Programs VV Venture: AI for Impact

Zeinab Ismail is the Co-Founder and Operations Manager of Garbaliser SAL, a Lebanese circular economy and agri-tech company that transforms organic waste and biomass into practical agricultural solutions. In her role, she supports daily operations, field coordination, production follow-up, farmer engagement and communication with partners, municipalities and community stakeholders.

Garbaliser’s mission is to turn waste into value while supporting farmers with more sustainable and accessible solutions. The company works on Samadi, a liquid plant growth promoter; Hadum, a decentralized organic waste digestion system; and scalable production models that help communities manage organic waste locally.

Through this work, Zeinab contributes to environmental protection, farmer resilience, waste reduction and local economic opportunities. Garbaliser’s impact supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Zeinab is an electrical engineer with experience in operations, entrepreneurship, sustainability and field implementation. She is driven by the belief that environmental challenges can become real opportunities for farmers, communities and future generations.

Dr. Teryn Sedillo, DDS, is the Founder and CEO of Dignity Dental Services, Dignity Dental Shift, and Dignity Dental Network. As a special care and geriatric dentist, she leads innovative care models that bring dental services directly to older adults, individuals with disabilities and medically complex patients in homes, long-term care facilities, community settings and hospitals.

Dignity Dental Services is a mobile and community-based dental practice dedicated to improving access to care for underserved populations. Through clinical services, education, advocacy,and strategic partnerships, the organization works to eliminate barriers that prevent vulnerable individuals from receiving essential oral healthcare. Its work advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Dr. Sedillo is recognized for developing scalable models of care that improve health outcomes while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits, hospitalizations and healthcare costs. She founded Dignity Dental Shift, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to care for individuals with special healthcare needs, and Dignity Dental Network, a franchise model designed to replicate and scale these services nationally.

Her work is driven by a belief that dignity, access and compassionate care should not depend on a person’s age, disability, income or location. Dr. Sedillo earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and is a Fellow of the Special Care Dentistry Association, with expertise in special care dentistry, geriatrics, healthcare innovation and community-based care delivery.

Safiya Aliyu is the General Manager and Co-Founder of Sosai Renewable Energies Company, where she leads daily operations, oversees staff and partnerships, drives strategic growth, ensures regulatory compliance and represents the organization in high-level stakeholder engagements to expand clean energy access across Nigeria. Sosai Renewable Energies Company is a female-led social enterprise dedicated to improving livelihoods in underserved rural and peri-urban communities through solar mini-grids, mesh grids, solar home systems, productive-use equipment and clean cookstoves. The company’s mission is to deliver sustainable, affordable energy solutions that empower communities and drive inclusive economic growth.

Through her leadership, Sosai has impacted over 3 million lives across 200+ communities, deploying more than 150,000 solar and clean energy products, installing 9 mini-grids and training over 250 youth and 300 female energy entrepreneurs. This work contributes directly to SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 13 (Climate Action).

With over 15 years of experience, Safiya has led major donor-funded initiatives with organizations, including UNDP, USADF, USAID, Christian Aid and Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation. She is driven by a deep commitment to gender inclusion, sustainability and community transformation. Safiya holds a Master’s in Business Administration, a B.Sc. in Microbiology and multiple certifications in project management and renewable energy. Her purpose is to create equitable access to clean energy while empowering women and underserved communities to thrive.

Alhassan Safaw Ali is a fashion designer, social entrepreneur and founder of Saphaw Fashion Empire, a bespoke fashion brand specializing in bridal and custom-made garments. She leads creative direction, production and the training of young women in sewing and upcycling skills. Saphaw Fashion Empire focuses on sustainable fashion by transforming textile waste into high-value garments through upcycling and circular design practices. The business promotes responsible consumption and production while offering couture fashion services in Ghana.

Through her work, she advances SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). She has trained over 100 young women in garment construction and upcycling, creating pathways for income and entrepreneurship.

Her work is driven by a commitment to transforming waste into value while empowering women through creative skills and economic opportunity. Alhassan is an undergraduate fashion design student whose practice focuses on sustainable fashion systems, upcycling and material storytelling.

Sabreen Morsey is the Founder and CEO of Farinas Marketing Services, an AI-powered B2B marketing and growth platform, supporting technology, SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, logistics and professional-services companies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). She leads Farinas’s business strategy, client growth, innovation and regional expansion. Farinas helps growing companies build predictable pipelines through go-to-market strategy, ICP and market research, demand generation, account-based marketing, lead generation, digital platforms, content and AI-enabled marketing systems. Farinas’s mission is to make structured, data-driven B2B growth more accessible to companies operating in complex GCC markets. Its work contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by advancing women-led entrepreneurship; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting business growth, job creation, internships and graduate development; and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through digital transformation, automation and responsible AI adoption.

Sabreen combines more than 20 years of experience in technology, marketing, consulting and entrepreneurship. Before founding Farinas, she worked in technology and international marketing and managed large-scale development projects. She has also trained and mentored more than 100 graduates and women entrepreneurs. Her achievements include recognition through Women in Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Seedstars’ SANAD–Elevate Her among others.

She is driven by the belief that technology, practical strategy and human-centered leadership can create sustainable economic and social impact. Sabreen holds an MBA in Marketing from The American University in Cairo, a diploma from the Information Technology Institute and a Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering from Cairo University.

Patries Ramkaran is the Founder and Managing Director of Ramkaran Contracting Services Limited (RCSL), a Trinidad and Tobago-based construction and facilities management company she established in 2005. She leads the company’s strategic direction, business development and operations, delivering construction, design-build, facilities maintenance and janitorial solutions while driving innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.

Under her leadership, RCSL is committed to building resilient infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, empowering local talent and promoting sustainable business practices. Through its work, the company contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Patries is also the creator of Home for Me, the Caribbean’s first initiative dedicated to educating aspiring homeowners and the author of “Dream It, Own It.”

A recipient of the 2022 AFETT Women of Influence Spirit Award, she is also a VV GROW Fellow with Vital Voices Global Partnership and a Fellow of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Driven by a passion for empowering people and transforming communities, Patries believes that sustainable development begins with visionary leadership, innovation and creating opportunities for others to thrive. She holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management, a BSc in Construction Project Management, an HND in Civil Engineering, a BTEC National Diploma in Construction and has been a Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2011.

Omaira Saucedo Bendek is Co-Founder and CMO of tuGerente, where she leads the company’s marketing, brand and go-to-market strategy. She has been instrumental in scaling the company beyond Bolivia into new Latin American markets, building a data-first marketing organization and positioning tuGerente as a trusted technology partner for SMEs.

A two-time founder, Omaira began her entrepreneurial journey in the food industry and later launched a legaltech venture. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, she served for seven years as Head of Legal at CAINCO, Bolivia’s main chamber of commerce. She later worked at a venture capital fund, sourcing and evaluating startups, preparing investment memos and presenting opportunities to the Investment Committee. As a founder, she has also led fundraising efforts for tuGerente and advised startups on raising capital and scaling their businesses. She helped build and internationally scale tuGerente from Bolivia despite the country’s limited access to venture capital, while becoming a recognized leader in the regional startup ecosystem.

Her contributions have been recognized by MIT Technology Review, which named her one of Latin America’s 35 Innovators Under 35. She is driven by the belief that entrepreneurs deserve the opportunity to build businesses that thrive, not merely survive. Through financial inclusion, technology and a gender lens, she works to expand prosperity for SMEs across Latin America, contributing to the UN SDGs, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). A lawyer turned tech entrepreneur, she bridges innovation, venture capital and business growth.

Dr. Natalia Mykhaylova is the Founder and CEO of WeavAir, where she leads the company’s strategic vision, global operations and deep-tech architecture across North America, Europe and Asia. WeavAir bridges the “Sustainability Trust Gap” by fusing multi-modal IoT sensor networks with high-resolution satellite Earth Observation data. The platform creates predictive Digital Twins that automate the measurement, reporting and verification (dMRV) of ESG metrics for infrastructure, maritime logistics and sustainable finance, preventing greenwashing and reducing building carbon emissions by over 30%.

Driven by a commitment to data sovereignty and systemic climate action, WeavAir directly advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action).

Dr. Mykhaylova is a PhD graduate with over 14 years of expertise spanning engineering and data science. Her notable milestones include pioneering decentralized, edge-native AI systems for high-value assets and receiving recognition across global innovation platforms, including the EU Space Days and MassChallenge.

Deeply passionate about ecosystem equity, she has actively mentored over 50 emerging women entrepreneurs in STEM. She is driven by the core value that cutting-edge artificial intelligence must be harnessed responsibly to protect human health and build cross-border planetary resilience.

Nasra Awadhi is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of ShuleYetu, a Tanzanian education technology company dedicated to improving access to quality education through innovative digital solutions. In her role, she leads operations, strategic partnerships, business development and growth initiatives, ensuring the delivery of impactful tools that support schools, educators, parents and learners.

ShuleYetu provides an integrated e-learning and school management platform designed to enhance teaching, learning and administrative efficiency within schools. Through its work, the company contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding access to effective learning solutions and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by strengthening the education sector and driving digital innovation and productivity.

As a Co-Founder, Nasra has played a central role in shaping the company’s vision and scaling its growth within Tanzania’s EdTech ecosystem. Her leadership contributed to ShuleYetu being recognized as the only woman-led venture selected for the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Tanzania. She has also been selected for prestigious leadership and entrepreneurship programs, including the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the Amazon Leadership Initiative.

Nasra is driven by a strong commitment to building scalable, technology-driven solutions that advance educational equity and expand opportunity for learners and educators in underserved communities. She works at the intersection of innovation, leadership and impact, focused on delivering practical solutions that create measurable change in education systems. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership and Governance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

Mourine Okoth is the Founder and CEO of Uchumi Reusable Sanitary, a social enterprise that makes and distributes reusable sanitary pads to help address period poverty, school absenteeism and the stigma surrounding menstruation, particularly in rural and underserved communities in Western Kenya. The organization’s mission is to empower girls and women by providing sustainable menstrual health solutions, comprehensive menstrual health education and economic opportunities for women. Through its reusable sanitary pads, Uchumi Reusable Sanitary helps ensure that no girl misses school and no woman is limited in her daily activities because of a lack of menstrual hygiene products.

Uchumi Reusable Sanitary pads create social, educational, environmental and economic impact by addressing menstrual health challenges faced by women and girls. The enterprise contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action).

Mourine’s career milestone is her over 10 years in the teaching profession and over seven years as a guidance and counseling teacher. During that time, she has mentored both boys and girls, many of whom are now pursuing their studies in universities and colleges. She is also the founder of a community based organization that empowers women and youth in underserved communities in Western Kenya.

At Uchumi Reusable Sanitary, Mourine and her team are driven by the belief that every girl and woman deserves dignity, confidence and equal opportunities regardless of her economic background. The organization’s core values are empowerment, gender equality, sustainability, innovation and community impact. Mourine holds a degree in Education Arts with IT from Maseno University and has earned various certificates in business.

Montserrat Rodríguez Cotilla is CEO and Founder of Mar de Fondos Consultores, a Mexico-based social impact firm that helps nonprofits, companies and public institutions strengthen their sustainability and maximize their social and environmental impact through strategic planning, resource mobilization, research and cross-sector collaboration.

Since 2017, Mar de Fondos has supported more than 300 organizations across Latin America in building stronger institutions and creating long-term solutions. With more than 15 years of experience, Montserrat has led initiatives in institutional strengthening, social investment and partnership development, collaborating with organizations including UNHCR, USAID, UN Women, community foundations, businesses and governments. Her work contributes to advancing sustainable development and strengthening the ecosystems that enable communities to thrive.

Beyond her consulting work, Montserrat is an author, researcher and educator. She has taught at the undergraduate and doctoral levels and has published books and academic articles on philanthropy, sustainable development and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Driven by the belief that stronger organizations create stronger communities, Montserrat is passionate about connecting people, ideas and resources to accelerate positive change. She holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Planning and Technology Management, bringing together academic research and practical experience to help organizations turn vision into lasting impact.

May June Kyaw Win (Iris) is the Founder and Chairwoman of Light Craft Company Ltd. and leads Crux Hub, a purpose-driven platform bridging skills and opportunities for youth and MSMEs. As executive leader, she drives digital transformation strategy, equipping young people with lightweight AI skills to deploy as “Digital Catalysts” who implement localized, lean tech solutions for traditional heritage brands. This model directly advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Under her leadership, Light Craft Company Ltd. received the ASEAN Inclusive Business Award 2024. Additionally, Iris was named the Global Startup Awards Regional Winner and Global Finalist for “Ecosystem Hero of the Year” (Edition 11). Her notable international milestones also include serving as the selected National Representative at the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week (2023), being named a Top 30 Finalist at the 5th Korea-ASEAN Business Model Competition for SDGs, and receiving Asia’s Women Leader Award (2023) from CMO Asia.

Iris is driven by a “Strategy First” philosophy, believing technology must serve human dignity, improve quality of life and foster economic equity. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management and is completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship at the European International University, with a thesis focused on innovative approaches to circular ecosystems at the intersection of digital currency and sustainability. She is also an Alibaba AInnovator Masterclass graduate and a member of the UN-supported eTrade for Women Communities.

Mashraka Binta Mosharrof is the Proprietor of Creative Connections and Director of Eco Monarchy Limited. She works in the manufacturing of eco-friendly, sustainable products and has more than 20 years of experience in the sector.

Through Creative Connections, she also partners with the Bangladesh Agricultural Department and the World Bank to train people in rural communities to become entrepreneurs. Her companies export products to the U.S. market and also serve several European customers through third-party partners.

Maryann Ogechukwu Okoli is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Esomchi Foods, a nutrition-focused agribusiness and food innovation enterprise transforming and diversifying Africa’s food systems to deliver healthy diets through a farm-to-table approach. She leads the company’s strategic direction, innovation, partnerships and business growth, advancing sustainable food systems that improve nutrition, create economic opportunities and strengthen community resilience. Esomchi Foods improves the nutrition of vulnerable households by promoting nutrient enrich-crops, producing safe, affordable, nutritious food products and strengthening the capacity of farmers, processors and other value chain actors through partnerships with governments, development agencies and the private sector.

Under Maryann’s leadership, Esomchi Foods and the Esomchi Foundation have implemented programs across 24 states in Nigeria, supporting 47,950 smallholder farmers, training 14,700 food processors, reaching over 61,650 beneficiaries, and enabling more than 550,000 households to access nutritious foods.

Maryann has led strategic partnerships with Mercy Corps (USAID), CARE, GAIN (Foreign Affairs of Netherland), Palladium (FCDO/UKaid), the International Potato Center (African Development Bank), Winrock International, Nigeria Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the African Project Development Centre (European Union). She received the USAID SCALE Donor’s Choice Creative Adaptation Award (2022) and was recognized as a Leading African Women in Food Fellow. She holds a B.Sc. in Statistics from Anambra State University Nigeria and a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from Kalu Institute, Spain.

Driven by a passion to end malnutrition, her work advances SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through innovation and inclusive agricultural development.

Lorna Salud II S. Bondoc is the Founder at YOVEO Digital Inc., a consulting and training firm dedicated to closing the digital divide. She leads the organization’s strategic vision, designs digital upskilling programs and guides its tech team in building inclusive automation systems that simplify complex workflows for underrepresented business owners. The organization provides practical AI automation training, specialized workshops and website accessibility audits. Its mission is to foster digital belonging, ensuring that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), seniors and underserved communities are not left behind in the rapidly evolving AI-enabled marketplaces.

Driven by a core belief that technology should unite rather than alienate, its work directly advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by democratizing high-tier digital intelligence. Over the past decade, Lorna’s most rewarding milestone has been spearheading regional digital transformation roadmaps that turned grassroots entrepreneurs into tech-sufficient business operators.

What sets her apart is her ability to translate complex, enterprise-level technical architectures into plain, no-nonsense strategies that anyone can implement from a kitchen table. Her expertise is anchored in a solid foundation of professional certifications in digital marketing, agile project management and specialized training facilitation, combined with years of hands-on operations strategy and community mentoring.

Lana Cuthbertson is CEO and Co-founder of Areto Labs. Areto is a Canadian women-founded technology company pioneering AI-driven solutions that detect and remove online abuse, hate speech, fraud and digital piracy. Trusted by sports leagues, media and publishing companies, global brands, public institutions and public figures, Areto helps protect communities, strengthen engagement and create safer online environments. With a mission at the intersection of technology and social impact, Areto is shaping the future of digital safety and performance at scale.

Lana has held senior management roles in the banking, marketing and consulting industries. Prior to founding Areto Labs, she was the program manager for the emerging fintech program at ATB Financial, and was a strategy consultant for major pharmaceutical companies on their go-to market processes for new drugs and vaccines. Her career has taken her from journalism, marketing and communications to strategy, product and program management, allowing her to build expertise in technology, digital communications and innovation.

A vocal advocate for gender equality, Lana held leadership roles at Equal Voice and co-founded ParityYEG, organizations dedicated to achieving gender equality in public service roles. She was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Edmonton in 2018 and won an Alumni Horizon award from the University of Alberta in 2023. She holds a Master of Journalism from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta.

Judith Marera is the Founder and CEO of Lanforce Energy, a women-led for-profit social enterprise in the renewable energy sector. She has a strong focus on operations and a deep commitment to empowering women and addressing energy poverty. She leads strategy, partnerships and overall vision, addressing SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land). Her achievements include: Woman in Africa 2021 laureate (WIA54); a 2021 Uplink World Economic Forum Climate Justice Challenge Top Innovator; a 2022 AGRA’s Women Agripreneurs of the Year Award (WAYA) top 15 finalist; a 2024 Africa Business Heroes Top 50; and a participant of the Stanford Seed Transformation Program 2025.

Judith has spoken at the Uplink World Economic Forum 2nd anniversary celebrations; African Women in Energy and Power (AWEAP) – “Building an inclusive energy sector for a sustainable tomorrow”; AGRAAlliance COP 27 – “The role of African women in climate change mitigation, adaptation and response”; World Biogas Association Summit – “Women in Biogas and the Diversity Dividend”; Water and Energy for Food Annual Convening – “Working with women at BoP”; Social Enterprise Open Camp- “Beyond Inclusion – for a fair economy and a healthy planet”; the Energy Access and Investment Forum (EAIF) 2025; and the UN General Assembly 80 Science Summit.

Judith holds a MSc in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing an MBA with the Regent Business School. She is married with four children. She believes that by empowering women, you create a strong nation. Judith is on a mission to eradicate energy poverty and empower women by going green for future generations.

Joy Niwomujuni is a Public Health Specialist, Senior Nursing Officer, healthcare leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in public health, healthcare management and clinical leadership. In her current role, she leads and supervises nurses and midwives, strengthens healthcare service delivery, promotes quality improvement and supports workforce development within Uganda’s health sector.

Joy is the Co-Founder and Director of Jubilee Health Services Limited, a healthcare enterprise dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare services. Jubilee Health Services aspires to be the leading provider of affordable, quality and professional healthcare services in Uganda, focusing its competencies on critical healthcare segments. Through healthcare delivery, health education and community-centered interventions, the organization seeks to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Through her work in healthcare and entrepreneurship, Joy contributes to the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Her notable achievements include leading healthcare quality improvement initiatives, mentoring health professionals, building sustainable healthcare services and empowering women entrepreneurs through business and leadership training. Driven by a passion for service and transformation, Joy is committed to strengthening communities through health, education and economic empowerment. Joy holds a Master of Public Health (Population and Reproductive Health), a Bachelor of Nursing Science, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services and Management Leadership.

Jessica Vettorazzi is the Founder of Gelateria Tartufo, a gelato company based in Guatemala, dedicated to creating high-quality, sugar-free and traditional gelato made with carefully selected ingredients. In her role, she oversees business strategy, product development, operations, partnerships and customer experience while leading the company’s growth and social impact initiatives.

Through Gelateria Tartufo, Jessica has developed a line of artisanal gelato and sorbets that provide healthier dessert alternatives, including products suitable for people seeking to reduce sugar consumption. Gelateria Tartufo purchases fruits and other ingredients from local farmers, helping strengthen rural livelihoods and support local agricultural communities. The company’s mission is to make premium, handcrafted gelato while promoting healthier lifestyle choices without compromising flavor, quality or authenticity. The business contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) by offering reduced-sugar options, Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by supporting local employment and sourcing from local producers and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) through the use of carefully selected ingredients and responsible production practices.

Jessica’s entrepreneurial journey includes building and growing a successful artisanal food brand, developing innovative sugar-free products and establishing partnerships with organizations and events throughout Guatemala. She is driven by a passion for combining food science, innovation and wellness to create products that improve quality of life while creating opportunities for local communities. A food engineer by training, Jessica combines technical expertise in food development and production processes with entrepreneurial leadership to create innovative products that deliver both exceptional flavor and nutritional value.

Jennifer Perez is the Founder and CEO of Perez Personal Training and Parkinson’s Vitality Institute (PVI), organizations dedicated to helping people improve their health, mobility, confidence and quality of life through evidence-based fitness and lifestyle coaching. She leads a team of trainers who specialize in personalized exercise programs for older adults, individuals with chronic conditions and people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Through PVI, Jennifer is building a scalable model that combines exercise, education, accountability and community support to help people with Parkinson’s maintain independence and live fuller lives. Her work advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) through workforce development and specialized coach training. Jennifer’s career spans more than two decades in the fitness industry, including leadership roles in large health clubs and the successful launch and growth of her own training studio.

She is a graduate of the Cornell University Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship and serves on the boards of the Parkinson’s Support Group of Sonoma County, the Parkinson’s Association of Northern California Community Board, and the Santa Rosa Junior College Fitness Community Advisory Board. Driven by the belief that exercise is medicine, Jennifer’s mission is to make high-quality fitness and Parkinson’s-specific wellness programs more accessible, empowering individuals and families to thrive through movement, education and connection.

Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sehat Kahani, Pakistan’s leading digital health company, where she leads strategy, operations, partnerships, fundraising and public sector engagement. Sehat Kahani leverages telemedicine, digital health, artificial intelligence and technology-enabled primary healthcare to connect underserved communities with qualified healthcare providers through a nationwide network of e-health clinics, mobile platforms, corporate health services and insurance solutions.

Since its inception, Sehat Kahani has delivered over 5 million consultations across more than 317 cities and towns, improving healthcare access for millions while creating meaningful employment opportunities for women doctors. The organization’s work advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Dr. Aga has been recognized internationally for her contributions to digital health innovation and social entrepreneurship. She is a Commonwealth Scholar, A Tallberg Leaders Mentoring Leaders Fellow, a Global Good Fund Fellow, a 100x Impact Accelerator Fellow and a Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact alumna. Her work has been featured in a Harvard Business Review and has received multiple accolades, including AIDex Award 2025, Heroine of Healthcare Award 2023, and the Study UK Alumni Award. Driven by the belief that quality healthcare should never be determined by geography, gender or income, Dr. Aga is committed to building resilient, technology-enabled health systems that improve lives at scale. She holds an MBBS from Ziauddin University and an MSc in Global eHealth from the University of Edinburgh.

Tran Thi Huyen (Huyen Alice) is the Founder and Director of SIMPLE DECOR, a Vietnam-based business that develops and exports sustainable handmade home decor products to international markets. With over a decade of experience in the handmade sector, Huyen leads the company’s overall strategy, product development, international business growth and partnerships with artisans across Vietnam. Her work focuses on connecting traditional craftsmanship with global market opportunities, while promoting sustainable and ethical production practices.

SIMPLE DECOR specializes in handmade home decor, lifestyle products and gift accessories made from natural materials including bamboo, seagrass, rattan, wooden and coconut shell and recycled materials, including recycled rubber from old car tires. The company works with artisans in communities in rural Vietnam to create products for customers in Europe, the Americas and other international markets.

Through her business, Huyen contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by creating income for artisan communities, particularly women, preserving craftsmanship and promoting sustainable production.

Huyen is passionate about creating long-term opportunities for artisan communities and believes that digital tools can help traditional businesses improve efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and grow sustainably while preserving the human creativity behind handmade products.

Huda Radhi is the Founder and CEO of Kinderhaus and Executive Director of Richmond Advisory Services. Through her leadership, she develops innovative solutions that advance inclusive education, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Kinderhaus is an AI-powered EdTech platform dedicated to transforming learning outcomes for children with dyslexia and ADHD through personalized bilingual learning experiences. By equipping children, educators and families with accessible technology, Kinderhaus is helping build a more inclusive education ecosystem while supporting schools and institutions in improving learning outcomes. The impact of Huda’s work aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Huda’s leadership has been recognized with the Woman of the Year 2024 – Innovation Award, Second Place at StartUp Bahrain Pitch Night 28 and First Prize from the Bahrain Institute for Political Development for her proposal to strengthen support for students with special educational needs.

Driven by the belief that innovation should expand opportunity, Huda is committed to building scalable solutions that empower individuals, strengthen communities and create lasting social impact. Huda has more than 26 years of leadership experience in banking, strategic advisory and entrepreneurship across Bahrain and the United Kingdom. She is a graduate of the Harvard Executive Leadership Program through Harvard Business Publishing and has completed executive education in Women’s Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Hanan Soliman Gewefel, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and former Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences College at Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Egypt. She leads academic development, healthcare education, strategic planning and innovation in applied health sciences. Dr. Gewefel is also the founder and chairperson of Women and Fetal Imaging (WAFI), a woman-centered healthcare clinic dedicated to women’s health, early detection, advanced imaging services, breast cancer awareness and improved access to care. WAFI provides high-quality breast imaging and screening services through community outreach and preventive healthcare programs. Through WAFI and her leadership initiatives, Dr. Gewefel contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through her work in sustainable healthcare transformation and WAFI-GREEN, a green radiology initiative focused on reducing the environmental impact of healthcare. Her career achievements include pioneering breast imaging services in Egypt, advancing education and training in radiology, serving as an expert consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and contributing to international research and capacity-building projects in breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Driven by a commitment to compassionate healthcare, innovation and empowering women, Dr. Gewefel believes that sustainable healthcare solutions can improve lives and create lasting community impact. She holds an M.B.B.Ch. from Cairo University, a Master’s degree and Medical Doctorate in Radiodiagnosis, a Diploma in Breast Imaging from the European Society of Breast Imaging (Vienna) and certifications in healthcare management and professional training.

Halina Drozd is a serial entrepreneur, business model strategist and Executive Director of AXIOS Acceleration, an innovation platform based in Poland that helps entrepreneurs build resilient, impact-driven ventures. She leads the organization’s strategy, international partnerships, accelerator programs, educational initiatives and innovation events, connecting entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and cross-sector collaboration. Through accelerators, mentoring, hackathons and educational programs, AXIOS helps entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable ventures while strengthening innovation ecosystems, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Since 2013, Halina has founded and developed multiple companies and advised entrepreneurs and organizations on business models, financial strategy and sustainable growth. Her work focuses on helping founders build financially resilient organizations that create lasting economic and social impact. After relocating to Poland and rebuilding her entrepreneurial career from the ground up, Halina experienced firsthand that it is always possible to start again. Today, she is driven by the belief that innovation, strong business models and meaningful partnerships create opportunities that change lives. Halina holds a Law degree from Belarusian State University and has also studied Business and Government, Digital Transformation and Sustainable Societies at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. She continues to mentor founders while building international collaborations across Central and Eastern Europe.

Claudia Castellanos is the Co-Founder and CEO of Black Mamba Foods, an award-winning, purpose-driven brand from Eswatini (Southern Africa), exporting to over 12 countries while supporting more than 1,000 rural community members. Originally from Colombia, Claudia is an impact entrepreneur, trainer and mentor who has worked with organizations, including Technoserve and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

Castellanos holds an MBA from ESADE Business School and is a winner of the Women in Africa Award and the 2025 KPMG African Female Founders competition. Passionate about sustainable development, she empowers African entrepreneurs to access and succeed in international markets.

Chiamaka Osueke is the Founder and CEO of JullyConsult, a waste circularity, education and fashion-tech social enterprise transforming textile and plastic waste into sustainable fashion, reusable-pads, lifestyle products and culturally inspired artworks. She leads the organization’s strategic vision, partnerships, innovation and impact initiatives, driving the adoption of AI-powered zero-waste design technologies that reduce fabric waste, promote circular production and celebrate African cultural heritage through fashion. Under Chiamaka’s leadership, JullyConsult has developed an innovative model that combines climate-action, circular economy solutions, non-formal education and entrepreneurship development. Through its Fashion-Hub, the enterprise has trained and empowered more than 15,000 women, youth, individuals with disabilities, internally displaced individuals and out-of-school children with skills in sustainable fashion, recycling, creativity and enterprise development. By transforming waste into economic opportunities, JullyConsult addresses environmental pollution, flooding threats, unemployment, poverty and social exclusion while advancing a more sustainable and inclusive future. The impact of Chiamaka’s work contributes to several UN SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). A climate change and human rights advocate, social entrepreneur and community development leader, she is driven by a commitment to building inclusive opportunities for vulnerable communities while protecting the planet through innovation, sustainability and education. Chiamaka holds a Master’s degree in International Development and Creative Designs. She is a Rotary Peace Fellow and has expertise in climate leadership, development and social impact. Through her work, she continues to demonstrate how women-led innovation can transform waste into opportunity, preserve cultural heritage and create lasting environmental and social change.

Bojana Kovač is an AI and digital marketing strategist, lecturer, author and founder of Red Queen, a boutique digital strategy and AI advisory agency operating across Europe and the UAE. Through Red Queen, she helps companies and leadership teams turn digital strategy, content, performance marketing, analytics and practical AI adoption into measurable business growth. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing communications, digital transformation and performance advertising, Bojana has worked across finance, real estate, tourism, hospitality, aesthetic medicine, retail and technology. Her background includes 10 years at McCann Erickson and digital campaigns for clients including CNN, PGA Tour, Coca-Cola, Raiffeisen Bank, Mastercard and Alma Lasers Dubai. Bojana has delivered more than 10,000 Meta campaigns, 1,000 trainings and executive programs and has been a top-rated lecturer at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Business Academy for seven years. She has also lectured for UNCTAD’s eTrade for Women initiatives, supporting women entrepreneurs with digital strategy, analytics, KPIs and ROI-driven marketing systems. Her recent work includes training companies, institutions and professional associations on Microsoft Copilot, business automation, AI-assisted workflows and practical AI agents, including programs for Banca Intesa and other corporate clients. Her work contributes to UN SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by making AI, data and digital growth tools accessible for non-technical professionals, women entrepreneurs and SMEs. Bojana is the author of Pervertajzing – Agency Chronicles. Her mission is to make AI simple, useful and powerful for leaders who want to grow with clarity, purpose and measurable impact.

Anna Mazur is an entrepreneur, author and labor market innovator. She is the Founder and CEO of Happy Monday, one of Ukraine’s largest career development and job-matching platforms, serving over 5 million users and 5,000 employers. She leads the company’s strategic growth, product development, partnerships and impact initiatives, aimed at building a more transparent, inclusive and future-ready labor market. Through Happy Monday, Anna has built a career ecosystem that combines job matching, career media and employer branding solutions to help people make informed career decisions and enable organizations to attract talent through transparency, trust and strong workplace cultures. Beyond its commercial activities, Happy Monday delivers large-scale social impact programs focused on women’s economic empowerment, workforce re-skilling and expanding access to employment opportunities. Its work advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), with a particular focus on creating more inclusive access to career opportunities. Anna is the co-author of Career without Drama and Trauma and a TED x Lviv speaker. She is also the creator of Women Career Day, one of Ukraine’s largest career events for women, bringing together more than 1,600 participants, leading employers and industry experts each year. Driven by a belief that meaningful work can transform lives and societies, Anna advocates for a labor market where people can make conscious career choices and realize their full potential. She is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business and was recognized among Ukraine’s Top 20 Women Tech Entrepreneurs.

Amaia Arranz is the CEO of Ruby Cup, a social enterprise tackling period poverty at its root: the lack of access to safe, affordable and sustainable menstrual products for over 500 million people globally. Ruby Cup’s Buy One Give One model matches every purchase with a donation to someone who lacks access, with over 155,000 cups distributed across 17 countries. Partners include major INGOs such as UNHCR, Save the Children and Plan International, as well as grassroots organizations on the ground. Under Amaia’s leadership, Ruby Cup has established impactful Corporate Social Responsibility programs, partnering with large employers of women in Kenya and Malawi to fund menstrual cup distribution and menstrual health education workshops for their female employees. Beyond product access, Ruby Cup delivers open-source menstrual health education, because menstruating safely and with dignity requires both products and access to sound, shame- and taboo-free information. With a planet-first approach, each Ruby Cup replaces thousands of disposable products over its lifetime, meaning every sale drives measurable social and environmental impact simultaneously. Amaia’s work advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Vidya Subramanian is the Founder of Vidya Subramanian Academy (VSA), a women-led social enterprise that is reimagining how traditional arts can create inclusive livelihoods and global impact. She leads the strategic direction of VSA while advancing its mission of making authentic Indian classical arts accessible worldwide.

Founded in 2010, VSA delivers personalized online learning in Indian classical music, dance, languages, yoga and other traditional knowledge systems to students in 40+ countries. Through a decentralized network of over 150 educators (90% women), VSA creates flexible, work-from-home livelihood opportunities while preserving the depth and authenticity of the traditional Guru–Shishya pedagogy. VSA advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through a profitable and scalable model.

Vidya’s pioneering work has been featured by BBC World News, Zee TV and DD India. She is a recipient of Women Transforming India Award (NITI Aayog & UN India), Kalaimamani Award (Government of Tamil Nadu) and Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur Award from SAFA (an apex body of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, SAARC). A VV Visionaries Fellow and an Aspen Global Fellow, Vidya was invited as a keynote speaker to the International Society for Music Education (ISME) SARC 2026, and was featured in the Bloom Book 2025.

An accomplished Carnatic vocalist (disciple of Padmabhushan Lalgudi Sri Jayaraman) and MBA graduate from Boston College, USA, Vidya is driven by a belief that culture, technology and women’s economic empowerment can together create lasting social change.

​Uchenna Jane Ibe is the Founder and CEO of Ivy League Collections Limited, a leading soft-furnishing and sustainable textile company in Nigeria. In this role, she directs the strategic growth and circular production operations of the enterprise, serving major retail outlets, hotels and homes across Africa. ​

Driven by a profound purpose to move women from potential to performance, Uchenna focuses her business on waste-to-wealth innovation and circular manufacturing. Ivy League Collections actively drives social impact by equipping female entrepreneurs and youth with practical business skills and climate-smart practices, directly advancing UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Her notable career achievements include being recognized as a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Growth Fellow and Community Champion and Mentor, a Fellow of the Institute of Entrepreneurs and a Life Member of WIMBIZ. She has successfully mentored and trained thousands of women entrepreneurs through prominent regional and global networks, establishing a credible legacy of values-driven economic empowerment.

Uchenna holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Walden University and a B.Sc. in Geography. Her extensive background is further anchored by executive education and specialized certifications from Cornell University, Cranfield University, Santa Clara University’s Miller Center and Lagos Business School. ​

Dr. Andrieka J. Austin (Dr. AJ) is the Founder and CEO of Black Women In Grants, LLC, where she helps Black women-owned, for-profit small businesses find, apply for and win grants and grant-funded opportunities. Through mentorship, workshops and digital courses, she equips entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies and confidence needed to access debt-free non-traditional funding to start, sustain and scale sustainable businesses. Black Women In Grants, LLC exists to increase funding access and economic opportunity for Black women entrepreneurs in the United States. The company’s work supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). Dr. AJ is Self-Made’s ‘Entrepreneur of The Year’, a recognized grant educator, entrepreneur and speaker whose community has helped over 700 Black women entrepreneurs secure more than $500,000 in grants and grant-funded opportunities. She is a graduate and fellow of several nationally recognized leadership and entrepreneurship programs, including Vital Voices GROW (VV GROW), Goldman Sachs ‘Black in Business’, the Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship and the Intuit IDEAS Program. Driven by a mission to help Black women build wealth, create impact, access opportunities and leave a legacy without taking on debt, Dr. AJ is committed to making funding education more accessible and actionable. Dr. Austin holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Mercer University, is a Certified Life Coach and Master Life Coach Certification Trainer, an ordained Minister and the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Psychology.