she has worked in global big tech semiconductor and global pharmaceutical companies, where she honed her expertise in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Moreover, Yeap has also contributed as a management consultant in the ASEAN countries, gaining valuable insights into the regional dynamics and consolidating her leadership skills.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to bridging the gap between industry, government, and people, leveraging my experiences in global big tech semiconductor and global pharmaceutical companies, as well as my background in management consulting and involvement in impactful initiatives.”

Ifeoluwa is the Co-founder of CYBTRACY, a social enterprise with a mission to bridge the digital divide by empowering underserved communities to access and navigate the digital world through personalized training and mentorship. CYBTRACY equips individuals with the skills and confidence needed to succeed and thrive in the future of work, achieve social mobility, and break cycles of disadvantage.

Due to the success of their mission, Akanmu has been appointed as a pioneer African Development Bank (AfDB) Digital Ambassador (out of 21,000 nominees across the continent) to drive the continent’s mission to equip 50 million youths with digital skills.

Professionally, Akanmu is a product manager with 4+ years of experience working on the world’s largest B2B SaaS data products. She is actively involved in the African startup ecosystem, and currently serves as the Programs Manager for Lagos Startup Week, one of Africa’s most intimate and impactful annual technology conventions.

“As a visionary leader, I take steps today to create the future I want for myself and others.”

Kalu Kingsley (Kelsey) is the Executive Director and Founder of STAG Initiative (Supporting Trans, Intersex, and Gender Nonconforming People’s Initiative), formerly known as TGNPN, dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of transgender, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals. The mission of STAG Initiative is to empower communities through advocacy and capacity building, addressing their unique challenges, and creating inclusive societies.

Kalu has led numerous advocacy and community service efforts, including organizing support groups, providing counseling services, and advocating for inclusive policies. Additionally, their role on the Executive committee of the Trans and Intersex Network Nigeria and Coalition of West African Underserved and Marginalized Youths has allowed them to contribute to shaping national and regional advocacy agendas and policies.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create inclusive spaces and drive systemic change to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender identity, can thrive and be treated with dignity and respect.”

Miriam Suttah is the Founder of the Feminine Future Foundation, an organization which focuses on encouraging and empowering young girls through education. The foundation provides guidance, support, and motivation for women, as well as technical and vocational training for underprivileged girls. She strongly believes that women are transformational leaders with a wealth of knowledge. Thus, her aim is to give women countless opportunities and to encourage the younger generation to break gender stereotypes and make a profound and positive impact on society.

Miriam is focused on advocacy and is an aspiring lawyer with a law degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and she intends to make maximum use of the study of law to make a lasting impact in society.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to create a world where education is made open and accessible for all women and women aren’t limited by their gender.”

Rachel Ingal is a dedicated activist who is passionate about addressing period poverty– a global issue affecting 500 million people. This issue vastly impacts various critical areas of development, such as education, reproductive health, and economic empowerment. As a social innovator and entrepreneur, her startup, Aster, is committed to creating accessible menstrual health products for emerging markets and communities worldwide.

Ingal’s career has been woven with a commitment to gender equity and education. She recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Education and Entrepreneurship from Harvard University. Prior to this, she served as an English teacher through the Fulbright program in Madrid, Spain and worked at Vital Voices on leadership programs and global network management.

“As a visionary leader, I champion social innovation as a way to create a better world for women and girls.”

Ms. Sanam Sherpa is a dedicated and accomplished leader in Nepal with over a decade of experience in girls’ education and women empowerment. In 2008, she co-founded The Small World (TSW), an organization focused on promoting girls’ education, women empowerment, and sustainable community development in the remote villages of the Everest region. As TSW’s Programs Director, Ms. Sanam successfully manages several key initiatives, including the Mentoring Programs for Adolescent Girls, Child Protect Program, I Am Proud to Be a Girl – a scholarship program for university education- and Seeds of Hope Program for Women’s Income Generation.

Ms. Sanam’s other notable achievements include piloting a washable sanitary pad program and the Weaving for Empowerment program, which employs over 150 women across Solukhumbu. Since 2016, she has also significantly contributed to rural health development in Solukhumbuthrough remote medical missions. Additionally, she coordinates the National Geographic Student Expeditions in Nepal, focusing on teaching younger generations about ethical leadership.

In recognition of her exceptional contribution to girls education and women empowerment in Nepal through TSW, former president of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama, met her in Person in July 2023. Ms. Sanam was also named one of the 30 Iconic Nepali Women in March 2023 for her efforts in protecting girls at-risk of abuse, trafficking, and lack of education. She also serves as the Service Co-Chair at the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Heights for the 2022-2023 Rotary year in District 3292 Nepal-Bhutan.

Her commitment to empowering girls and women has made a significant impact on their lives through education, employment, and healthcare. Her inspiration comes from a kind gesture she received 30 years ago when a traveler sponsored her education; She is now paying that kindness forward.

“As a visionary leader I strive to create a world where girls feels safe to dream big and have support to make those dreams a reality.”

Zaitun Namuwonge is the Co-founder of Afro Lube Limited, a company dedicated to addressing the improper disposal of used engine oil in Uganda through the recycling of used engine oil to produce Afro-Oil, an eco-friendly engine oil that promotes responsible waste management practices. The organization’s mission is to provide an affordable, reliable, and sustainable engine oils, thereby reducing environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.

Namuwonge Zaitun brings extensive experience in operations management, sustainable practices, and business development. Her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and social impact has been instrumental in driving Afro Lube Limited’s growth.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to make a difference in society, one act at a time through the principles of Kaizen.”

Tuduetso Mokgosi is passionate about the transformative power that lies in data. Through her company, People + Gap, they recently hosted a Pan-African conference on research and data called People + Data Africa, with the foresight to further interest and investment in research and data as critical assets to address economic disparities and enhance the competitiveness of the region.

As the Director of People and Gap, Mokgosi holds a MA in Research and Public Policy. Her experience extends to working with institutions in various economic sectors, leading market research exercises and brand strategy development. Outside of work, she co-runs a long-standing charity initiative, where they identify organisations or families in-need and source donations to alleviate an immediate need.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to contribute to unlocking growth opportunities that will see African communities thrive – to become more self-reliant, positively impact lives and continuously innovate.”

Chelsea Anne Hornby is the Founder of Elle International, a social impact organization dedicated to closing the Women’s Health Gap. Elle International advances access to safe, sustainable, and affordable diagnostic solutions for women’s health. Hornby’s mission is to empower women through comprehensive education and socio-economic inclusion, addressing critical disparities in women’s health and promoting dignity and well-being.

Hornby has held various leadership roles, including being selected as one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans and named Mastercard’s Top SME Leader in Healthcare for Africa and the Middle East. She has led initiatives that provide menstrual health education, distribute period products, and create economic opportunities for women, demonstrating her capability to manage complex projects and drive social change. Hornby is committed to create impactful solutions that empower and uplift women across Africa.

“As a visionary, I believe that through innovation and collaboration, we can bridge the gaps in women’s health to ensure every woman can lead a healthier life.”

Leticia Araujo is a young Brazilian journalist who works at the Living with Dignity Foundation as the Coordinator of Projects aimed at encouraging education, empowering girls, and social development. She is currently developing the More Girl project, which aims to provide education for young Black girls on the periphery of her hometown in Brazil, in areas such as the study of English, training for higher education, and psychological accompaniment for girls and women of color.

Araujo has a strong interest in studies and experiences in the areas of communication, youth training, development, and social impact, interreligious dialog for the promotion of peace, and combatting climate change. As a young Black, poor, peripheral, and Latin American woman, she believes strongly in the potential of young people to have an impact on new generations.

Frohar Hamidi is the Co-founder of Sun’s Girls Organization, a project developed to empower young Afghan girls who are deprived from the right to continue their education. Her organization plays a crucial role in impacting the lives of Afghan girls by providing them with opportunities for free education and empowerment. SGO has reached thousands of girls across multiple provinces in Afghanistan.

She is currently a Savy fellowship holder. She has also worked in many non-profit organizations, including 21st Century Girls and Afghanistan Astronomy Association, focused on empowering girls in Afghanistan through STEM programs.

“As a visionary leader, I inspire and guide others to achieve their full potential and drive positive change in the world.”

Florence Mudzingwa is the Founder of Hope Resurrect Trust. The Trust seeks to instill and build confidence and self-esteem in women with disabilities by motivating them to contribute to their personal and national development economically. She advocates for policies and initiatives that dismantle barriers and unlock the full potential of women and girls with disabilities.

Mudzingwa is a holder of aBachelor of Science Honours degree in Counselling with Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). She is also a Certified Emotional Intelligence and Personal Development Coach with the International Coaching and Mentoring Foundation (ICMF).

“As a visionary leader I am dedicated to creating a more accessible and equitable world where everyone thrives, regardless of ability.”

Dr. Sibonsile Zibane is a Co-founder and Project Specialist at the MA’AT Institute, an autonomous community engagement unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. MA’AT pioneers African-centered psychosocial services and specializes in disaster response for marginalized communities. Using a transdisciplinary approach rooted in the African worldview, MA’AT offers teletherapy, trauma-informed care, gender-based violence survivor support, safe spaces for children, grief support, community dialogues, and capacity-building. It also provides employment opportunities through internships.

As an Academic Leader in Social Work, KaZibane is a community builder and researcher with numerous local and international collaborations, peer-reviewed publications, and global conference presentations. Her recognitions include the 2023 Keynote Speaker at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the 2022 Inspiring Women of UKZN, the 2020 Dean’s Special Award for COVID-19 response, the 2019 Best Overall Presentation Award in Malaysia, the 2018 Staff Excellence Award, and the 2010 Educator of the Year Award from ASASWEI.

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to cultivating a community of practice dedicated to fostering community resilience through African-centered holistic healing.”

Esohe Ekunwe is the Director of Strategy and Operations at Tech Herfrica, a social impact organization committed to providing digital access to rural African women and girls. Through her leadership, vision, and tireless efforts, Ekunwe has spearheaded Tech Herfrica’s award-winning EquipHer4Growth initiative. This comprehensive innovation aims to break the cycle of poverty among rural women by delivering holistic digital and financial inclusion solutions.

Under Ekunwe’s direction, the program has transformed the lives of over 4,000 women and girls across two African nations and was honored with the 2023 ITU Sustainable Development Goals Digital Game Changers Award in the People Category.

Beyond her impactful work at Tech Herfrica, Ekunwe has trained over 5,000 African youths in digital skills, mentors young women entering the tech industry, and has successfully helped over 100 Africans transition into the technology sector.

“As a visionary leader, I relentlessly drive transformative change, empowering marginalized communities for lasting, equitable impact.”

Saida Afef Gardabbou is planning to develop a platform for the production and co-creation of Arab fanfiction. Her vision is to provide feminist Arab writers and translators a safe space to reinterpret mainstream culture and craft their own narratives. Gardabbou is currently putting together a strategy to engage her community through workshops and work groups, harnessing the potential of feminist translation and fanfiction for social justice. She envisions the platform as a bridge connecting the Arab world with the North/West, increasing visibility, and encouraging research in the overlooked field of Arab fanfiction.

Gardabbou holds a Bachelor of English for Academic Purposes from Tunis El-Manar University and a Master of Arts in Translation Studies from HBKU. She is pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences and Humanities.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to build a strong network of Arab fanfiction enthusiasts, transforming this initiative into an activist, academic, and aesthetic space.”

Oluwaseyi Kehinde-Peters is the Founder of Pan African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN), a social enterprise EdTech empowering African women with the competence, confidence, and connections needed to lead and succeed in business and careers. Her mission is to drive social and economic impact, promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for Africa’s women and youth.

Kehinde-Peters has extensive experience in HR, strategy, technology, and entrepreneurship, leading initiatives across aviation, financial services, and telecommunications sectors. She has also played key roles in mentoring and developing future leaders, using her extensive expertise to drive impactful change in diverse sectors.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to creating equitable opportunities that empower individuals to reach their full potential.”

Tanya Smith is the founder and CEO of RegenX (formerly Nitrolytics), an early-stage startup, and its sister non-profit, The Forgotten Farmer Foundation™. The for-profit is creating solutions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, hardware, and biotechnology to help make regenerative farming mainstream. The non-profit aims to maximize profitability in small farming through regenerative practices.

Inspired by her own experiences, Smith is also on a mission to protect the brilliance of underrepresented innovators from exploitation and theft. Though formally educated in Chemistry—holding B.S., M.S., and M.Phil. degrees with numerous awards—she is far from one-dimensional. Having had to turn her obstacles into opportunities and her struggles into her superpowers, she has skills and insights no Ivy League education could ever provide.

“As a visionary leader, I want to trailblaze location-agnostic and planet-positive possibilities for economic empowerment of the disenfranchised.”

Sonal Shah is the founder of two organizations: The Urban Catalysts (www.theurbancatalysts.org) and Executive Director of Centre for Sustainable and Equitable Cities (www.c-sec.org). Her mission is to transform cities and transport to mitigate and adapt to climate change and to enable gender equity and universal access.

Shah has advised on incorporating a gender perspective in urban transport projects and programs, influencing investments of $9 billion and directly impacting 500,000 women and girls by 2027. She was responsible for introducing gender-responsive guidelines in India’s URDPFI guidelines—a first for the country—and was a key contributor to the urban street design guidelines for the Indian Roads Congress (2016-18).

Shah has led projects funded by FCDO, ADB, AfD, Bloomberg Philanthropies, GIZ, UN-Habitat, World Bank and worked across 10 states in India, South and Central Asia, East Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. She has been privileged to advise action-oriented research by feminist organizations, such as Jagori and Azad Foundation, been a Fulbright Scholarship juror, mentored Asia Foundation LeadNext Fellows, and be a member of the Main Bhi Dilli Campaign.

Shah was featured in the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative’s network of Remarkable Women in Transport 2020 and Remarkable Feminist Voices in Transport 2023 to recognize women change-makers in the sector. The Urban Catalysts was featured as a Remarkable Feminist Organization in Transport in 2023. She serves on the alumni board of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University.

Sharon Milner, a Zambian citizen, plans to create and launch METANOIA, a Christian harm prevention initiative focused on raising awareness of risky behaviors, linking individuals with support services, and advocating for stricter regulations to promote healthier communities.

Milner spent 27 years in Zimbabwe honing her administrative skills, notably in the banking sector with African Banking Corporation (now Access Bank). She ventured into entrepreneurship alongside her husband, establishing ProSat (Pvt) Ltd. before relocating back to Zambia in 2010.

Milner’s commitment to community development extended to promoting Conservation Agriculture in Zambia through “Look & Learn” Agriculture Tours for Welthunger Hilfe (WHH) in collaboration with various agricultural stakeholders.

As a training facilitator and psycho-social counselor, Milner has utilized her expertise to design and lead workshops in the education, health, and business sectors. She has set up and managed the secretariat of the Independent Schools Association of Zambia (ISAZ), worked as Acting Head and Business Manager of a private school, and has been serving on the Board of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in Zambia (DofE) since 2015.

“As a visionary leader, I am passionate about supporting and guiding young people to discover their God-given talents and purpose and living fulfilling lives.”

Rebecca Bakare is the founder and director of Mama’s Creation Foods, a social enterprise that connects African women farmers to lucrative markets for indigenous medicinal herbs and nutrient-dense ingredients. The venture also partners with grassroots organizations to empower rural women farmers to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices, enabling them to attain resilient livelihoods.

Before her entrepreneurial journey, Ms. Bakare worked in the non-profit sector, where she honed her interest in using business as a force for good. At Ashoka, she led the development of a youth change-making program and mobilized resources to establish women’s economic empowerment initiatives in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Washington and Lee University and will pursue an MBA as a Forte Fellow at Duke University in July 2024.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to advance evidence-based innovations that deliver better health and socioeconomic outcomes for underserved populations.”

Raïnatou Coulibaly is the Associate Energy Officer, deployed by the NGO Norwegian Capacity (NORCAP) at UNHCR in Niger, an international organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting the rights of refugees, and building a better future for refugees, displaced communities, and stateless people. She is dedicated to sustainable and inclusive approaches to solving the problem of access to clean and modern energy for forcibly displaced people and their host communities.

Coulibaly is an electrical power engineer with expertise in design and implementation of electrification projects in difficult contexts–previously in rural areas, and now in regions affected by forced displacement. She advocates for access to clean and affordable energy as a tool to improve living conditions and the well-being of vulnerable communities, while also increasing their incomes–particularly those of women and youth.

“As a visionary leader, I’m dedicated to improve people’s lives through the deployment of clean energy solutions and capacity building.”

Meron Gebrewahid is co-founder of ARMADA Agriculture, a social enterprise that provides affordable mechanization solutions tailored to various farming needs, spanning from land preparation to harvesting. Through flexible financing and comprehensive training programs, ARMADA empowers farmers to overcome high equipment cost barriers and significantly improve their productivity and livelihoods.

As a co-founder, her role includes making strategic decisions that guide the business’s direction. This includes setting goals, overseeing operations, and building relationships with investors, partners, and customers.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to enhance productivity in the agriculture sector by promoting affordable and accessible agricultural mechanization and inputs, integrating digital solutions to drive modern and sustainable agricultural practices.”

Mary Mutua, founder of Twajali Empowerment Network, addresses the challenges marginalized youth face in Kenyan slums and semi-urban areas. These vulnerable young people are at risk of crime, drug abuse, and prostitution due to limited livelihood opportunities. Twajali’s mission is to empower youth through holistic training and experiential learning, using hospitality management as a tool.

Mutuas’s life journey from the slums led her to pursue a university course in hospitality management and, later, a master’s degree in strategic management. She served as a food and beverage manager throughout her career, gaining industry insights. Additionally, she trained at a conventional hospitality training school. Over the past two years, Mutua has trained more than 120 beneficiaries through her pilot project,

“As a visionary leader I aspire to create a world where marginalized youths are potential contributors to a more dynamic and resilient community.”

Marília Moreira is director of operations and technology at the AzMina Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting gender equality in Brazil since 2015 through a fusion of communication, technology, and education. Marília firmly believes in the transformative power of quality information, viewing it as a tool that can save lives. She advocates for communication as a fundamental right, enabling access to full citizenship.

For two years, she served as the project manager for “PenhaS“, an application developed by the AzMina Institute to address gender-based violence. The app has already assisted over 15,000 Brazilian women across the country. With a decade of experience in journalism in Brazil, Marília has contributed to several prestigious newspapers in her hometown, Salvador. She holds a master’s degree in contemporary communication and culture from the Federal University of Bahia.

“As a visionary leader, I dream of a world where gender and race are not barriers to people’s access to rights and opportunities.”

Luisa Castro Becerril serves as the director of programs and operations at Girl Up México, a youth-led movement that trains, inspires, and connects girls to be leaders and activists for gender equality. Girl Up Mexico supports more than 70 Clubs of youth leaders in 23 out of 32 Mexican states, equipping them to be changemakers advancing gender equality. Girl Up Mexico members advocate for sexual and reproductive rights, climate action, mental health, and STEAM participation.

Castro’s leadership journey began when she co-founded the first Girl Up campus club in Mexico, Girl Up Políticas UANL, during her studies in International Relations at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. As director of Girl Up México, Castro ensures the organization delivers impactful programs to its community members and strengthens the regional network of change makers. Additionally, Castro is a member of Auna México, a platform that promotes women’s leadership in politics to achieve greater well-being, justice, and environmental protection.

As the Founder of Alabama Kids Code, Jackie Whitehead is committed to introducing students to STEAM using instructional methods and hands-on activities to expose them to future possibilities. She partners with schools, businesses, and community organizations to deliver award-winning programming to its students.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a minor in math. She serves as a board member and leader for several tech, social, and finance organizations.

“As a visionary leader I am committed to showing students in Alabama that an education in STEM is a path to a better future and opportunities.”

Isobel Acquah is the Director of the Center for Law and Innovation (CLI) at Certa Foundation, Rwanda. CLI achieves its mission of sustainable development and shaping resilient legal frameworks by nurturing the upcoming generation of Pan-African legal professionals, pioneering empirical legal research, and conducting policy analysis on pressing global issues. It also fosters an ecosystem that thrives on dynamic entrepreneurship and the efficient administration of justice.

Ms. Acquah is a dual-qualified transaction and corporate advisory lawyer with a background in investment banking and a focus on technology and financial services. She is a multilingual professional with over 20 years of legal and business experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. She has previously worked at Bank of America (UK), the Whitaker Group (Ghana/US), and AB & David (Ghana). She works with Tech Startups to provide legal and operational oversight, corporate and board governance, and transactional management support. As a corporate advisor with significant experience across global businesses, Isobel delivers comprehensive support to senior management teams to develop and document robust frameworks that address the unique challenges of Environment, Social, and Governance principles in the Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, she provides leadership on corporate governance and board capacity, gender equity, and developing metrics to track the responsible stewardship of business and impact objectives in line with global principles and goals.

“As a visionary leader, I am passionate about the potential of young professionals and startup founders to contribute to the socio-economic development of Africa through strategic investment, mentoring, and upskilling.”

Hilda Joanna Terán Romero is the executive president of Kuska Collective, an organization dedicated to defending human rights and promoting social justice in Puno, Peru. Kuska Collective focuses on providing psychological support to victims of state violence and repression while also advocating for gender equality and the rights of indigenous communities. It’s mission is to create a resilient and empowered community through interdisciplinary approaches and grassroots activism.

Terán has extensive experience in leadership roles within social and human rights organizations; she has led social and educational projects at public institutions and social organizations. With a master’s degree in Community Psychology at PUCP and specializations in rural women’s empowerment in Egypt and gender inequalities, she has been at the forefront of community mobilization and the implementation of essential services in response to social crises.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create inclusive spaces where every voice is heard and valued.”

Hayasa Tahmazyan is the Founding President of the Armenia Corps Development Initiative. ArmeniaCorps is a dynamic platform acknowledging and mobilizing local capacities through knowledge, collective action, and local service to deliver data-driven, sustainable, and cutting-edge development tailored to the needs of Armenia.

Tahmazyan is also a Board Member at Aleppo Compatriotic Charitable Organization, devoted to supporting and advocating for thousands of refugees in Armenia.

She is recognized for her expertise in designing systemized and knowledge-to-action strategies fostering local development through education, socio-economic inclusion, youth development, women empowerment, and poverty reduction among rural, displaced, conflict-affected, and vulnerable populations.

Tahmazyan is a Fulbright awardee, IVLP alumna, and co-founder of an award-recipient COVID-19 International Student Task Force, which assisted 300+ students facing financial and food insecurity during the pandemic. She holds an M.A. in International Development Studies from Ohio University.

“As a visionary leader, I foster local resilience for sustainable global development.”

Harshanisha Parejan is the founder of Tuqqin, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions in marginalized communities. Her mission is to empower women with knowledge and access to eco-friendly menstrual products, while fostering health, dignity, and environmental sustainability. Tuqqin aims to break cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation and provide long-lasting, affordable solutions like menstrual cups to women across India.

Parejan has previously worked supporting top CEOs and Executives across the world. Her experience includes securing grant funding, developing educational programs, and implementing large-scale community outreach initiatives. She has a Master’s in Psychology and is deeply involved in women empowerment activities. She continues to collaborate with global partners to expand Tuqqin’s impact and reach.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to creating inclusive and sustainable solutions that address critical health challenges while empowering women to take control of their reproductive health and well-being.”

Fatima Kabir is founder of Greenium Eco, a social venture established to transition rural and urban households in Northern Nigeria from using polluting and harmful fuelwood for cooking. Greenium Eco aims to preserve nature and prevent deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion by providing eco-friendly energy solutions such as clean cookstoves and efficient briquettes made from agricultural waste.

Prior to founding Greenium Eco, Kabir gained extensive experience in environmental advocacy and social entrepreneurship. She has actively participated in various climate action initiatives and community development projects, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and women’s empowerment. Her leadership in these roles has equipped her with the skills and vision to drive impactful change in underserved communities.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to driving sustainable change and empowering low-income women through innovative energy solutions.”

As Undersecretary of Prevention and Eradication of Violence Against Women, Girls, Boys, and Adolescents, Desirée Viteri leads efforts to prevent and eradicate violence through policy development, monitoring, and evaluation. In her role, she articulates comprehensive protection systems and implements prevention programs while providing services for victims of gender-based violence.

With extensive experience in human rights advocacy and gender equality, Viteri has previously served as Human Rights, Gender, and Inclusion National Director and as Care, Special Protection, and Reparation for Victims of Violence, Exploitation, Trafficking, Smuggling, and other Priority Care Groups Director. She spearheaded initiatives to empower women and promote gender-sensitive policies. Viteri’s commitment to social justice drives her leadership to build a better world.

“As a visionary leader, I envision a world where every individual lives free from violence and discrimination. I strive to empower women and promote gender equality through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships.”

Cynthia Kemunto plans to establish learning centers that empower local communities in Kenya to combat climate change. These centers will teach sustainable farming techniques, such as organic manure usage, crop rotation, and tree conservation, to mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture in Kenya. She aims to foster a culture of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience against natural disasters by empowering locals with knowledge and skills for eco-friendly living and farming.

Kemunto holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree and has worked with many environmental organizations, such as the Break Free From Plastic movement and Greenpeace Africa. She has organized local clean-up drives, led educational workshops on waste management, and collaborated with grassroots organizations to promote sustainable practices.

“As a visionary leader, I aim to inspire sustainable change, foster community collaboration, and drive impactful solutions towards a greener, more resilient future.”

Victoria Oladosu is founder of Product Hub Africa, an ed-tech organization empowering individuals transitioning into technology with skills and resources. Product Hub Africa’s vision is to create a world where Africans are equally recognized and represented in the tech space. The organization’s mission is to build a community for growth, mentorship, meaningful connections, opportunity, visibility, and fun! We offer tech boot camp training, accelerator programs, mentorship programs, and job placements and implement the STEM-A-SCHOOL initiative for secondary school students in Africa.

Victoria is a data product manager at a tech company. She has also volunteered in several non-profit organizations, including Product School and NigerianYouthSDGs.

Victoria has completed her BSc from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria and is currently working on her master’s in Data Science at the University Of East London.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to build a strong network of educated African individuals leading the world of STEM.”

Christine Muriuki is the founder and CEO of Zuphifarm, a training and demonstration farm that empowers and works with farmers to promote sustainable agriculture. The enterprise’s core objective is to inspire a healthy generation that promotes a healthy and sustainable community, environment, and finances.

She works with farming communities, particularly women and marginalized communities, to achieve climate-smart and resilient agriculture solutions. Muriuki is also involved in various programs that empower and advocate for climate awareness and action, equality and inclusivity, and economic empowerment. Through such programs, her community has seen a rise in female champions fighting against injustice and biases across all working environments. She embodies inclusive and servitude leadership that amplifies quality service to humanity.

With over eight years of experience in international development, education, and the arts, Cherrelle Druppers co-founded and led ChezaCheza, a pioneering community-based arts and health intervention. At ChezaCheza, Druppers utilized the power of dance as a medium to instill confidence, foster well-being, and alleviate stress among young minds.

As the Director of ChezaCheza, Druppers is responsible for strategic leadership, program development, and partnership building. She oversees the implementation of the dance therapy curriculum, which is spread by identifying and training local youths to become community-based dance coaches who facilitate weekly sessions that foster coping skills, self-confidence, and joy among participants.

“As a visionary leader, I imagine a world where every child can realize their full potential in a safe place with joy, creativity, and arts.”

Lallmon lobbies for the reform of discriminatory laws, emphasizing inclusive and resilient strategies to tackle climate change’s impacts on LGBTQIA+ communities in Small Island Developing States. She has orchestrated impactful programs, from grassroots advocacy campaigns to high-level policy dialogues, to amplify the voices of those who have long been silenced.

Her impact extends beyond boardrooms and academic corridors. She is an accomplished author whose publications span articles, book chapters, toolkits, and guidebooks, all advocating for the empowerment of sexual and gender minorities in Africa and beyond. Her work is underpinned by a profound belief in the transcendent power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to effect positive change and create a more just and equitable world for all.

“As a visionary leader, I harness the power of collaboration, empathy, and intersectional approaches to create diverse, inclusive, and transformative spaces for learning, dialogue, and development.”

Kavita Rai is a women’s health advocate and co-founder of Ethos, a digital health company dedicated to destigmatizing treatment for substance misuse, leading to improved outcomes for current and future generations. Ethos facilitates early detection and continuous monitoring to enable targeted, accessible care that meets individuals where they are. Rai hopes Ethos improves individuals’ health and the health of their communities. Rai’s drive for health equity and solving public health challenges comes from her experience as a cancer survivor.

Before Ethos, Rai led and founded Justice in the Classroom, an education nonprofit expanding racial equity resources to school districts during COVID-19. In college, Rai spearheaded Title IX reform with USC Health and EEO-TIX. Her advocacy work has been honored by partners, including the Mayo Clinic, the World Economic Forum, and Instagram.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to transform our healthcare system to work for everyone.”

Oreoluwa Ojo is the founder and executive director of Her Story, an organization that creates awareness about women’s rights by initiating important conversations in African communities. Through Her Story, Ojo has built a membership of more than 1,000 people over the last five years and aims to expand to 10,000 members by 2030. Ojo’s leadership has led to the successful execution of more than 50 virtual community dialogues and six women’s rights campaigns in five states of Nigeria, creating lasting impact and advocacy for women’s rights.

Oreoluwa also works as programs manager at Kabara Tech School, where she leads the development and implementation of STEM education programs for underprivileged populations in Northern Nigeria. Oreoluwa is an award-winning activist and has been named a TransformNorms Fellow and United Nations Foundation Girl Up Project Awardee, recognizing her outstanding contributions to gender equality and social impact.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to build a community of gender equality changemakers across Africa one community at a time.”

Irina Sthapit is an engineer and an innovator from Nepal who graduated from Stanford University’s Learning, Design, and Technology program. Passionate about empowering girls in STEM and working with tools, she is actively bridging the gender gap through the organization Nepali Women+ in Computing and her DIY content on the Instagram page @girlytoolz.

Sthapit has represented Nepal in the International Visitors Leadership Program titled ‘Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM‘, a U.S. State Department Initiative. She was also an SDG youth representative from Nepal for the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries in Doha and the United Nations Youth Summit in New York. Additionally, she was the 2022 Asia Foundation Development Fellow from Nepal.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to ignite inspiration and empowerment among girls and women in STEM, bridging the gender gap and fostering an equitable world.”

Gail Motloung is founder of Girl with a Purpose Foundation, a registered South African non-profit organization that aims to empower, equip, and inspire young women. The organization amplifies the voices of women and youth in policy and decision-making, increasing their participation in leadership and policy change. The organization advocates for inclusion and gender balance in access to social and economic opportunities for women and youth in Gauteng.

Motloung is an international speaker, social entrepreneur, youth leader, community builder, and managing director at House of Yadah Publications. She has skills and experience in project management, community engagement, and stakeholder engagement. In 2023 she was selected to sit as a board member for the “South African Heroine Awards.” Motloung is also a TV show host, producer, and a 2021 Mandela Washington Fellow.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to creating lasting, positive change and empowering communities.”

Ifeoluwa Oyebisi is founder of Daffodils Africa, a social enterprise dedicated to implementing social impact projects and executing CSR goals. The social enterprise aims to enhance a more equitable society in Africa and make social impact easy for people across borders. Oyebisi leads the operations of a youth-empowerment-focused NGO that crafts and implements social impact projects to transform the minds of young Nigerians and help them unlock their potential. Following her impact-driven ambition, she has served in nonprofit organizations over the last seven years, tailoring many of her corporate experiences to sectors requiring digital communications and project management.

Oyebisi completed her Bachelor of Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, and she’s completing a master’s Degree in Mass Communications from Liverpool John Moores University, UK.

“As a visionary leader, I genuinely serve to improve people’s lives and empower them to contribute positively to society.”

Yasmina Benslimane is founder of Politics4Her, a non-profit dedicated to increasing political participation and representation for young women and girls from global majority countries. Her focus areas include climate justice, forced migration, gender-based violence, and peacebuilding.

Benslimane is an award-winning feminist activist, consultant, and women’s empowerment coach with a decade of experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders. She has been recognized internationally for her impactful work, including being featured on media platforms like HuffPost, Al Jazeera, and BBC. She has also been recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential and Inspiring Women of 2023, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Top 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent 2024.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to uplift young women and girls from Global Majority countries to become agents of change in their communities, advocating for gender equality and social justice.”

Heidi Baskfield is a distinguished organizational leader who drives social change through her expertise in law, politics, policy, and healthcare. She currently leads Speak Our Minds, an organization focused on improving youth mental health systems. With more than two decades of experience, Heidi is a passionate advocate for youth with mental and behavioral health needs. She has held various key roles, such as Vice President of Population Health and Advocacy at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and also worked as a legislative liaison to former Governor Bill Ritter. Additionally, she served as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the Colorado Protection Agency for People with Disabilities. Heidi also founded Rebel With A Cause, a nonprofit film company producing award-winning films featured on PBS and in the U.S. Capitol, further amplifying her advocacy efforts and impact.

Awele Okigbo is the CEO and Founder of Credo Advisory, a leading strategic communications firm based in Abuja, Nigeria and Washington, DC. She is also host of Credo Voices, a podcast highlighting extraordinary individuals advancing social impact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Okigbo is growing a global community of change agents by highlighting their journeys, achievements, and impact in their communities and beyond.

For more than 25 years, Okigbo has led communication teams for institutions like the World Bank, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, among others. In 2022, she was recognized for advancing SDG No. 3 (good health and well-being) and was inducted into the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Community. Okigbo is co-chair of the Global Communications Alliance, a member of the Communications Board Committee of the Society for International Development, and the Board of Trustees at the Thacher School, USA.

“As a global development leader, I utilize communications as a catalyst for people, planet and prosperity.”

As a visionary leader, Bethelhem Abegaz is dedicated to improving maternal, sexual, and reproductive health in her community. Her organization focuses on strengthening primary care and preventive interventions to shift value from tertiary facilities to primary care centers. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, she strives to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

She has a diverse professional background, having worked as a general medical practitioner in a rural hospital before advancing to roles such as hospital quality focal person and medical director. She has also served in leadership positions on committees focusing on sexual and reproductive health, showcasing her commitment to driving positive change in healthcare delivery.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to inspire innovation and collaboration, driving meaningful change in healthcare delivery for the betterment of our community.”

Betty Nairuba is the CEO of Concern for Neighbours and Community Empowerment (CONECE), which addresses the economic needs of women and teenage mothers with disabilities by providing vocational and entrepreneurship skills, start-up equipment for self-employment and income generation, and assistive devices for those with mobility disabilities.

Nairuba has worked for several non-government organizations, both in Uganda and the United Kingdom. She completed her bachelor’s degree from Makerere University Kampala in Uganda and a master’s degree in International Development Management from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom.

“As a visionary leader, I want to have the opportunity to steer my career along a path of significance while making an impact in the lives of marginalized people in communities, with an emphasis on women and girls.”

Faith Siele is planning to launch Sifa to Birika Women (SBW), an initiative dedicated to empowering women in the Maa community of Namanga in Southern Kenya. The organization’s mission is to provide these women with dragon fruit, aloe vera seedlings, and the essential tools and knowledge to sustainably cultivate these valuable crops.

Siele is an African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative alumna and has successfully managed an award-winning cake studio for the past five years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants affiliate with more than five years of experience in finance and auditing. Siele is a Moth Storyteller and Tea Vale Imara School board member.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to empower women in the marginalized Maa community of Namanga to achieve financial independence and self-reliance through entrepreneurship.”

Kamila Ahmadi is the co-founder of Women Empowerment Organization, a project developed to empower and educate girls and women who have been deprived of education by their families, financial challenges, and traditional cultural beliefs of society. The program offered offline English, literacy, and science courses before the Taliban but transitioned to online classes after the political disruption. In addition, the organization provides leadership and communication skills training.

Before establishing this organization, Ahmadi worked as an English instructor. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, she succeeded in getting a fully funded scholarship at the Asian University for Women (AUW) and is pursuing her education in economics. Besides her university studies, Ahmadi has been working as a Peer Leader of the AUW’s Study Skill Courses and as a volunteer student assistant at the AUW admission office for two years. She also has participated in several fellowships, including the Global Admission of Millennium Fellowship.

“As a visionary leader I, am trying to train them how to break the barriers to have a bright future.”

Seeds & Stories is a social enterprise founded by Margarida Vasconcelos to empower women artisans in rural Uganda through circular fashion and capacity-building programs. This work is done by creating unique, stylish, and timeless handbags and shoes in harmony with nature for women who want to make a difference.

Margarida Vasconcelos is a women’s rights advocate. She has a background in law and more than 20 years of professional experience in civic, social, and international organizations. Determined to live a purposeful life and to make the world a better place, Margarida left her work as a political researcher in Westminster to follow her passions. Seeds & Stories combines her passion for women’s empowerment, craft making, and regenerative fashion. It allows her to make a real difference for women in rural Uganda, contributing to gender equality, social justice, climate justice, and environmental regeneration.

“As a visionary leader, I empower the Seeds & Stories artisans to apply their traditional craft skills to modern designs and express their creativity to make beautiful, unique products with local natural fibers and dyes and repurposed materials.”

Maureen Hitipeuw founded Single Moms Indonesia in 2014, a support group and community empowering Indonesian single mothers. The community offers a safe space and provides various programs to help its members rebuild their lives. Single Moms Indonesia envisions a society where single mothers thrive through solidarity and opportunity.

Maureen works professionally as a community manager while running Single Moms Indonesia.

Through her leadership and dedication, Maureen has been recognized for her work by creating a supportive network of single mothers who share their experiences and support each other through difficult times.

“As a visionary leader, I empower single mothers to rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams, even while raising children alone.”

Mor Shenderov is the founder and executive director of Tomchot Be’Ahava, an Israeli nonprofit organization that supports at-risk teenage women and girls ages 14 and up during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. The organization provides critical information and raises awareness among other relevant institutions to help transform these processes in these women’s lives into growing and empowering opportunities. Such support is life-changing not only for the mother but also for her children.

Mor is a doula certified in Birth-Oriented Thinking (BOT) and a lactation consultant supporting victims of sexual abuse like herself.

“As a visionary leader, I believe that we, as women, should help each other, and then we will be able to break through any barrier.”

Olga Caballero is a social psychologist with a profound passion for social transformation. She co-founded Alma Cívica, where she proudly serves as Executive Director. Alma Cívica is a movement aimed at weaving a network of ethical, proactive, and committed citizens. Their mission goes beyond local development and strives to solidify a robust democracy and cultivate a political culture oriented towards the common good.

With over 15 years in the field, Caballero has embraced and adapted participatory methodologies, leading projects that strengthen the social fabric, promote community development, and enhance work teams. She co-founded En Común Paraguay, an interdisciplinary initiative to revitalize urban spaces and boost citizen participation. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Sendas Paraguay, promoting sustainable mobility at a national level.

“As a visionary leader, I believe in empowering communities to become agents of change, nurturing the political and democratic ecosystem of our societies.”

Syeda Parwan Fatima aims to improve telehealth infrastructure in Pakistan through an initiative she founded called Medifem. Fatima works to enhance access to healthcare services for underserved communities by leveraging technology to provide efficient, reliable, and accessible healthcare solutions for women and children in remote areas.

In her previous role as an intern at HP Tech Ventures, Fatima gained valuable experience in the venture capital space, focusing on identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. Her leadership experience includes supporting strategic projects, conducting market analysis, and contributing to investment decisions that drive innovation and growth.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to inspire and empower others, drive innovative solutions to complex challenges, and foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity to create meaningful and sustainable impact.”

Justine Nkengbeza Taku is the founder and executive director of All4Women, a women and young girls-led non-profit organization created in Limbe-Cameroon. Justine founded the organization to shine a light on and address the disparities in gender inequality through education and economic empowerment. The organization strives to create opportunities for women and girls in rural areas through entrepreneurship and inclusive financing opportunities.

Justine believes that those two pillars bring change to the living conditions of the women she serves while also positively impacting their communities and upscaling the economic growth of her entire country.

Justine is a claims specialist for Swiss Insurance Company and holds a bachelor’s of Business Administration from the Basel School of Business. She also earned an Advanced Studies in Management certificate from the HSG-University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.

“As a visionary leader, I strive for every woman to have the power of decision-making and financial independence. Building a strong and the biggest networking platform of ‘Women in Business’ in Africa.”

Passionate about catalyzing change and fostering inclusive education, Kamukama is driven by a vision to make a tangible difference in the world. Her mission is to empower communities through education and digital inclusion, focusing on promoting basic literacy, digital skills, job readiness, and entrepreneurship in low-income schools across Uganda.

For the past 17 years, Kamukama has dedicated herself to the education sector in Uganda, spearheading initiatives that have established libraries, introduced technology, enhanced literacy rates, and improved education outcomes. She has empowered educators, librarians, community members, leaders, and government officials with essential skills, igniting a passion for quality education and lifelong learning.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to devising solutions that democratize access to digital tools, skills, and platforms, particularly in underserved schools and communities throughout Africa.”

Sarah Lindeire is co-owner of Fisi Farm, and co-founder of Tingathe, an NGO that partners with peri-urban communities to build wealth by helping young people, community leaders, and women-led small businesses build wealth-generating skills.

Fisi Farm cultivates a sustainable future by promoting regenerative agriculture, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship through innovative farming practices, such as permaculture and agroecology. Fisi Farm nurtures the land to produce nutritious crops, raise healthy livestock, and restore ecosystem balance. Our mission is to foster resilient communities, preserve biodiversity, and inspire positive change in how we interact with our environment.

Lindeire is a passionate homesteader who promotes self-reliance, survival skills, mindset shifts, and wellness. She enjoys crafting and reading and has written and published poetry. She also practices the African dance and martial art of Capoeira.
At the age of 21, Women Deliver recognized Lindeire as one of the world’s top 100 most influential women. She has worked with UN Women in gender and governance and with a number of grassroots and non-profit organizations. She is also the co-founder of a local non-profit organization that provides skills training for youth from urban slums and women’s and life-skills training for children. Sarah has a Bachelor of Education from Mzuzu University. She is currently completing her MBA with UNICAF.

Vidya Subramanian is founder of Vidya Subramanian Academy(VSA), a women-led social enterprise imparting online training in traditional Indian arts and languages while empowering artists and teachers through work-from-home opportunities. Team VSA trains students worldwide in Carnatic and Hindustani music, Bharatanatyam dance, Indian languages, chants, Yoga, and Konnakkol in a customized format. Subramanian’s mission is to promote India’s arts and culture to a global platform.

An accomplished Carnatic vocalist, Subramanian is a Chartered accountant with an MBA from Boston College, USA. She has made available several free self-study music lessons, and launched VSA Exams, VSA Sabha concerts, and VSA Workshops. Subramanian was conferred the Women Transforming India award by NITI Aayog and United Nations – India.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to share India’s rich arts, culture, and heritage with the world while empowering more women to participate in the work force by harnessing the power of the internet.”

Mahak Agrawal is an urban planner, climate science and sustainability expert, global thought leader, and LinkedIn Top (Green) Voice. She is also a former United Nations fellow. Mahak earned her second master’s in public administration with a specialization in environmental science and policy as a Shardashish Scholar and Environmental Fellow at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. While there, Mahak led the research project examining the future of food systems through its demand-supply chains.

She earned her first master’s degree in urban planning from the School of Planning and Architecture Delhi, India. She is a recognized expert in the fields of climate policy, ESG reporting and corporate carbon management, urban sustainability, and social impact.

Recognized for her achievements in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals in India through public health initiatives, Mahak was nominated for the Gates Foundation’s 2021 Goalkeepers Global Goals Award. In various capacities, she has worked with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Government of India, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank Group, European Climate Foundation, and the Institute of Transport Economics, Oslo.

Mahak has served twice as an expert reviewer for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), authored numerous scientific publications, and presented her works globally, including at the United Nations. She is a Steering Board Member of the ITA Committee on Underground Spaces (ITACUS) and a TEDx fellow. In 2023, ITACUS nominated Mahak to represent the organization at the World Food Forum.

She also experiments with her mum to create sustainable art advocating for climate action and a sustainable future.

“As a visionary leader, Mahak advocates for sustainable solutions that transcend borders and sectors, catalyzing change for a resilient and equitable future.”

Vishakha Choudhary advocates for gender equality and regularly volunteers at local charities in Singapore for causes related to women and children. She hopes to use her expertise in PR and communications to advocate for better socially sustainable practices.

A public speaker and skilled writer, Choudhary is a PR professional with experience in the creative industry. An admirer of art and culture, she pursues a multidisciplinary approach while volunteering for social causes, supporting local NGOs with marketing and event organization, penning articles for publications, and actively engaging in fieldwork.

“As a visionary leader, I wish to help make the world a better place for women to grow and find success.”

Letchumanan Kamaleswary is a Project Manager at the Centre for Equality and Justice (CEJ), a women’s rights organization based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. CEJ’s mission is to achieve gender justice so that men, women, and persons with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) live in a society that is free, just, and equal.

Kamaleswary has conducted research studies on Malaiyaha Tamil women, a minority group in Sri Lanka. The findings have been presented at different forums to advocate for the rights of minority women. In 2015, the Office for the United Nations High Commissioners for Human Rights (OHCHR) selected her for a Minority Rights fellowship program.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to mobilize relevant stakeholders to advocate for minority women’s rights in Sri Lanka.”

Aditi Joshi is co-founder of SuperNova, a health-tech startup designed to manage chronic conditions smartly with an assistive AI caregiver and smart plush toys. SuperNova bridges gaps in traditional healthcare by integrating Eastern and Western therapeutic modalities, offering personalized care plans and community support.

Aditi is also the founder of Speaking Grey, a non-profit that creates awareness and resources for student mental health. She holds an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder and a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from India. With extensive experience in analytics, stakeholder engagement, and corporate social responsibility, she has been recognized with The Diana Award, the most prestigious award given to a young changemaker. She is also certified in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy and Social Entrepreneurship.

Living with fibromyalgia and as a global speaker on mental health, Aditi combines personal experience with professional expertise.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to transforming healthcare by fostering innovation and building a compassionate community of support.”

Saule Agatayeva is a communications specialist with ten years of experience. She has worked with international organizations on development programs and project management on topics such as the rule of law, children’s rights, gender, and inclusivity. She holds a masters in political science and served as a country member of the OrgCommittee of The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia and a country Consultant for the Central Eurasian Leadership Academy.

Tolulope Makinwa is the founder and chief operating officer at Muazu Africa, a platform designed to connect African social enterprises to market opportunities, shared networks, and exposure. With close to a decade of experience in creating impact across Anglophone and Francophone countries, Makinwa believes that in Africa, where millions of young people are excluded from basic amenities, social entrepreneurship charts a path to self-sufficiency by strengthening all the elements that help improve access to work and economic growth. Therefore, her commitment to developing Africa’s social economy by creating market and impact opportunities, inclusive of the base of the pyramid population, remains unwavering.

“As a visionary leader, I will continually work in uncharted territory so others don’t have to waste ample time clearing the path.”

Victoria Orozco is the founder of Punto Labs, a consulting practice that supports changemakers to promote inclusive growth. Punto Labs brings data, frameworks, and community knowledge to unlock opportunities for people of color.

Ozoco is also the co-founder of Hacedoras, an organization that champions the influential role of Latin American women in public policies. Hacedoras provides women with cutting-edge training and networks to reach leadership positions in the public policy arena. She has worked for the Argentinean Government and think tanks like the Nowak Lab and CIPPEC, where she led projects at the intersection of economic development, equity, and sustainability. Orozco holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Buenos Aires, a master’s degree in economics, and a master’s degree in public administration in international development from the Harvard Kennedy School.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to see a world where we all, no matter where we come from, have opportunities to reach our full potential.”

Veronica Clements is the president of the Young Women’s Caucus for Art, a Chicago-based chapter of the National Women’s Caucus for Art. The Young Women’s Caucus for Art is dedicated to helping emerging women and non-binary artists find opportunities and foster a sense of community in the Chicago area and beyond. The Young Women’s Caucus is made up of a strong group of women who are passionate about creating, curating, and sharing art with their community.

Clements holds a bachelor’s degree in painting and art history from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in leadership for creative enterprises from Northwestern University. Clements is also a board member, curator, and social media manager for the Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art and volunteers her time at Woman Made Gallery.

“As a visionary leader, I want to impact change in representation for women’s art.”

Titilope Adedokun is the founder of Sisterly HQ, a digital community that is empowering Nigerian women with the tools to tell their stories and connecting them with opportunities and resources to succeed. Sisterly HQ has shared the inspiring stories of 42 Nigerian women and has distributed over 1000 transformative opportunities and resources. Through its work, Sisterly HQ is increasing representation, and bridging the opportunity gap for the economic empowerment of Nigerian women.

Adedokun is a lawyer, social impact professional, and content creator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Lagos and a qualifying degree from the Nigerian Law School. She has worked with many student-led and nonprofit organizations such as Lagos Model United Nations and the Lex Lata Center for International Law and Comparative Constitutionalism in Africa.

“As a visionary leader, I am creating a world where women are empowered, included and represented in every space.”

Tara Dickman is the founder of Le Next Level, a France-based nonprofit organization that supports those fighting for inclusive societies in their collective power-building process and those in positions of power in their inclusive leadership development. Since 2013, it has offered conferences, workshops, and trainings to NGOs, corporations, foundations, non-profit grassroots organizations, and the public sector, in France and across Europe.

Before founding Le Next Level, Dickman was the director of the French branch of Humanity in Action, an NGO that educates, connects, and inspires young people interested in human and minority rights in a historical, comparative, and action-oriented approach. Dickman is a seasoned community organizer, originally trained in Chicago in 2010 and a 2023 graduate from the Harvard Kennedy School Leadership, Organizing, and Action course.

“As a visionary leader, I believe kindness is a strength, not a weakness.”

Surayya Walters is a social entrepreneur, speaker, journalist, and leader who is passionate about tackling social issues through her work. She is the founder of iDEIntity, a nonprofit that is dedicated to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to the startup ecosystem. She is also the founder and community manager of B25, a social initiative designed to help young women of color launch entrepreneurial careers and ventures. She is an entrepreneur who is dedicated to uplifting the marginalized and finding creative ways to live her purpose and make an impact.

Walters graduated from The Wharton School in 2022, receiving her bachelor’s degree in economics, with concentrations in management and marketing as well as a minor in urban education policy. She has received various fellowships and awards, including Humanity in Action’s Racial Equity Fellowship, the LeadNext Fellowship, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Award For Outstanding Leadership and Service. Additionally, Walters is a 2023 Watson Institute Social Entrepreneurial Fellow and an entrepreneur in residence for Bubble Immerse, their premier accelerator for founders of color seeking to build technical skills.

“As a visionary leader, I am committed to blazing a trail that others can follow; to empower others to succeed and craft a life and career they are proud of.”

Sphesihle Bhengu is the founder of the Amazwami Advocacy Project, a non-profit club which seeks to raise awareness and foster the roots of transformative education, gender equality, climate action and various socio-political thematics through advocacy work, storytelling and digital advancements. She is currently running a pilot project on developing climate curriculum for schools in South Africa. She holds a strong belief that young people should be able to make a connection between global climate crisis and their day-to-day local climate issues.

Bhengu studied biology and genetics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and also trained as an aircraft structures worker at South African Airways Technical. She is currently enrolled in a Cybersecurity course with Cybersafe Foundation where she specializes in governance, risk, and compliance. She serves as a Young African Leaders Initiative alumna, GCED alumna, a Woman Deliver Youth ambassador and a YOUNGO member.

”As a visionary leader, I believe that youth and women should never be forced to negotiate and beg for a sit at a table. Youth inclusivity and gender equality shouldn’t be negotiable.”

Sohila Bibi is the founder of Elevate Her Coaching, an initiative to support girls and women to become confident, authentic leaders in their careers. It specifically focuses on the career advancement of South Asian women working in corporate, and supports them to achieve their career goals, despite the stereotypes and biases faced by them both at work and at home.

Bibi is currently putting together a programme that will take participants on a journey from which they can evolve as future leaders, be confident and know how to position themselves for their dream job or career. Bibi holds a bachelor’s degree in computing information systems for business as well as a law degree and extensive experience working in the public sector in the UK.

“As a visionary leader, I want to help that little girl who has now become a woman to believe she can achieve her dreams, despite the naysayers, and break the glass ceiling in her career as a South Asian professional.”

Sintia Lisboa is the CEO and founder of 3 Elementus, a company dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for the environment. Leading an industrial plant that produces a highly effective chemical agent to reduce pollution in the automotive sector, Lisboa understands the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and creating a better world. She builds an industrialization hub that fosters innovation and drives the development of cutting-edge sustainable products using Amazonian resources and technologies.

With 14 years of experience in Brazil’s industrial and environmental sectors, including renowned companies like Petrobras and Coca-Cola, Lisboa brings a diverse background to her leadership role. She holds a master’s degree in chemical process engineering, specializing in credit carbon projects and environmental management.

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to achieving a harmonious balance between human action and nature, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Shatoyia Davenport is the national event manager of ChickTech, an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized genders in the technology industry and aspiring technologists. Through technical workshops, mentoring programs, and community networking, ChickTech creates an inclusive technology culture. Davenport is a strong advocate for marginalized communities, prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all ChickTech events. She believes in the transformative power of technology education, empowering participants to become influential leaders in their communities.

Davenport earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Everest University and holds distinctions as a Digital Event Strategist (PCMA) and an Accredited Event Designer (IWED). Throughout her career, she has showcased exceptional leadership in hospitality management, volunteer engagement, and community advocacy.

“As a visionary leader, I am dedicated to connecting individuals with essential resources, education, and community support. I believe that these connections can profoundly impact people’s lives and circumstances, making a positive difference in marginalized communities.”

Ratidzo Mutizwa Njagu is the founding director of the Kunashe Foundation, a social impact organization that seeks to empower and equip young people and women across the African continent sustainably. As of June 2023, she has equipped over 6000 young people with essential life skills primarily financial literacy, and menstrual health. She is a development practitioner with over 8 years of experience in women’s development and adolescent & youth programming.

Njagu has worked for Deloitte, the Clinton Foundation, and BRAC. She also co-founded the Blossom Company, a women’s wellness organization. She has also been recognized by JCI as one of Zimbabwe’s Top 10 Young People. Njagu holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in economics and international relations from Sussex University.

“As a visionary leader, I endeavor to ensure young people become an active part of social and economic development across Southern Africa.”

Rachel Labi is the co-founder of Building Financial Freedom (BFF), her organization dedicated to financial literacy. At 17, she founded BFF to support economic stability and financial achievement in youth and young adults. Her organization has conducted events with organizations such as Northwestern Mutual and a Berkshire Hathaway conference speaker. BFF has educated 200+ people globally, and Labi wants to expand its impact through partnerships.

Labi is a finance major at Purdue University with a passion for social impact and business. At age 12, she began anti-trafficking advocacy and has since worked for organizations that fight trafficking globally. Labi’s extensive business accomplishments include involvement with companies such as D.E. Shaw, Bridgewater Associates, igniteXL Ventures, and IDEX Corporation. She has additional interests in media, social entrepreneurship, and ethical fashion.

“As a visionary leader, I want to empower youth and young adults to economically thrive in their communities.”

Prashikshya Bhattarai, a visionary leader from Kathmandu, Nepal, is a driving force in disability rights, gender equality, and mental health activism. With eight years of transformative experience as a psycho-social counselor and holding a master’s degree in gender studies, Bhattarai passionately advocates for the rights of young women with disabilities.

Bhattarai’s dedication and personal journey as a visually impaired individual fuel her remarkable impact. With eloquence and empathy, she challenges societal norms, fostering dialogue and shaping a more inclusive world. As a program coordinator at Access Planet, an organization empowering women with disabilities in Nepal through accessible technology, Bhattarai exemplifies resilience and unwavering commitment. Her trailblazing efforts prove that disabilities are not limitations but catalysts for extraordinary achievements.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to create a society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to the overall development and betterment of their communities.”

Prachi Kharb is the director & COO at Life and Limb Private Limited, a MedTech company building user-specific bionic solutions that empower people to live to the fullest. The company innovates accessible, aspirational, and affordable Bionic solutions. Their first product is BIONICLI, a prosthetic hand that can achieve 6 degrees of freedom, weighs less than 450 g and costs 80% less than the market. She believes that this sector is fragmented and needs standardization to make a more inclusive society for people with amputations.

Kharb graduated as an information technology engineer. She worked in analytics in the Fintech sector for a total of 5 years before shifting to the health-tech sector. Recently, she was listed amongst 100 Women in Tech in South Asia for the WEScale program organized by USAID SARDI.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to make the world a more equitable and inclusive society.”

Bunmi Jasmine Omeke is the co-founder of GETWORK Nigeria, which stands for the Graduate Employability Training Workshop. The initiative is aimed at helping young graduates transition into the work environment effectively through periodic mentorship programmes, training, career fairs, and recruitment services. The programme now offers a mentorship programme for fresh graduates, which includes training on employability skills, CV review and preparation for interviews, and sessions on workplace ethics and culture.

Omeke is a multiskilled and certified HR professional with background training and experience as a business lawyer in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Igbinedion University as well as a master’s degree in law from the University of Aberdeen. Omeke has successfully planned, implemented, and managed various social projects, including directing the affairs of the Legal Aid Unit of the Occupational Health Safety and Empowerment Centre, which was established to handle cases of occupational accidents with the aim of helping victims get redressed. In her current role at GETWORK Nigeria, Omeke has connected over 300 job applicants to the right employers in the last 4 years.

Olasumbo Adeleke is the founder of the Initiative for Gender Empowerment and Creativity. The initiative trains and upskill people, particularly smallholder farmers, with a focus on women in grassroots communities, to improve their native vocations and produce good quality products of global standards. She believes in a bottom-up approach to tackle poverty, so she strives to make the products attractive to buyers in order to earn more income, improving overall livelihood.

Adeleke is an experienced agricultural value chain and community development practitioner, with extensive skills in cluster development and capacity building. She has volunteered as an active member of some organizations such as the International Visitors Leadership Program Association, and the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a certificate in entrepreneurial management from Pan Atlantic University.

“As a visionary leader, I endeavor to impact others with my work.”

A firm believer that the future of the world rests in the hands of the young, Naomi Walston has set her sights on supporting the next generation of climate activists. With more than two decades behind her in the human rights, humanitarian, and health sectors, as a manager, fundraiser, and philanthropist, Walston is ready to take on the most daunting challenge of all, climate change and environmental activism.

But nothing equips her better for this role than her experience as a mother. What more important legacy can there be than helping the world become a healthier, more sustainable place for your children?

“As a visionary leader, I will make the most of this tremendous opportunity and this network of powerful women to stand up, speak up, and rise up!”

Mushimyimana Gaudence is the Founding Managing Director of DisAbility Link, a social enterprise launched in 2013, and co-founding executive director of the Rwandan Organisation of Women with Disabilities. The enterprise aims at creating opportunities for people with disabilities to realize their ability, achieve their highest potential, and benefit from their independent living by availing on the local market of a wide range of affordable and accessible skills, knowledge, assistive products, and services they need. They provide advisory services for inclusion, create jobs for persons with disabilities, and organize on-job training skills for youth boys and girls with disabilities including leadership skills development, graduate placement and advocacy. She believes that behind every person with disabilities, there are untapped potentials.

Gaudence has played many roles in building the disability movement. She has been the national coordinator of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2007-2009), deputy legal representative of the Umbrella of Persons with Disabilities in Fighting HIV/AIDS (2006-2008), secretary general of the National Union of Disabilities Organizations (2010-2016) and board member in charge of gender within Association General des Handicapees du Rwanda. She is serving on the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Disabled Peoples Forum as the regional representative of women with disabilities since 2019, and women representative officer today. She was recently recognized in 2020 as a Woman of Courage by the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda for promoting social Economic Inclusion of persons with disabilities in Rwanda. Gaudence is a bachelor’s degree holder in the social sciences.

Mary Blackford is the Founder of Market 7, a community marketplace that features Black-owned businesses for the purpose of alleviating food and retail deserts in Washington, DC. Mary graduated from Babson College with a bachelor’s degree in business management. In the summer of 2017, she launched her most recent venture, Market 7. Market 7 has worked with over 80 Black-owned businesses in the DC area to create alternative community pop-up markets that include fresh food, lifestyle products, and home essentials in Ward 7 (DC). Market 7 is currently building the first Black-owned food hall in Washington, DC; a new 7,000 sq ft food space slated to open within the next year.

In 2019, Blackford also worked with Whole Foods Market (Mid-Atlantic) to bring new Black-owned brands to their stores in DC. Blackford has also developed partnerships with Google and the Greater Washington Urban League to provide entrepreneurial training in underserved communities.

Mariama Khai Fornah is a visionary leader and the CEO of Hands of Hope Radio 100.5 FM, the first woman-owned radio station in Sierra Leone. With a mission to provide hope and resilience, the radio addresses crucial issues such as livelihood, gender, environment, governance, legal matters, civic engagement, culture, arts, and education.

Fornah, an award-winning journalist with 18 years of experience, has worked with renowned organizations including World Bank and the BBC World Service Trust. She reported on the trials of former President Charles Taylor in The Hague. She has also managed projects such as the EU-funded Cocoa Livelihoods Project, which impacted over 5000 cocoa farmers. Beyond her journalism career, she excels as a blogger, entrepreneur, and preacher. Fornah’s expertise, combined with a strong background in journalism training and media advocacy, positions her as a media expert.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to illuminate the path of hope, inspire change, and uplift communities.”

Maria Eugenia Millan is the CFO of Galicia Seguros, an insurance company with a mission to encourage millions of clients to take bold steps forward. In her role, she passionately advocates for financial education as the primary driver of economic independence, especially for women. As a member of the diversity committee, Millan actively works to establish inclusive practices and initiatives that create equal opportunities for everyone, addressing current disparities.

Millan is a woman leader with 20 years of experience in the insurance sector. She is an actuary and MBA holder from the University of San Andrés, along with a postgraduate degree in finance specializing in capital markets.

“As a visionary leader, I firmly believe that our leadership roles should be a catalyst for breaking the cycle of past inequalities and empowering people to uncover their true purpose in life.”

Maria Ana E. Espinosa is a human rights lawyer and feminist activist from the Philippines. As Program Officer of The Asia Foundation – Law and Human Rights Unit, she heads multisectoral projects for the promotion and protection of human rights. She is also the founder of Urgent Reforms for Development, Unity, Justice, and Advancement (URDUJA) Inc, n organization that provides mentoring to women to become transformative feminist leaders in their communities.

Espinosa is currently a fellow of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Academy of Political Management, which aims to train young progressive leaders to become advocates of social democracy. She previously worked at the Supreme Court of the Philippines and was appointed as the Assistant Committee Secretary of the Supreme Court Committee on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. She graduated with a bachelor’s in economics from the University of the Philippines, a Juris Doctor from Arellano University, and is finishing her master’s degree in Women and Development from the University of the Philippines. Her international education and trainings consist of being a recipient of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Study (YES) Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State in 2005; an AIESEC Development Intern in Hangzhou, China in 2011; Philippine representative on the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop in Advancing Gender Equality held in Brunei in 2019; and a mentor in U.S. Department of State’s Civic Education Week held in Washington D.C. in 2020.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to empower more women to take up leadership roles and change the oppressive patriarchal system into an equitable and compassionate feminist form of leadership.”

Malavika Nambiar is the co-founder of Humane Warriors (HW), a global platform dedicated to creating, protecting, and maintaining equity with vulnerable and underrepresented communities. With a focus on socio-environmental issues, HW empowers individuals and addresses the root causes of social problems through various initiatives. Nambiar’s personal passion lies in education, recognizing its pivotal role in driving positive change. She has been involved in teaching from a young age and now channels her efforts into mentorship programs and improving access to digital education infrastructure. Through HW, she envisions a world where every individual has equal opportunities and a voice to shape their future.

Nambiar holds a bachelor’s degree from Manipal University, a master’s degree from TU Delft, and a PhD from the University of Bern. Her multidisciplinary scientific expertise allows her to approach social issues with a translational mindset, making a real-life impact.

Madison Webb is a junior at Harvard College studying Psychology. As a current Content Design Intern at Meta, she is interested in careers in UX/UI/Human-Centered Design and Product Marketing, which will allow her to solve 21st-century user-centric problems that impact underrepresented populations. In pursuit of a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon, her goal is also to build a university pipeline/partnership program for Black youth to get exposed to the field of UX/HCI.

Outside of school, Webb is a college prep mentor for Black high school students through the Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support Program. Additionally, after spearheading DEI initiatives for Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum (Harvard’s mixed-voice choir, also a 501(c)(3)), she was elected to serve as president for the 2023-24 school year.

“As a visionary leader, I lead with authenticity, firmness, and a passion for advancing equity in traditionally inequitable spaces.”

Limbi Blessing is the founder and executive director of Ecological Balance Cameroon (Eco Balance), an organization that provides nature-based solutions to climate change and poverty. Inspired by the African proverb, ‘a goat eats from where it is tied,’ Eco Balance believes that communities that live adjacent to natural ecosystems should be able to generate livelihoods from, and in turn take care of, such ecosystems. They accompany local communities in Cameroon in protecting, repairing and sustainably managing natural resources and ecosystems.

“As a visionary leader, I raise sustainable leaders.”

Karishma Ali is a footballer and social entrepreneur from Chitral, Pakistan. Ali is driven by her passion to break down gender barriers through the power of sports. In 2016, she represented Pakistan at the International Jubilee Games, and the following year, she joined the first Pakistani female team to participate in the AFL International Club in Melbourne. In 2018, Ali founded the Chitral Women’s Sports Club, which is now known as the Karishma Ali Foundation. The foundation aims to provide a secure and nurturing environment for young girls in remote regions of Pakistan to engage in various sports activities, opening up more opportunities for them to play sports.

Ali’s exceptional work in empowering women in sports has garnered her numerous accolades. In 2019, she was recognized in the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list. The same year, she was appointed as a member of Pakistan’s first national youth council. In 2022, Karishma was honored as part of the Pride of Pakistan initiative, which celebrates individuals who have achieved excellence in their respective fields. Currently, she serves as a member of UN Women 30for2030, contributing to the global mission of advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Karen Laing is the co-founder of Okkanti, a B-Corp with a mission to increase access to doula care and other support systems that lead to better outcomes. The Okkanti CareFinder, an all-in-one matching, booking and practice management solution, links every pregnant person to the care they need while preserving the community-led models that emerge at a local level.

Over a 30-year career in maternal health, Laing trained as a Midwife, Doula, and Lactation Consultant, and founded one of the early doula programs in North America. Her interest in improving care quality while preventing burnout has led her to develop the Compass of Mindful Caregiving™,  6 Qualities of Embodied Mindfulness™, and a mindfulness-based Postpartum Doula Certification.

“As a visionary leader, I believe that we are stronger together in our efforts to build maternal health equity.”

Juliana Sun is planning to launch a platform for women in low-income and low-education communities. Her vision is to economically empower these minority women, with a particular focus on middle-aged women. Through social media outreach, mentorship, skill development programs, and financial education, she aims to create a supportive environment where women can learn, network, and access job opportunities. The skill development programs will be tailored to women’s interests and needs, while financial education will equip them with the tools they need to effectively manage their finances and avoid financial fraud. Her goal is to provide women with the resources and support they need to improve their lives and thrive.

Sun is an undergraduate student at NYU Stern School of Business majoring in finance. She works as a site ambassador at NYU’s Student Government Assembly. She also worked in consulting and investment banking firms, including IQVIA. She also served as a research assistant at the Institute of Green Investment in China.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to build a supportive community to empower minority women and foster a thriving community where they can enhance their lives and reach new heights.”

Joana Bacallo is the founder of Schools for Environment Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS), an international non-profit organization based in Bruxelles, Belgium that commits to strengthening partnerships with remote, low-income schools by integrating tailor-made curriculums on environmental stewardship and advancement of climate resilience through water awareness and education.

She completed a bachelor’s degree in international business and entrepreneurial management at San Beda University and earned her MBA in aviation management from Coventry University. She attributed her unique community water work to her previous career as an international flight attendant, where her illuminating travels immersed her into diverse cultures and life realities. Bacallo received acknowledgment from Women Deliver Conference 2019. She also represented SEEDS at the historical United Nations Water Conference 2023.

“As a visionary leader, I champion young learners, regardless of background, to have access to environment education and inspire them to be stewards of our waters and natural resources.”

Jigyasa Labroo is the Co-Founder and CEO of Slam Out Loud (SOL). SOL collaborates with state governments and teaching-artists, working with children across five states to foster Creative Confidence through visual and performing arts. They focus on building Socio-Emotional Learning skills in children from underserved backgrounds. Their online open-source curriculum has reached 10 million children in 19 countries.

Labroo studied Learning Design as a KC Mahindra scholar at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is a winner of Falling Walls, Berlin, and is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. She was awarded Innovator of the Year 2023 by HundrED, Finland. Labroo has been a fellow at Salzburg Global Seminar, WISE- Qatar, Arts for Good- Singapore, and Teach For India.

“As a visionary leader, I am excited to find a community of women supporting each other to find and raise our voices, inspire collaborative work and learn from each other.”

Jai Bharathi Addepalli is the founder of Mowo Social Initiatives, a not for profit that empowers women to be independent by offering them 2/3/4 wheeler motor trainings and employment. The mission is to create a generation of confident women equipped with mobility and at the same time making Indian streets safer by increasing the number of women accessing public spaces.

Addepalli is an avid motorcyclist and serial entrepreneur. She led several national and cross-country motorcycling expeditions covering more than 1,00,000 kms across South East Asia and the United States to promote women’s safety and empowerment. She was pivotal in establishing India’s first Motor Training Centre exclusively for women in collaboration with the government organisations.

“As a visionary leader, my goal is to enable a million women in mobility and build an eco-system for women in mobility.”

Hargun Kaur is the founder of Bundles of Hope, an organization that provides vulnerable pregnant individuals with care kits that promote self-care, mental well-being, and access to community resources. Funded by the government of Canada, these kits aim to alleviate the burden of mental illness during pregnancy, connect individuals with supports, and enhance birth outcomes and child development.

Kaur brings experience in advocacy, entrepreneurship, and health promotion. Kaur serves on the boards of a large mental health organization and national research advisory council, leads organizations making healthcare more accessible for marginalized communities, and represented Canadian youth at the international G7 youth summit. She has been recognized by the YWCA, Scotiabank, McMaster University, and the Government of Canada.

“As a visionary leader, I empower marginalized communities, amplify diverse voices, create equitable spaces for all, and believe that true leadership lies in supporting others and ensuring no one is left behind.”

Haja Isatu Bah is the founder of Uman4Uman, a social enterprise that focuses on addressing the issue of period poverty and menstrual product waste among young girls and women with reusable menstrual pads and menstrual health education. Uman4Uman has worked with over 5500 girls and women in Bah’s home country, Sierra Leone, teaching them about menstrual hygiene. Bah is currently working on a comprehensive menstrual health management guide.

Bah has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Skidmore College. She is a two-time TEDx speaker on the topics of education for climate action as well as on merging a love for learning and an entrepreneurial spirit. Bah is strongly passionate about issues affecting women and the environment.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to use my environmental education as a tool to empower more women and develop solutions to address issues affecting girls and women globally­­.”

Hadijah Nankanja is the founder of Community Women Enterprise Network Uganda Limited, a business resource space for women entrepreneurs across all sectors that provides business information, technical support for members to reach greater markets, create growing revenues and promote their businesses with more focus and clarity. She believes in reinforcing the capacity of high-potential, low-income entrepreneurs to become more productive and gain larger market shares in leading local and regional markets.

With over a decade of experience working on development initiatives, Nankanja is a volunteer board member at Trade and Impact for Women-led Enterprises and board secretary of Tusome Children’s resource centre. She holds a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and small business management from Makerere University Business School. She is a co-owner of different business ventures, including Nakoha Natural Products Limited, Books & More, and Interest for Change. She is a rotarian of RC Kampala Naalya in Uganda.

Felicia Obafemi is the founder and lead trainer of Esther’s Generation Relief Initiative (TEGRI), an initiative poised at contributing to ending child marriage and reducing GBV among women & girls. TEGRI helps support the journey of recovery for survivors of abuse and maximize potential through training and empowerment. TEGRI empowers with age-appropriate sexuality education in schools and embarks on community engagements and awareness, ensuring that the sexual & reproductive health and rights of women are protected.

Obafemi has worked in hard-to-reach communities. She worked with a faith-based NGO, CYN International, in 2008. In 2013, Obafemi founded her initiative and since then has been touching lives. She collaborated with NGOs and INGOs: Spotlight Initiative, USAID, MMWAT Foundation, CYPF, CLAPAI and COCHIN. Obafemi has an HND in Administration, PGDE, and currently her MPA. Obafemi is PMD Pro Level 1 & 2 certified by APMG.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to know, go and show others the way.”

Dr. Fariba Parsa is the founder and president of Women’s E-Learning in Leadership, WELL, a non-profit organization in Virginia. The mission of WELL is to empower women and contribute to democracy through online leadership education, and global networking. The organization provided 10 weeks of leadership training for potential leaders, developed a digital library focused on women’s rights, and video interviews.  

Dr. Parsa specializes in democracy and women’s rights in Iran. She worked as an assistant professor at George Mason University and has conducted research at Harvard University and the University of Maryland. Dr. Parsa was born and raised in Iran and lived in Denmark for several years and has worked with Danish organizations on human rights. She was elected as a board member of a number of organizations, such as the Danish National Women’s Council.

“As a visionary leader, I imagine the WELL organization has a significant role to empower women in their efforts for democracy, freedom, and gender equality.”

Entle Mmipi is the founder of Finpowerment Botswana, which aims to impart the youth with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills through age-appropriate and interactive methods, as a way to assist in alleviating poverty and unemployment in Botswana.

Mmipi currently works as a digital associate at Letshego Holdings Limited, a retail financial services organization. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Botswana and is an MBA candidate at the University of East London. Mmipi is currently serving as the Engagement Lead for Southern Africa at One Young World. Mmipi also served a term as an advocate under the SDSN Youth Global Schools Program, where she was tasked with bringing more attention to the SDGs in her community. She is also a member of the Economy of Francesco network, with which she is currently working to develop and pilot financial education programmes in 3 countries.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to make the world more inclusive by empowering people to become self-sustaining.”

Destiny Daniel is a founder of R.E.A.C.H. (Residents Engaged in Achieving Community Harmony), an on-campus service organization bridging the gap between activism and academia through the implementation of education, mentorship, and political initiatives piloted in her local community. Her vision is to create strong minority communities through equitable and excellent education.

Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in strategic, legal, and management communications, Daniel is driven by her desire to be the change she wishes to see in the world. Daniel is proud to serve on the National Leadership Training Team for the Family, Career, and Community Leader of America, an organization with a youth membership of 250,000 students. With experience working at 16 nonprofits, she hopes to lead a global education-based organization in the future.

“As a visionary leader, I dream of leaving a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”

Ciji Wagner is the founder of Louder Than Silence (LTS), a nonprofit that gives long-term care for survivors of sexual violence by providing the community and resources needed to experience hope and healing. Through EMDR (trauma) therapy, workshops, retreats, mentorships, self-care kits, and community support, all offered at no cost to participants, LTS helps empower survivors to rebuild themselves and their lives.

Wagner earned a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and worked a number of jobs in the restaurant industry before entering the nonprofit sector as an executive chef. Since that pivot, Wagner has utilized her expertise learned from managing for-profit businesses to benefit several nonprofits in a variety of volunteer and consulting roles, as well as launching LTS.

“As a visionary leader, I believe in creating a world where all survivors of sexual violence have access to the comprehensive resources they need to truly thrive.”

Chioma Nnanna is the co-founder and CEO of OMZN Apparel. Her company is building solutions to make the fashion industry more inclusive and decentralized. OMZN Apparel’s production management software is designed to connect businesses with independent garment workers and small-shop tailors, creating distributed production hubs and functioning as an alternative to large, often exploitative garment factories.

Nnanna has over six years of experience in marketing communications, having held roles in both small startups and large corporations.

”As a visionary leader, I thrive to implement new ideas and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem.”

Chidinma Ihemedu is the company secretary and head of legal at Layer3 Limited, an indigenous Nigerian information technology company that provides broadband internet and technology solutions. As part of its social impact projects, Layer3 intends to expand its fiber optic network to areas identified in underserved communities, creating affordable broadband coverage and ensuring delivery of quality internet services in schools and markets. This will provide access to enhanced economic and social opportunities such as financial inclusion and improved digital literacy.

Ihemedu has worked in several telecommunications and technology companies as Legal Counsel and holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University Of Lagos and a master’s degree in law from Cornell University, where she was also a fellow of the Institute for African Development.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to create solutions that will spur economic and social development in the communities around me.”

Carla Reed is planning to launch a consultancy to advise executives, managers, and HR practitioners on organizational change through the implementation of equitable systems, processes, and policies. The needs of today’s workforce are shifting, and organizations must be willing to shift to retain top talent, especially Black women.

With over a decade of HR experience in the nonprofit and for-profit sector, Reed received a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from Sewanee: The University of the South. She served on the National Board of Directors for the Women’s Campaign Fund (WCF) and is a graduate of WeLEAD, a bipartisan leadership-training program run by the Women & Politics Institute at American University. She was elected as the first African American Chair of the Women’s Information Network (WIN).

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to reimagine a future of work that allows us all to thrive.”

Betty Mbithi is the founder and CEO of Abetec Business Solutions, a social enterprise with programs dedicated to empowering young people in peri-urban and rural communities. The programs are designed to equip them with essential skills for a seamless transition from the classroom to the real world. The courses include digital, vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

Mbithi has a background in business development and enjoys creating social impact. In her previous life, she worked in the corporate world both in the health sector and banking sector. Additionally, she also co-founded VunaTec, an Agritech start-up minimizing post-harvest losses and maximizing economic value for farmers.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to pave a trail that others can confidently tread upon.”

Anxhela Bruci is a social justice mission-driven professional, committed to the fight against crime by empowering survivors in their reintegration path. She focuses on economic empowerment practices, working with survivors of modern slavery and abuse as well as developing and delivering economic empowerment-focused training curricula. Alongside this work, she has founded a socio-economic empowerment model named EmpowerFULL, which aims to help survivors of human trafficking in their economic empowerment and personal development journey.

Bruci holds a master’s degree in global crime and justice and a master’s degree in administration of social services. Apart from her grassroots work, she is involved in research on social protection and human trafficking, with a focus on economic empowerment approaches to prevent human trafficking and support the reintegration process of survivors. In January 2023, Bruci was awarded the Gender & Human Rights Global Ambassador honour from The Federation of International Gender and Human Rights in the United States.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to bring light where there is darkness, and hope where the gateways seem to have run out.”

Andrea Remes is the co-founder of Erandi Aprende, a social venture focused on bridging the gender gap in STEM by nurturing and guiding girls to develop their ideas. This digital platform, designed for Spanish speakers, offers engaging STEAM learning through open-ended projects and exciting adventures led by their avatar, Erandi.

Remes is a member of the Generation Unlimited Young People’s Action Team. With a bachelor’s degree in South and Southeast Asian studies and a master’s degree in political science from Leiden University, she has dedicated her career to working in the international development and non-profit sector supporting causes related to children with special abilities, gender equality, education, and climate change.

“As a visionary leader, I aim to help anyone become a better version of themselves.”

Amisa Rashid is the Founder and Executive Director of Nivishe Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of marginalized communities in Kenya. Through innovative and community-based approaches, Nivishe Foundation aims to create safe spaces and provide psychosocial support for victims of violence, with a particular focus on urban Muslim women and girls in informal settlements.

Rashid has extensive experience in counseling psychology and trauma healing, and she has successfully integrated technology and inclusive practices such as sign language into mental health services. Prior to founding Nivishe Foundation, Rashid held various leadership roles in the field of mental health and community resilience. She has worked as a counselor, providing support to individuals and communities affected by violence and trauma, and has been involved in developing and implementing programs that address the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Rashid’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities and her expertise in trauma-informed approaches make her a valuable leader in the field of mental health.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to challenge the status quo, inspire change, and create a lasting impact in the communities I serve.”

Amina Mohamed is the founder and executive director of Cameras For Girls, a project that empowers young Ugandan women through photography and business skills. With the gift of a camera and a 4-phase year-long program, women elevate their talents and seize opportunities in male-dominated fields of journalism and photography. Since 2018, the initiative has trained 47 young women in Uganda, with over 70% securing full-time paid work in journalism, communications, and photography.

Mohamed’s career in Canada’s film and television industry spans over 20 years, starting from wardrobe to producing films and documentaries, refining her storytelling skills. Transitioning into freelance photography, she found the inspiration for her initiative to support women in her homeland, Uganda. Mohamed expands Cameras For Girls to Tanzania this year and South Africa in 2024. Her outstanding contributions have earned nominations for the RBC Women of Influence Award in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Recently, her photos were exhibited nationwide in Canada, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Asian Expulsion from Uganda in 1972.

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to empower and uplift the voices of African women.”

Agustina Perez is the child rights campaign manager for Bank Information Center (BIC). BIC is a Washington, DC-based independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that advocates for transparency, accountability, sustainability, and inclusion in development finance. In partnership with international, regional, and local CSOs, BIC conducts research and advocacy to reform and improve International financial institutions’ policies and practices.

Perez has over a decade of human rights experience working for the United Nations, the Argentinian government, and academia in her country and abroad. She has significant experience with multi-stakeholder engagement and building capacity across different actors, from states to businesses. Perez is passionate about promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and is committed to protecting children from violence.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to make development finance work toward ending child sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment worldwide.”

Maru Martínez is the Founder and CEO of Our Skin Our Story, a social media initiative and “intimate” Community. Her vision is to create and promote skin cancer awareness through her own life story sharing her knowledge about this disease and what has helped her be in a better place emotionally and physically after her 3 Basal Cell carcinoma tumors on her left cheek. Our skin our story is the first Instagram account in Mexico and Latin America committed to providing valuable and scientific information in Spanish and English about skin cancer and sun damage. Patients can listen to interviews with experts across different fields and share their own stories in order to feel supported when going through their diagnosis. 

Martínez has experience in public and business relations. She is the founder of Connecting Dots, a company with a solid network around the world helping people and companies grow their businesses within the Mexican territory. Martínez’s work and projects have been featured by well know Mexican magazines, newspapers, and on social media. 

She has a certificate from the skin cancer charity in the UK for melanoma and skin cancer early detection. Additionally, she is also the only Latin American warrior in the NOTA mole tracker program. 

“As a visionary leader, I aspire to create a universal understanding and awareness about the importance of taking care of our skin, as it is the largest organ we have.”  

Adrijana Hanušić Becirovic is the Senior Legal Adviser at TRIAL International, a non-governmental organization which fights impunity for international crimes and represents victims of conflict-related sexual violence in their quest for justice and reparation. From 2019to 2021, she was serving at the UN Secretary-General’s Civil Society Advisory Board on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. She is also occasionally serving as a human rights consultant to international organizations like the EU,UNDP and OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a consultant or board member to various NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad. The focus of her work is gender equality and GBV, transitional justice, international human rights standards, and anti-discrimination law. Before joining TRIAL, she worked in a law office, and provided legal expertise to the B&H Parliamentary Assembly as well as to the National Human Rights Ombudsmen Institution. She also participated in traineeship/scholarship programs at the Council of Europe and the German Parliament. Hanušić Bećirovićholds a Law degree from the University of Sarajevo, where she was awarded for excellence, and has received, as a French Government scholarship holder, from the University of Strasbourga master’s degree in Public International Law. Adrijana was a fellow of the Vital Voices Peace Fellowship: Intergenerational Fellowship on Women, Peace and Security in South Central Europe (2021) and a fellow of the Open Society Fund BiH Policy Development Fellowship Program.

With over 25 years of experience guiding the world’s top leaders in business, education and community via individual, small group and full-staff trainings, Dr. Kryss Shane LSW, LMSW has been featured and named “America’s go-to Leading LGBT+ Expert” in The New York Times, ABC News, Yahoo!, and CNN.

Dr. Kryss is known for helping businesses address their unique Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion needs in an approachable, manageable, and actionable way. This includes alterations to physical spaces, updating hiring practices, re-drafting policies and procedures and more. In addition to her doctorate, she holds two master’s degrees, two licenses to practice mental healthcare, and she is currently serving as a Lecturer at Columbia University and an Adjunct Professor at University of Massachusetts Global, Fordham University, Northern Louis University, and Metropolitan State University Denver.

Dr. Kryss is the author of Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive University: A Practical Resource Guide for Faculty and Administrators, which provides guidance for faculty and administrators of universities and colleges to become knowledgeable, capable, and able to make their campuses more LGBT+ inclusive. She is also the author of Creating an LGBT+ Inclusive Workplace: The Practical Resource Guide for Business Leaders, which provides best practices and professional guidance for creating LGBT+ inclusive workplaces, including creating safer working environments, updating company policies, enhancing continuing education and training, and other tangible ways to support LGBT+ people in the workplace.

Anne Nduku is a Business Development Manager and social impact lead at Ed Partners Africa–Kenya, acompany that lends to affordable private school owners. She has successfully run a social impactprogram that equips school owners withskills to run and manage their institution to a competitivestandard. The skills include, leadership, financial management, School management system amongothers. Anne holds a bachelor of degree in Arts (Economics) from Kenyatta University and is an AcumenFellow 2021.

Isabella Mukankusi is the co-founder of Wak Mental HealthDefenders (WMHD), a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects women and children’s rights giving them skills and an opportunity to thrive through legal empowerment, capacity building, formation of strategic partnerships, community groups, and social enterprise innovations, where no one is left behind.So far, WHMD has created one strong community outreach program for persons living with mental illness in Uganda and is committed to providing opportunities to change life paths.Prior to this, Mukankusi worked at Justice Defenders, where she taught incarcerated individuals and prison officers studying a University of London distance learning law degree to help facilitate legal processes. Mukankusi led the Legal Services team to build prison-based legal aid clinics, where trained paralegals and law students provided legal services for themselves and others and implemented gender mainstreaming policies in all the programs. Mukankusi holds a Bachelor of Laws Honors Degree from London Metropolitan University, UK. She recently completed the 2021/2022 Human Rights Advocates Program fellowship at Institute for Study ofHuman Rights, Columbia University in the City of New York. She serves as a Board Member for My StoryInitiative, a disability rights nonprofit and is involved in advocating for sexual and reproductive rights of girls with psychosocial disabilities in Uganda.

Claudia Thomas Riché is the Executive Director and co-founder of NECH-CIEH, a collaborative education network for nurses. Created in 2014, the network brings together nurses from Canada, the United States and Haiti with the mission to position nurses as health change makers within and beyond the clinical context, into the community, to promote better health habits and disease prevention.Previously,Thomas Riché was the Program Director of theNECH-CIEH. She is also a nurse consultant at the GHESKIO Centers Training Unit in Port au Prince since 2004.Thomas Riché holds a master’s degree in nursing science from University of Montreal,Canada. She received a certification degree in 2013 from Institute of HealthcareImprovement (IHI) in Boston as Improvement Advisor (IA).In 2019, she was named anAshoka Fellow, a lifetime award, establishing her as part of a community of social innovators and as an actor for change and the resolution of major societal issues.

Zumazuma is planning to launch an initiative that will focus on supporting young women to deal with various forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in their work places and support survivors to build back their self-esteem and speak out against such violence. Zumazuma envisions a GBV-free environment. Her organization will further focus on empowering women and girls to realize their socioeconomic rights and welfare through the creation of safe spaces for them to interact and share knowledge and skills. The organization will also contribute towards preventing and supporting education for the girl child through prevention and response toSexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in primary schools. Zumazuma is a passionate public health professional with 8 years of experience in human rights advocacy as well as working with survivors of GBV, marginalized women, and adolescent girls.She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Skyway University and has served as aYouth Advisory Council Member for Child Helpline International (CHI).

Ariane Turner, CEO/Founder of Look Good Live Well, is a serial entrepreneur and 20 year beauty industry veteran. After spending over a decade working as a makeup artist for film and television she experienced the impacts of burnout, and committed to learning about the damaging effects of stress on the body. This journey exposed the inequitable marketing of toxic ingredients to Black and Brown communities, the toxic messaging used within the beauty industry to describe melanin rich skin, and the explicit need to amplify the voices of Black andBrown practitioners within the wellness community. Look Good Live Well provides topical skincare solutions for common concerns amongst melanin rich humans and reintroduces the community to the healing power of adaptogens-ingredients used by ancestors for centuries.Turner also prioritizes educating humans on the multiple manifestations of stress on the body and helps guide individuals towards the resources that will help them make the connection between health, wellness and beauty.Turner holds a Bachelor of Arts from Florida A&M University. Her passion for amplifying melanin rich humans in the wellness and beauty space has garnered the attention of Beyonce, EssenceMagazine, Atlanta Magazine, Upscale Magazine, and countless other media outlets. Her knack for impactful storytelling, and commitment to collaboration, have put her in position to excel in various accelerator programs, and to secure over $150k in grants and mentorship from TargetForward Founders, Credo for Change, Brown Girl Jane, SheaMoisture, Essence, Aveeno, Johnson & Johnson, Tower28, BASF and StitchCrew.

Siyothula-Mtshizana is an Energy professional with 16 years of experience delivering small to utility scale infrastructure projects with a focus on Renewable Energy. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of In Pursuit Africa Group, a pan-African Energy Services company that delivers energy efficiency and Renewables projects for public and private sectors. She is also aTechnical Advisor and director at KPCares NPC (PBO), a non-profit organization focused on delivering meaningful socio-economic development programs in energy sector for the empowerment of youth and small-micro-medium enterprises (SMMEs). Siyothula-Mtshizana is a former Senior Project Manager within Arup’s Renewables team where she oversaw a Lender’s Technical Advisory (LTA) team working on renewables projects. She has developed and delivered over 2000MW of Renewables projects (Solar, Hydro, Wind Battery EnergyStorage) in South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ghana and UK. Siyothula-Mtshizana has also held leadership roles such as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Bonang Power & Energy, Principal forMatt&Co Advisory, Arup Education Trust Trustee, and recently the COO for the SunElex Group. She isa member of the Black Energy Professionals Association (BEPA) in South Africa and the South AfricanNational Energy Association (SANEA).

Hellen Lunkuse Waiswa is the founder and executive director of Rape Hurts Foundation (RHF), aUgandan NGO working extensively with women and at-risk children, child victims of sexual abuse, and survivors of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence. With their mission to empower women to take charge of their lives through human right awareness and protection, affordable health and care services, and entrepreneurship, Lunkuse Waiswa and her team connect survivors to emergency medical and psychosocial services and help relocate those in imminent danger to safety. Lunkuse Waiswa is also the founder & CEO of Hellen Lex Beauty and Cocoa Delight. She holds a masters in human rights, a masters in gender studies, a bachelor’s in environmental management, a diploma in law, and several post graduate certificates.In 2019, Lunkuse Waiswa was nominated to be part of Vital Voices VV100 program. She is a member of National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, a member of the Global ThinkersForum, the World Federation Against Drugs, and TrustLaw under the Thomson ReutersFoundation. She received the Trust law Impact Award in 2018 from the Thomson ReutersFoundation for her project Protecting Children in Uganda. The project aimed to ensure that staff and volunteers were fully protecting the rights of children within their network. Lunkuse Waiswa was also a nominee of the Global Thinkers Forum in the category of ‘African FemaleLeaders’ which recognizes the best female philanthropists in Africa.

Amaka is the founder of Nwanyi Imo Reliance Resources, a food processing company with a focus on milling and packaging complex African foods. She is also the convener of Umunwanyi Imo, a platform through which she celebrates women who are doing exceptional work to make the world a better place. She empowers women and celebrates their efforts to make more positive change. Amaka is an Alumni of Fate foundation and also a graduate ofUniversity of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria.

Hailey Michelson is the creator of Fat Fits, a small business and community driven organization that provides access to thrifted, vintage and new one-of-a-kind plus size clothing. Fat Fits hosts pop-up shops at local community organizations and small businesses where fat folks can come together and feel supported. Fat Fits hopes to provide some respite and community while Fat folks persevere through anti-fatness and discrimination in our culture. Michelson will expand the scope of Fat Fits by creating a podcast and documentary film depicting the anti-fatness and fatphobia that permeates all aspects of American culture.  

Michelson holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies and Entertainment Management degree from the University of Montana. After graduation, Michelson served as the program manager for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) center at the University of Montana. In this role, Michelson was an ally and advocate for marginalized communities, planned campus wide events and served on an advisory board to the university president. While at the university, Michelson realized that there was an important group missing from the conversations around DEI, Fat folks.  

As a visionary leader, I aspire to expose and dismantle anti-fatness in our culture while uplifting and providing community for Fat folks.  

Ben David is a professional security and crisis management consultant helping organizations, schools, communities, and businesses to become more resilient and ready to face any unexpected situations. With her innovative and integrative approach, she brings to her clients the necessary mindset as well as the tools to become stronger, safer, and ready to face what life brings. Training and coaching leaders is a central part of her work. 

Ben David holds a master’s degree from Reichman University, Israel. In the past years, she led various projects that assisted communities on a global scale, including communities after terror attacks in Brussels and Copenhagen. 

Ben David’s methodology for crisis management was published in 2019 by the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic and serves as a golden standard for Czech organizations to prepare themselves for unexpected situations. 

As a visionary leader I want crisis management to become a skill of every leader. 

Leone is the Executive Director of Media Matters for Women (MMW), an NGO with the vision to bridge the information gap of last mile communities and provide critical information on sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) to rural women and girls. MMW work closely with community activists, leaders, and groups— especially those directly impacted by SGBV, FGM, inequality and cultural fundamentalism—with information to enable them to build communities and networks that create change.  

As Project Coordinator for the Women’s Initiative for Safer Health (WISH), Florence worked closely with UNFPA on its advocacy campaign on women and girls’ reproductive health and rights. She took the lead in two major international campaigns: Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) and engaged traditional and religious leaders countrywide on maternal and child health issues, teenage pregnancy, and end child marriage campaigns. 

Leone earned a degree in mass communications. She is the proud winner of the 2020 Women Forward Mentor of Distinction Bronze Award by BPeace- the US Women’s Business Council for Peace. She is also a member of the Civil Society Regional Reference Group (CSRRG) Spotlight Initiative Program representing Sierra Leone among 15 member countries.

Fatma Said Kauga is the Founder and the Executive Director of Doyenne Organization whose mission is to expose young girls to the possibilities, opportunities, and alternatives available to them to become leaders. The aim is to develop the next generation of female leaders through programs that coach, mentor, and inspire high school and university students in Tanzania while pursuing their academic courses.  

Kauga holds a Master’s of Science in Finance and Investment and a Bachelor’s of Science in Taxation both from the Institute of Finance Management of Tanzania. She has more than six years of working experience in developing financial models, business planning, budgeting, and managing financial and human resources. Fatma served as a board member and treasurer of the Policy Forum in Tanzania, and is an advisory board member of Asante Africa Foundation and SAWA initiative both from Tanzania.   

Kauga was awarded Honorary citizenship in Boone, North Carolina in 2021. She was also listed among the 100 Tanzanian Sheroes Award in 2020 for her work with women and youth. She is a Gratitude Network Fellow and a Perennial Leadership Fellow. 

I want to be a visionary leader that enhances youth and women’s potential to bring positive, sustainable change. 

Donna Childs is the founder and chief executive officer of Prisere LLC which develops technology to help the re/insurance sector address climate risks. Prisere’s clients include the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.  

Childs was previously based in Zurich, where she was a senior executive of the Swiss Reinsurance Group, the world’s largest reinsurer of property-casualty and life-health risks. She was also a senior columnist for Dow Jones where her analysis and commentary on corporate insurance and risk management issues appeared in the Wall Street Journal. She provides technical advice on issues of climate resilience, to organizations such as NASA and the National Academy of Sciences Gulf Coast Resilience program. Childs is certified in the NIST cybersecurity framework and was a 2018 Climate Resilience practitioner-in-residence of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center. 

Childs holds a bachelor’s from Yale University, a master’s in International Economics & Finance from Brandeis University, an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology from Columbia Business School and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s three-year Owner President Management Program for entrepreneurial founders leading high-growth ventures. Donna is a 2018 Vital Voices Global Ambassadors Program mentee and a graduate of the Vital Voices Grow Fellowship.  

I want to be a visionary leader who opens pathways for women entrepreneurial founders in the technology sector and in the boardrooms. 

Diana Vicezar is a Paraguayan entrepreneur, advocate, and community organizer. She is the founder of Mapis, a career platform for international undergraduate and graduate students in the United States. Currently in closed beta, Mapis helps international students from colleges and universities in 30+ states land their dream jobs and internships in the US, and has been featured by Business Insider and Forbes. 

Vicezar is an experienced technologist with a passion for building projects and products that solve some of the most pressing problems in underprivileged communities. She began her journey as a community organizer and advocate at the age of 16 after founding Mymba Rayhu, an international youth-led initiative focused on raising awareness of the plight of stray dogs and the importance of accessible environmental education. Vicensar is studying Cognitive Science and Computer Science with a minor in Data Science Pitzer College.

For her work as an entrepreneur and community organizer, she was recognized with the 2018 Asuncion Youth Excellence Award, named one of the 30 Most Influential Young Social Entrepreneurs in the world by the We Are Family Foundation in 2019 and Youth Ambassador of Paraguay by the US Department of State, and received the 2020 Diana Award in memory of Princess Diana. In 2022, Diana became the first Paraguayan to work as a Product Design Intern at Meta in Menlo Park, CA. 

Catalina Chacón is the co-founder of Sirenitas de Popoyo, a project developed to empower young local Nicaraguan girls through surf, education, and life planning. The program offers bi-weekly surf lessons and life planning workshops that allow girls to discover their full potential and how to harness their power. Surfing allows the girls to overcome fears and boundaries established by society and a culture that expects young women to be subservient. In the water, they become radiant, powerful and fearless. Outside of the water and in our workshops, they discover the many paths they can choose to embark on, as explorers of their own destiny.  

Chacón works for a start-up focused on helping women move into the C-Suite and into the Boardroom. She has also worked in many grassroots and non-profit organizations from the age of 15 including Boy with a Ball and Foundation for Medical Relief of Children in Nicaragua. Chacón has completed her Bachelor of Psychology from the Universidad Centro Americana de Ciencias Sociales in Costa Rica and her Masters in Gender and Peacebuilding from the UN Mandated University of Peace. She is also certified by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Art Therapy.  

”I want to be a visionary leader that can lay the seeds for future generations to reap the fruits of my efforts. As a visionary leader, I strive to uplift the light that our world needs to thrive on.”   

Colabore com o Futuro is the first social advocacy business in Latin America that mobilizes society to participate in health decisions with the government, creating more democratic, fair and effective public policies in a transparent and sustainable manner. Colabore is one of the 1,200 companies in Brazil that collaborate with the UN’s SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals, and since its foundation in 2017 has changed the lives of more than 12 million Brazilians, expanding access to health and quality of life for patients in the country. 

Cohen has a deep knowledge of the third sector and in creating strategies for social and political engagement of civil society in health decision-making processes in Brazil. She worked for 8 years as director of one of the most reputable cancer NGOs in Latin America, and also worked in large companies such as Ambev and Peugeot, where she acquired important knowledge in management and processes. 

Cohen was elected as one of the six most admired entrepreneurs and innovators in health through a popular vote promoted by the Health Innova Hub. She has a Social Communication degree, a graduate degree in Graphic Design, and an MBA in Marketing at FGV. 

I want to be a visionary leader that promotes positive transformations in democracy and public policies, guaranteeing wider participation of society in government decisions so that my baby girl and other children can live in a fairer, safer, and more welcoming world. 

Aliu is the executive director of In Time, an organization that provides educational activities, research and analysis to increase the socio-economic well-being of marginalized groups. The organization also provides training and education in areas where these groups can succeed, with a special emphasis in the field of ICT. 

Aliu credits her leadership skills to her work with In Time. She completed her master’s degree in economics and is certified as an Intuit QuickBooks Certified User by Intuit Inc. Aliu is also a French language graduate with the DELF A1 diploma. 

”As a visionary leader, I will provide others with good practices for becoming wonderful leaders and being strong on the road to success. ”

Awah Francisca Mbuli is the founder of Survivors’ Network (SN), CameroonIAfrica, a female-led NGO leading in the fight against all forms of human trafficking in Cameroon and Sub-Saharan African countries.

Mbul is a survivor of sex and labor trafficking and is passionate about her fight to prevent anyone from experiencing what she went through. She has helped rescue and reintegrate 65 female victims of human trafficking from the Gulf Corporation States to their respective Sub-Saharan African home countries and her work has touched over 5000 women and girls directly. 

Mbuli has a master’s degree in Human Rights and Multiculturalism from the Buskerud International University, Norway. She received two International Visitors Leadership Program awards by the U.S Department of State in 2018 and 2020 for combatting trafficking in persons. She is an Ashoka Fellow 2022 from Anglophone West Africa and was awarded the Elkes Impact Award by the Global Freedom Forum organized by Free the Slaves where she has served as an ambassador for two years. Mbul is also a Mo Ibrahim Foundation Now Generation Fellow and Obama Africa Leader.