VVEngage A Fellowship to Advance Women’s Public Leadership and The SDGs

Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal is the Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Government of Pakistan, and a Member of the National Assembly representing NA-112, Nankana Sahib. In her role, she leads policy engagement on climate action, environmental protection, green energy transition, sustainable development and international climate cooperation.

As part of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, she works to advance Pakistan’s environmental and climate agenda while supporting national commitments under international frameworks. Her work contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Dr. Shezra has held several prominent leadership positions, including Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Chairperson of the National Education Foundation, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Development, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Special Envoy on Kashmir and Pakistan’s Representative to UNESCO. She also serves as Chairperson of the Pakistan-China Information Corridor, promoting cooperation in education, innovation, trade and sustainable goals. In 2025-26, she was nominated by the Government of China for the prestigious Dongfang Scholarship Programme at Peking University.

Driven by a commitment to public service, environmental stewardship, education and women’s empowerment, Dr. Shezra works to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. She holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Shayla L. Davis is the President and CEO of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF), the only Black-led nonpartisan statewide policy and research foundation in Ohio. In this role, she sets the organization’s strategic direction, leads its research and civic engagement work, and serves as its primary public voice, building the policy infrastructure that Black Ohioans have long been denied.

OLBCF advances policy, research and civic engagement that strengthen the political, economic and social well-being of Ohio’s 1.8 million Black residents. The foundation’s work contributes to UN SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through research, civic education and coalition-building that move Black communities from the margins of policymaking to its center.

A former Ohio State Representative and former Vice Chair of the Ohio Elections Commission, Davis moved a state agency to guarantee free menstrual products to incarcerated women before the bill became law. Under her leadership, OLBCF grew from a modest nonprofit into a statewide think tank in her first year. In 2025, the Missouri House of Representatives formally recognized her leadership and impact. She also serves on the boards of the Black Women’s Policy Center and Enlightened Solutions.

Davis is driven by a belief that the people most affected by policy decisions deserve to be in the rooms where those decisions are made. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Certificate in Public Management from Cleveland State University and is a 2025 graduate of Leadership Ohio.

Sania Farooqui is an award-winning journalist, producer, podcast host and former news presenter whose work focuses on human rights, peacebuilding, gender justice, conflict and sustainable development. Based in Bengaluru, India, she has reported and produced stories across South Asia and internationally, with her work featured by major global media outlets including CNN International, Al Jazeera, TIME, The Guardian, The Hindu, The Indian Express, NDTV 24/7, Amnesty International and Inter Press Service (IPS).

Sania is the creator and host of “The Peace Brief,” a global podcast produced in association with the Inter Press Service. Formerly known as “The Sania Farooqui Show,” the podcast explores the intersections of peacebuilding, gender equality, conflict transformation, justice, and sustainable development through conversations with leading policymakers, activists, practitioners, academics and global change makers. A central mission of the podcast is to amplify the voices and leadership of women working across peacebuilding, human rights and social justice while contributing to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to peace, justice, gender equality and inclusive societies.

Through “The Peace Brief,” Sania has led international collaborations and interviews with prominent global figures and organizations, including the Doria Feminist Fund and the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT). Sania has previously worked full-time with CNN International as a field producer covering India and South Asia and has also freelanced for Al Jazeera and produced an award-winning documentary with Spain-based production house, Mambo Panda, on media coverage during India’s COVID-19 crisis.

Sahar Ghanem is the Yemeni Ambassador to the Netherlands, non-resident Ambassador to Norway and Sweden, Permanent Representative to the OPCW and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Netherlands. She is the former chairperson of the Women Ambassadors Group in the Netherlands. In these roles, she leads state representation, multilateral diplomacy and critical consular operations.

Representing Yemen amidst a prolonged conflict, her mission focuses on sustaining international support for national recovery, humanitarian relief, peacebuilding and serving a displaced diaspora. This work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 16 (Peace, Justiceand Strong Institutions).

Sahar’s career is rooted in development and civic engagement. Working with the UNDP and UNFPA, she led initiatives to empower Yemeni women and youth, ensuring their voices were heard during the country’s political transition. Blending her professional expertise with dedicated political activism, she represented independent youth in Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference as member of the State Building Group. She subsequently managed a nationwide campaign engaging citizens in public consultations and raising awareness on the outcomes of the National Dialogue. Sahar has also served as an advisor on Women, Youth and Civil Society at the Prime Minister’s Bureau.

Sahar is driven by a deep commitment to inclusive governance, striving to ensure that women are empowered as essential architects of peace and institutional resilience. She holds a degree in Computer Engineering from Jordan University.

MP Sahar Albazar serves as the Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Egyptian House of Representatives and as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Egypt’s majority political party, Mostaqbal Watan.

She is the founder and Chairwoman of the Ubuntu Parliamentary Initiative for Climate Finance and serves on the Executive Board of Parliamentarians for Global Action. Previously, Sahar served as President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Forum of Young Parliamentarians, where she championed greater youth participation in policymaking and parliamentary diplomacy. She also chaired the Women Parliamentary Council of the Parliamentary Network on the IMF and World Bank, advancing initiatives focused on women’s economic empowerment and inclusive development.

Recognized internationally for her leadership and commitment to global cooperation, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2022. She is also a Yale World Fellow, an Asia Global Fellow at the University of Hong Kong and an Obama Leader representing Africa.

Throughout her career, Sahar has focused on strengthening international partnerships, climate finance, women’s rights, PWD rights, AI governance, sustainable development and parliamentary engagement on global challenges. Sahar holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.

Rohey Malick Lowe is the Mayor of Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, and the first woman ever elected to lead the city. As Mayor, she oversees the governance, administration and development of Banjul, providing strategic leadership on urban renewal, infrastructure, climate resilience, social services and economic empowerment. Through her leadership, she has championed initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while advancing sustainable and inclusive city development.

Beyond her role in local government, Mayor Lowe serves as President of REFELA (Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa), the women’s wing of UCLG Africa. In this capacity, she represents and advocates for elected women leaders across Africa, promoting gender equality, inclusive governance and sustainable urban development. Her leadership has strengthened the visibility of women in political leadership and elevated The Gambia’s profile on the continental stage.

One of her most notable achievements is her support for the REFELA Water is Life Initiative, which has expanded access to safe water through the installation of solar-powered boreholes in rural communities across The Gambia. She has also led major urban development programmes in partnership with UN-Habitat, advanced Banjul’s climate adaptation agenda, and contributed to democratic reform and accountability efforts in The Gambia.

At the heart of her public service is a determination to ensure that no community is left behind and that development reaches those who need it most. Her leadership reflects a commitment to equity, accountability and the transformative power of service-driven governance.

Rebecca Joseph Kashindye is an elected Local Government Councillor for Manonga Constituency in Tabora Region, Tanzania, where she participates in local governance, community engagement and development planning, representing citizens in decision making processes and ensuring that community needs are reflected in public service delivery.

She is the Founder of The Politeia Democracy Network, a civic and political education initiative working to simplify legal and political knowledge for young people and women to promote informed participation, civic awareness and inclusive leadership. The organization uses community dialogues, mentorship and digital platforms to strengthen democratic participation and bridge the gap between citizens and decision makers. Her work contributes to SDG 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 5-Gender Equality, SDG 4-Quality Education and SDG 10 -Reduced Inequalities.

Rebecca has contributed to advancing youth and women’s political participation at both national and international levels. She contested for Member of Parliament under the Women Special Seats in Tanzania’s 2025 General Elections, gaining experience in electoral processes and political leadership. Internationally, she is part of the WYDE network under Club de Madrid, a Global Member and Young Advisor of the World Femme Parliament and has engaged in European Union political leadership dialogues with partners including AEICDS, Mujeres por África Foundation and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Rebecca is driven by a commitment to inclusive governance and believes democracy becomes meaningful when citizens are informed and actively engaged. She holds a background in law and public leadership experience through national and international governance platforms.

Paola Andrade Arellano is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Ecuador Dice No Más, a survivor-led civil society organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence against children and women and transforming victims into agents of systemic change. She leads the organization’s vision, advocacy, alliances, survivor-centered methodologies and prevention campaigns.

Ecuador Dice No Más works at the intersection of child protection, gender equality, survivor leadership, strategic communications, advocacy and media for social impact. Its work advances SDGs 3, 4, 5, 10 and 16 by turning silence, stigma and institutional gaps into prevention tools, awareness, survivor-led leadership and policy-oriented action.

A Communications Specialist, Audiovisual Producer, documentary filmmaker, speaker and social innovator with 29 years of experience, Paola uses storytelling for mobilization and cultural transformation. Her work has reached millions, including 22 million downloads of prevention resources and contributed to Ecuador’s constitutional reform eliminating the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against children.

Paola was recognized by the United Nations as a Heroes of Tomorrow winner, received UNICEF’s Champions for Childhood Medal and was a Voice in Action at Triennale Milano. She became the first Latin American facilitator and mentor of the UN SDG Action Campaign’s Global Changemaker program in Rome, supporting Heroes of Tomorrow from 190 countries. She was nominated for the Global Arts Prize for Innovation for using audiovisual storytelling as an engine of social transformation.

Paola is passionate about rewriting the narrative around victims and survivors, proving that their collective strength can move the world toward one shared horizon: zero victims.

Olfa Jelassi is a policy advisor and climate and development leader dedicated to advancing just, inclusive and climate-resilient societies. She leads strategic direction and policy advisory services of Seed Global Development, a global social impact consultancy that supports governments and institutions in designing scalable, evidence-based solutions for climate resilience and sustainable food systems.

With over a decade of experience, Olfa bridges research, policy and practice to drive systemic change for communities most affected by climate vulnerability and poverty. Her work spans climate governance, sustainable development and institutional reform, with a strong focus on translating complex challenges into actionable, equity-driven strategies.

Her global governance footprint includes serving on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee of Women for Climate Justice (2017–2023), where she contributed to international advocacy on gender-responsive climate policy and climate justice. She is also a co-founder of a local organization in Tunisia focused on community engagement and youth empowerment, with a proven commitment to advancing youth and women’s empowerment in fragile and transitional contexts. Recognized as “Young Environmental Leader” by the Joke Waller-Hunter Initiative, Olfa is an experienced facilitator who has designed and delivered capacity-building programs, policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder engagements for governments, UN agencies and development institutions.

She is driven by the conviction that lasting transformation requires bridging rigorous research with practical implementation and policy innovation to build more just and climate resilient societies. She holds a Master of Global Affairs (Governance and Policy) from the University of Notre Dame and an Engineering Diploma in Hydrometeorology from ENIT.

Neshtman Khalaf is the Founder and CEO of GAV Organization for Relief and Development, where she leads initiatives that promote women’s political participation, feminist research, peacebuilding and community development in Syria through research, advocacy and partnerships with local and international organizations.

Through GAV, she has authored research studies and policy papers on women’s political and economic participation, sustainable development and climate change. She has also contributed to establishing feminist platforms that strengthen women’s leadership and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 5, 8, 13 and 16. One of her proudest achievements was representing Syrian women at international forums, including speaking at the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68).

She is committed to advancing gender equality by transforming research into policies that create lasting impact for women and their communities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Damascus and pursued postgraduate studies in Political Economy, which continue to inform her work in leadership, research and advocacy.

Nabila Arab is a protection practitioner, migration researcher and youth policy advocate with over six years of experience working at the intersection of displacement, gender and humanitarian governance across Lebanon and the MENA region. She currently serves as a Protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer, leading humanitarian response in collective displacement shelters in South Lebanon during active conflict — coordinating protection monitoring, needs assessments and psychosocial programming for families affected by military escalation.

She is the Country Ambassador for Lebanon at the International Youth Council on Gender Equality (IYCGE), Lebanon Hub Coordinator for Al Sharq Youth and former SWANA Regional Coordinator for the Migration Youth and Children Platform (MYCP) — roles that have shaped her understanding of how regional youth networks can influence policy and drive social change. Her work contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Nabila has represented Lebanon in multilateral spaces as a youth delegate at COP28 and COP29, as UNFPA Lebanon Youth Representative at the ICPD30 Global Youth Forum in Benin, and as an accepted presenter at the Swiss Conference on Migration and Mobility Studies. Driven by a belief that lasting change requires bridging grassroots realities with institutional policy, Nabila brings a rare combination of field experience, academic rigo and youth leadership to every space she enters.

Nabila holds an MA in Migration Studies from the Lebanese American University and a BA in Social Work and Community Development.

Mufradatul Riadhah is the Board of regency member of the Indonesia Democracy Perjuangan Party in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. She is active in political movements in grassroots areas and youth awareness movements on political issues. In this role, she is actively increasing public awareness of political issues through grassroots work in Amuntai Hulu Sungai Utara.

Mafradatul is also the founder and director of an NGO called Siti Sarah Women Center, based in Amuntai Hulu Sungai Utara, contributing to SDGs (Gender Equality), 10(Reduces inequalities) and 8 (decent work and economy growth). Through this organization, she and the SSWC team help almost 500 women in Amuntai Hulu Sungai Utara with their program, Amplify Her.

As a political, social and gender activist with more than 8 years of experience, Mafradatul has led numerous political and social initiatives, including Amplify Her and Hear for Her. Amplify Her is a program that support young girls in rural areas in Hulu Sungai Utara to secure university scholarships and hone their soft skills, as part of preparing high-quality human resources, while the Hear for Her program helps women victims of domestic violence get assistance to recover their mental health and economic independence.

Because of her work and initiatives, Mafradatul received an award from the First Lady of Republic Indonesia in 2022 for high-achieving women who have made significant contributions in the women and children category.

Marisol Mora Arce is a territorial leader, member of the Liberal Party of Chile and a public servant with experience in public administration, community development, strategic communications and cultural management. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives aimed at strengthening civic participation, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and creating opportunities for community development.

Marisol has held leadership positions in various public institutions, including serving as Provincial Presidential Delegate of Palena and Chief of Staff at the Regional Presidential Delegation of Los Lagos. Her work has focused on building bridges between institutions, civil society organizations and local communities, particularly in territories located far from major decision-making centers.

Committed to leadership development in service of the common good, she has participated for more than a decade in spaces dedicated to human development, civic engagement and reflective learning. In 2025, she was selected to participate in the Más para Chile leadership program, an experience that reinforced her belief in dialogue, democracy and collaboration as drivers of social transformation.

Today, she continues to promote initiatives related to social leadership, women’s participation and territorial development, convinced that stronger communities are built by connecting people, purpose and opportunity.

Marielle Vavier is partyleader of PRO The Hague, a political party with 7 seats in the municipal council.

Marielle serves as Deputy Mayor of The Hague. Her portfolio includes Poverty Reduction, Social Inclusion, Public Health and International Affairs, areas in which she actively promotes progressive and inclusive policies.

Marielle works on reducing health disparaties, the wellbeing of asylumseekers and homeless people as well as women and communities. As a Deputy Mayor for international Affairs, she works on The Hague as a welcoming guest city for organizations who thrive for a safe and just world.

Her work contributes to SDG’s 1 (no poverty), 3 (good health and wellbeing), 5 (gender equality) and 16 (peace and justice and strong institutions).

Prior to her current role, Marielle held various positions in both the public and political sectors. She worked as board secretary at Jeugdbescherming West, an organization focused on child protection. Her political journey began with GroenLinks in 2011, where she contributed as a support member in the provincial parliament, later becoming a city council member and eventually chairing the municipal council group.

Following the 2022 municipal elections, Marielle was appointed Deputy Mayor. She is known for her commitment to social justice and regularly engages with local and international stakeholders to address issues such as poverty, health equity, and community empowerment.

Hon. Laura Golakeh is the Deputy Minister for Gender at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, a position she has held since February 2024. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality, women’s empowerment and social inclusion in Liberia. In her role, she provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for national programs and policies that advance the rights and well-being of women, girls and vulnerable populations.

With extensive experience in gender programming, policy development and stakeholder engagement, Laura has represented Liberia at national, regional and international forums, including the Commission on the Status of Women and high-level discussions on Women, Peace and Security. She is committed to promoting inclusive development, strengthening protection systems and advancing women’s leadership in peace building and governance.

Also a lawyer and faith leader, Laura continues to champion initiatives that foster equity, empowerment and sustainable social transformation across Liberia.

Dr. Kanchana Yadav is the National Spokesperson of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), one of India’s major political parties and a constituent of the opposition INDIA Alliance. In this national role, she represents the party in television debates and public forums across the country, articulating its positions on democracy, education, women’s rights, public accountability and social justice.

Founded in 1997, the RJD is guided by principles of social justice, secularism and inclusive democracy, working to strengthen the participation of marginalized communities including women, OBCs, SCs, STs, minorities and economically weaker sections in governance and public life. Through her advocacy, Dr. Yadav advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 4 (Quality Education).

For nearly seven years Kanchana has championed the Women’s Reservation Bill, contributing through public speaking, writing and grassroots campaigns toward the 2023 legislation reserving 33% of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women – she continues to advocate for 50% representation. In 2023, she received the Women of Sustainable and Network Award and is currently authoring a book on women’s political participation in India.

A first-generation woman leader from a lower middle-income family, Kanchana is driven by the belief that education and independent leadership can dismantle the barriers of privilege and inheritance that exclude women from public life. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational and Integrative Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University, specializing in computational biology, machine learning and cancer genomics.

Florence S. Bansuelo-Carlos is the Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Polomolok, South Cotabato, serving as the Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Bayan and the second-highest elected official of the local government. In her role, she leads legislative deliberations, facilitates the enactment of local policies and ordinances, promotes effective governance and ensures productive collaboration between the legislative and executive branches of government. She is also entrusted with assuming the duties and responsibilities of the Municipal Mayor whenever the position becomes temporarily vacant or the Mayor is unable to perform official functions.

As a key leader of the Local Government of Polomolok, Vice Mayor Bansuelo-Carlos contributes to the municipality’s mission of delivering responsive, transparent and people centered public service.

Throughout her public service career, Vice Mayor Bansuelo-Carlos has distinguished herself as one of Polomolok’s most trusted and consistently supported public servants. Prior to becoming Vice Mayor, she earned recognition as a top-ranking and top-performing Municipal Councilor, reflecting the confidence and trust of her constituents in her leadership, integrity and dedication to public service. Her legislative work has focused on advancing programs and policies that improve the quality of life of residents while fostering inclusive and sustainable community development.

Vice Mayor Bansuelo-Carlos holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Philippines Visayas, providing her with a strong foundation in human behavior, leadership, community engagement and public service.

Gabriela Vega Franco is a Peruvian political scientist, democracy practitioner and action researcher dedicated to strengthening democratic governance, political innovation and constructive coexistence in highly polarized societies. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of RECAMBIO, a non-partisan democratic innovation organization that strengthens democratic culture through civic education, political leadership development and cross partisan collaboration. RECAMBIO accompanies citizens, party members, candidates, elected officials and civic leaders from diverse regions, identities and political ideologies throughout their leadership journeys, helping cultivate democratic practices across political and civic institutions.

Drawing on experience across government, civil society and media, Gabriela designs and tests practical solutions to democratic challenges by combining institutional practice, leadership development, research and public communication. She has served in the Advisory Cabinets of Peru’s Ministers of Economy and Finance and Culture, led the Political Analysis Unit at El Comercio and directed social innovation at Insitum Perú. She co-founded and served as Executive Director of Kunan, Peru’s leading platform for social and environmental entrepreneurship and led the Annual Best Practices in Public Management Award by Ciudadanos al Día.

Gabriela holds a Master’s degree in Government and Public Administration. Her research focuses on political parties, polarization and disinformation, with a particular interest in strengthening political organizations and state capacity by generating practical democratic knowledge rooted in real political experience.

She believes democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but also by trust, representation and self-restraint. Her purpose is to help create the conditions for more people to participate in public life with responsibility and hope.

Bhumika Shrestha is a Member of Parliament, gender and sexual minorities community rights activist and community leader from Nepal. For nearly two decades, she has worked to promote the rights, dignity and inclusion of gender and sexual minorities, helping bring their voices into national policy discussions and decision-making processes.

Through her advocacy, Bhumika has worked with communities, government institutions, political leaders and civil society organizations to advance equality, human rights and social inclusion. Her work contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Bhumika has represented Nepal at numerous national and international conferences and has been a strong voice for transgender and LGBTIQA+ rights across Asia and beyond. In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, she received the prestigious International Women of Courage Award in 2022 from the United States government and was named among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Global Policy for Gender Equality in 2019.

Driven by a belief that everyone deserves equal rights, respect and opportunities, Bhumikacontinues to work toward a more inclusive and just society where no one is left behind.

Asila Wardak is a human rights and women’s rights activist, former Afghan diplomat, board member of the Women’s Forum on Afghanistan and founding member of Women’s Unity for Change.

Asila is an Independent Human Rights Commissioner at the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). She also served as a Fellow at Harvard University. Asila served as Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations, Director General of UN Affairs in Afghanistan and Director General of Human Rights in the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She has extensive work experience in the fields of gender studies, human rights, peacebuilding, and community development. She has also served in senior positions with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP, UN Women, UNAMA, CARE International and the Canada Fund in various leadership roles.

Asila is committed to protecting human and women’s rights, and empowering civil society. She was one of the female delegates who participated actively in the Bonn I Conference, where the new government of Afghanistan was established after the collapse of the Taliban in 2001. She was also one of the Afghan delegates to the first Doha Peace Talks in Qatar in 2019, representing the Afghan government during the peace negotiations and talks with the Taliban.

Asila received a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, USA. She contributed to many national and international policies, laws and strategies for refugees and returnees, as well as women’s inclusion, protection and promotion in leadership and politics. Asila has also supported women-led NGOs and organizations and enhanced their
capacities.

Ashiomanedu Joel, or Ashiedu Joel, is an elected Councillor with Leicester City Council in the United Kingdom. She represents a ward in the east of Leicester, working with residents, communities and stakeholders to address local needs, support casework and advocate for fairer outcomes.

Her work contributes to strategic direction, policy development and local regeneration, with a focus on civic pride, community wellbeing and reducing social and economic inequality. Her public service reflects Leicester City Council’s commitment to creativity, passion, and drive in delivering positive outcomes for the city.

Ashiedu’s priorities align closely with the UN SDGs, particularly climate and environment, housing and social care, education and employment and community safety. Through these areas, she supports climate resilience, decent work, health and wellbeing, safer communities and greater inclusion.She is a Fellow of the Society of Leadership Fellows at Windsor Castle, an alumna of the Blavatnik School of Government through the OBV leadership programme, a portfolio Non- Executive Director, a Justice of the Peace and a committed community advocate.

Ashiedu is committed to inclusive leadership, cultural intelligence, representation, integration, workforce diversity and sustainable communities, especially for underserved, under-represented and minority groups. She is involved in leadership development across corporate, entrepreneurial, and faith-based spaces.

Ashiedu holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos, a Master of Engineering from the University of Sheffield and a doctorate from De Montfort University in Sustainable Development and Resource Management. She is also a certified advanced cultural intelligence trainer, facilitator, and coach.

Alejandra Arburola Cabrera is a Costa Rican diplomat and political activist. She serves as a member of the Political Commission of the Citizens’ Action Party (Partido Acción Ciudadana, PAC) and as International Secretary of its Youth Wing, where she advances democratic participation, international engagement and youth leadership.

She is affiliated with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, where she has worked on multilateral affairs, international cooperation, human rights, migration and gender equality. She also serves on the Board of Fundación GOLEES, a youth-led organization that promotes leadership, education and social inclusion through football. Through her work in government, politics and civil society, she contributes to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

A former President of the PAC Youth Wing (2021–2025), Alejandra has championed reforms and initiatives that strengthen gender equality, prevent sexual harassment, support LGBTQI+ rights and expand the participation of women and young people in public decision-making. She is also the author of research on women’s representation in diplomacy and gender equality in foreign policy.

Driven by a commitment to social justice, democratic values and feminist leadership, Alejandra works to build more inclusive institutions and create opportunities for historically
excluded communities.

Alejandra holds a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Costa Rica, along with specialized training in gender, public policy, human rights and international affairs.

Getaneh Negash is a Judge at Addis Ababa City Court and a legal professional with over seven years of experience in prosecution, legal drafting, research and judicial service in Ethiopia. She previously served as a legal drafter and researcher at the Addis Ababa City Government Bureau of Justice, where she worked on legislative proposals and policy research, also as a coordinator in the crime = investigation and prosecution department, public prosecutor in crime matters and civil matters in the Public Prosecutor Office in different areas of Ethiopia, where she handled criminal, civil and administrative cases. Adey is currently pursuing her LLM in International Law.

Adey’s work centers on gender equality, access to justice, human rights and transitional justice. Her academic and professional focus includes the gender sensitivity of Ethiopia’s National Transitional Justice Policy and the right to education of internally displaced children. She is especially committed to making law and justice more responsive to women, girls and other vulnerable groups.

Working in a rural area of Ethiopia, Adey witnessed early marriage, school dropout and gender-based violence, all experiences that shaped her dedication to women’s rights and justice. She has also contributed to community legal awareness, supported survivors of domestic violence and child victims of crime, and volunteered in initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, charity and youth service. Adey believes in using law not only to resolve disputes, but to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society.

Sofía Castro Guerrero is the Secretary of Organization and Political Action of Movimiento Ciudadano, a progressive social-democratic party and one of Mexico’s leading political forces. In this role, she directs the party’s national territorial strategy, coordinates a network of grassroots leaders across all federal electoral districts and drives key policy agendas from the legislative to the municipal level.

Movimiento Ciudadano is committed to gender equality, human rights, transparency and citizen-driven democracy contributing to UN SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through concrete legislative and organizational action across Mexico’s 32 states.

With 12 years of experience in political organizing, legislative management and gender advocacy, Sofía has led some of her party’s most consequential efforts. She was part of the coordination in 2024´s presidential campaign, advanced the right to care and be cared for in 29 state congresses and spearheaded a strategic litigation program on the human right to water in more than 10 cities nationwide. She is currently launching a political leadership school for women aspiring to run for office in 2027.

Sofía holds a Master’s degree in Power, Participation and Social Change from the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte. She is driven by the conviction that lasting political change is built collectively and that the most transformative thing she can do is create the conditions for others, especially young women, to lead.