• Team
  • Board of Directors
  • Powershift Inclusive Excellence
  • Global Voice Council
  • Global Advisory Network
  • Team

    Lourdes Rivas

    CEO

    Lourdes is an accomplished Argentinian technology leader, multi-lingual expert, and entrepreneur deeply dedicated to shaping technology for social impact and gender justice. She brings over 15 years of experience in digital transformation to World Pulse, including executive leadership, building software products, agile methodologies, language localization, and machine learning. She’s received recognition and awards in Latin America and Europe, including as a top disruptive start-up and best women-led company for a translation company she founded. Over the past three years, as Head of Technology at World Pulse, Lourdes has led breakthrough advances in its social network design and community growth. Lourdes is committed to building transformative alternatives to today’s toxic tech, enabling women and historically underrepresented voices worldwide to grow their collective voice and power.

    Kirthi Jayakumar

    Head of Community Engagement

    Internationally recognized security practitioner, writer, peace educator, lawyer, and mediator, Kirthi has spent a decade innovating at the cross-section of gender, peace, security, technology, feminist foreign policy, and transitional justice. In addition to helming multiple civil society initiatives, she built an app for survivors of gender-based violence used across the globe, called Saahas. Recently, she developed digital training suites in partnership with World Pulse to equip women globally to safely access the internet to advocate for themselves and their communities. Kirthi is the recipient of multiple awards for her work, including UN Women’s 30 for 2030 and the 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

    Zulma Miranda

    VP, Global Partnerships

    Zulma is a social impact philanthropy executive and human rights lawyer who partners with executive directors, boards of directors, foundations, and philanthropists to advance social issues on a global level. A compelling and passionate voice of leadership, she has developed and implemented initiatives centered on lifting up the voices and stories of the most marginalized people around the world, establishing landmark legal precedents in domestic and international forums.

    Moutushi Dey

    Director of Finance and Operations,

    A seasoned global finance and operations professional with nearly 20 years of experience, Moutushi has a proven record of delivering customer-focused solutions and business strategies that improve revenues and margins. Moutushi deploys her broad experience in the for-profit and non-profit sector, and startups, to lead World Pulse's financial planning, operations, and strategic use of resources.

    Corine Milano

    Director of Storytelling

    With 15 years of editorial expertise at the intersection of media and advocacy, Corine works closely with global women leaders to amplify their stories, experiences, and expertise to both mainstream audiences and influential forums. She has more than a decade of experience directing World Pulse's storytelling content, communications, and crowdsourced campaign strategies, producing dynamic story packages and social content representing diverse women's voices across the globe.

    Jhonny Izidoro Menarim

    Software Developer

    Jhonny is a Brazilian software developer who loves what he does. With his 6 years of experience in the area, and having worked on different types of projects throughout his life, he seeks to bring this knowledge into World Pulse in order to impact the technology area of ​​our platform, and make it accessible and stable. He does this with the aim of building a fairer world for women.

    Chi Yvonne Leina

    Outreach Specialist

    Leina is the Founder of Women Relief Services in Cameroon, a non-profit that works to promote gender equality through women's access to good health, education, and security in parts of Africa. As a writer, speaker and storyteller, Leina is dedicated to shining a light on the lives of unheard women and girls around the world by unlocking their voices and potential through training, digital networking, and solution-oriented storytelling.

    Jensine Larsen

    Founder/Advisor

    Award-winning digital impact entrepreneur, international journalist, and global women’s rights expert, Jensine (Yen-See-Nah) is a frequent speaker on the power of technology to speed up global women's power. Jensine represents World Pulse at multiple collective impact coalitions, including Equals Global Partnership, a coalition bridging the gendered digital divide, and is a fellow of the Academy for Systems Change - a ten-year fellowship for the planet's next generation of system change leaders.

    Anna Neawedde

    Development Associate

    Anna is a development professional passionate about philanthropy and sustaining work that uplifts the voices of historically excluded communities. For World Pulse, Anna facilitates connections, seeks opportunities, manages donor databases and communications. With a background in fundraising, DEI, and higher education she’s partnered with local community organizations serving People of Color in Akron, Ohio. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Management, and Gender from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Cleveland State University.

    Tiffani Hutton

    Operations Associate

    Tiffani’s administrative experience is extensive, having started her own executive assistance company over six years ago. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work along with a Master's degree in Social Enterprise Administration. She specializes in providing operational support to nonprofits in order to maximize their impact. She firmly believes that personal connection and "people proficiency" are the keys to success in relationship-building, ensuring longer professional relationships.

    Martha Lawrence

    Executive Affairs Administrator

    Martha Lawrence fulfills her passion for helping others in an impactful way, with a drive and determination to see her team and clients succeed. She has been a high-level assistant supporting C-suite executives for over 20 years, within both the corporate and non-profit sectors. Particularly skilled at interpersonal verbal/written communication and client relations, she has additional expertise in recruiting, customer service, fundraising, and donor relations management. Martha has supported various entrepreneurs and small business owners in finance, leadership development, executive coaching, communications, and gender and social justice.

    Lisa Kislingbury Anderson

    Contract Writer and Editor

    Lisa draws from her storytelling and community engagement background as a freelance writer and editor for mission-driven clients like World Pulse. She brings more than 13 years of experience working in newsroom, nonprofit, and agency settings.

    Board of Directors

    Aparna Sanjay

    Chair

    Aparna leads the US operations of the Catalyst Group of institutions which work on strengthening community health systems, livelihood avenues, and social protections to achieve well-being and dignity for the most vulnerable in the Global South. She is the Executive Director at the Impact Catalyst Foundation responsible for programming, academic partnerships, and fundraising.

    With two decades of experience in business responsibility, philanthropy, social enterprise, and nonprofit management, Aparna is passionate about meaningful growth and scale. She is experienced in starting things from scratch, grant-making, strategic stakeholder management, program development, & capacity-building for social businesses and nonprofits. Previously Aparna was the Executive Director at Social Venture Partners (India), a global network of engaged philanthropists, where she led the Bangalore chapter and worked with the National Board to grow SVP’s presence pan-India. She's worked with the Earthy Goods Foundation, a social enterprise that provided business advisory and design inputs to Indian artisans; and headed CSR for MphasiS, a large Indian technology company.

    Elizabeth Stein

    Secretary

    Elizabeth Hillman Stein is an award-winning communications executive with a proven track record at global companies where she developed innovative public-facing communications strategies that built brands, launched global talent, preserved the corporate identities of networks and programming franchises, She has worked with notable clients including SXSW, SXSW EDU, The Atlantic, National Journal, Government Executive Media Group, CuriosityStream, Insight TV, Reading Is Fundamental, Earth Day Network, and Global Environment Media. In addition to her consulting work, Liz serves as an Adjunct Capstone Advisor at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Prior to consulting, Liz spent much of her career at world-renowned organizations including Discovery Communications, Hallmark Channel and National Geographic and managed the press for Discovery’s global hits Shark Week, and Planet Earth, to name a few. Liz sits on the Board of 1455 Literary Arts Society and the DC/Baltimore chapter of Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT).

    Shofali Agarwal

    Treasurer

    Shofali has two decades of expertise in financial forecasting, oversight, project management, and marketing. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and received her bachelor’s degree in Commerce at McMaster University and her Masters in Business Administration, focusing on Operations Management. In addition to a passion for advancing women’s rights, Shofali works to help children achieve their potential, with a particular interest in health, wellness, and literacy. In addition to serving on the board at World Pulse, she is a Director on the Board at the Eve Rothwell Centre, which provides a range of services and programs for children.

    Olutosin Adebowale

    Board Member

    Olutosin is a Nigerian social entrepreneur, women’s rights activist, community leader, and poet. Her work as a global advocate empowers rural women and girls. As the founder of Star of Hope Transformation Centre, she works in local communities to end child sexual abuse and heal survivors. Olutosin is an author, citizen journalist, and poet who speaks out frequently on the topics of widowhood, corruption, poverty, and transformational leadership.

    Shadia Sadaqa

    Board Member

    Shadia is a global communications and public relations strategist who has worked in a variety of industries (aerospace, healthcare, non-profit, media, government, finance, higher education) and locations (Dubai, Rome, and Washington D.C.). Her international work has fostered connections around the world and helped develop her global perspective. She has an MBA in International Finance and a Masters in International Public Affairs.​

    Jeanine Becker

    Board Member

    Jeanine wears many hats — lecturer, consultant, coach, international speaker. With her JD from Stanford, she started in law, moved to the tech sector, and transitioned to consulting and training on collaborative leadership for teams engaged with multi-stakeholder interventions on early childhood education, preventative health, and homelessness. She is an international speaker and she has presented at Wisdom 2.0, Emerging Women, Leading Women in Tech, and the Global Innovation Summit.

    Anne Dupont

    Chair Emeritus

    Anne is a change leader and business consultant, mentoring women on their leadership journey. As a Principal at The AthenA Group and former partner with Accenture, Anne brings her expertise in organizational culture change to World Pulse along with a personal passion for helping women succeed--to help them find their inner courage and use it to make change happen, both for themselves and others.

    Colleen Abdoulah

    Chair Emeritus

    Colleen is World Pulse Board Chair Emeritus, philanthropist, coach, mentor, volunteer, and past Chair & CEO at WOW! Internet, Cable, and Phone. As a nationally recognized business leader, Colleen shares her expertise in administration, strategic planning, marketing, operations, business development, research/data analysis, employee relations, advertising, and public relations. Her partnership with World Pulse is part of her lifelong dedication to service through philanthropic organizations.

    Theresa Gattung

    Board Member

    Theresa is a New Zealander who is passionate about business, the advancing of women's interests, and animal welfare. She was CEO of Telcom New Zealand. She is a speaker and author, and has been named one of Forbes' Most Powerful Women and has been on Fortune magazine's Most Powerful Women list several times. Theresa channels her passions through her philanthropic endeavors as Co-Founder of My Food Bag and World Women, and Founder of the Eva Doucas Charitable Trust.

    Karen Dayan

    Board Member

    Karen brings 20+ years of executive marketing strategy and execution for B2B & B2C markets in start-up, corporate, and non-profit environments - driving companies to successful exits both acquisition and IPO. She has deep knowledge of Consumer, SMB, and Enterprise market segments as well as partner programs & relationships. Karen is an expert in strategizing and optimizing marketing planning and execution including branding, positioning & messaging, public relations, online marketing (search, display, mobile, social), email marketing, event strategy, and interactive promotions.

    Chi Yvonne Leina

    Outreach Specialist

    Leina is the Founder of Women Relief Services in Cameroon, a non-profit that works to promote gender equality through women's access to good health, education, and security in parts of Africa. As a writer, speaker and storyteller, Leina is dedicated to shining a light on the lives of unheard women and girls around the world by unlocking their voices and potential through training, digital networking, and solution-oriented storytelling.

    Powershift Inclusive Excellence

    Our Powershift Inclusive Excellence (PIE) Group guides World Pulse’s future as a social network platform leader for inclusivity and shifting power to under-represented voices.

    Sherna Alexander Benjamin - Trinidad & Tobago

    Human Rights Activist, Survivor Advocate

    With over twelve years of experience in conflict transformation, peacebuilding, and social protection, Sherna focuses on how unhealthy dominant norms, oppression, access, and control enable structural, symbolic, and political violence. Alexander Benjamin brings her experience and knowledge of transformative change processes, intersectionality, linkages, asset-based community development, and development analytical lenses when addressing violence at the family, community, and national levels. She is a member of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative: Civil Society National Reference Group (CS-NRG) for Trinidad and Tobago and a World Pulse Changemaker and Digital Ambassador

    Paulina Lawsin Nayra - Philippines

    Community Organizer, Gender Advocate

    Paulina is a social development worker engaged in training and advocacy on gender and women's issues, as well as civil society participation in governance and community-based response to violence against women. Her work and advocacy revolves around empowering girls, women’s political and economic empowerment, and environmental protection and sustainable development. She is the founder and President of Women Enablers Advocates & Volunteers for Empowering and Responsive Solutions (WEAVERS)

    Busayo Obisakin - Nigeria

    Digital Empowerment Leader, Gender Advocate

    As rates of violence against women soared and the economy plummeted in Nigeria during COVID-19, Busayo Obisakin mobilized her organization to meet the moment. The Women Inspiration Development Center (WIDC) created a food bank, then worked with a partner to train women to make and sell reusable face masks. Now Busayo is scaling empowerment workshops to help lift women and girls out of poverty and gender-based violence. She’s already impacted more than 5,000 women and girls with leadership and digital skilling programs, with a goal of reaching 5,000 more through the Confident Girls program.

    Arrey-Echi Agbor-Ndakaw - Cameroon

    Sickle Cell Activist, Disability Rights Advocate

    Arrey-Echi is a passionate advocate for sickle cell, disability rights, and inclusiveness. She uses her personal experiences to educate others on invisible disabilities and change the narrative through articles, blog posts, and online campaigns like #BreakTheSilence and #BeASickleCellVoice. Arrey has earned numerous awards and recognitions for her advocacy work, including Sickle Cell 101 International Advocate of the Year 2019, World Pulse Spirit Award Encourager Category 2020, and Deaf Women Breaking Barriers Award 2021, World Pulse 50 Rising Voices 2022, and four times World Pulse Story Awardee, among others. She is also a World Pulse Digital Ambassador, a WILD (Women In Leadership & Disability) Woman, and the founder of Joy2Endure Foundation, which brings hope and support to people living with sickle cell and other disabilities in her native Cameroon. Arrey hopes to expand her mission to sub-Saharan Africa and the world.

    Kirthi Jayakumar - India

    Women, Peace, and Security Expert

    Internationally recognized security practitioner, writer, peace educator, lawyer, and mediator, Kirthi has spent a decade innovating at the cross-section of gender, peace, security, technology, feminist foreign policy, and transitional justice. In addition to helming multiple civil society initiatives, she built an app for survivors of gender-based violence used across the globe, called Saahas. Recently, she developed digital training suites in partnership with World Pulse to equip women globally to safely access the internet to advocate for themselves and their communities. Kirthi is the Head of Community Engagement at World Pulse and the recipient of multiple awards for her work, including UN Women’s 30 for 2030 and the 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts

    Sally Maforchi Mboumien - Cameroon

    Peacebuilder, Social Activist

    A teacher, researcher, social activist, and founder and executive director of Common Action for Gender Development, Sally has mobilized women-led organizations and coalitions in Cameroon in online peacebuilding efforts. In 2021, her 41 trainings reached 1,085 people. She is a World Pulse Digital Ambassador and Changemaker.

    Ruth Howard - Jamaica

    Gender Justice Advocate

    Ruth Howard is a women’s rights and gender justice advocate, with an MSc in Gender & Development Studies (Distinction) from the UWI Institute for Gender & Development Studies Regional Coordinating Unit. She is a 2022 Governor General’s Achievement Award for Excellence recipient, a 2022 World Pulse Top 50 Rising Voices awardee, and Jamaica's 2021 Ubuntu United Nations delegate. Ruth works as programme manager for WMW Jamaica’s “We-Talk for the Reduction of Gender-Based Violence” project.

    Tamarack Verrall - Canada

    Educator, Women's Rights Activist

    Longtime activist and educator Tamarack (Tam) Verrall remembers how celebratory it felt to open a tiny women’s center in Montreal during the 1960s. Today she marvels at how online communities have helped transform grassroots women’s organizing. The pandemic shifted Tam’s activism further online this year, but she brings the same wisdom and empathy that she has brought to in-person organizing for decades. Each week, Tam spends countless hours poring over stories, sharing encouragement, and supporting World Pulse leaders. Additionally, she amplifies women’s stories, shares opportunities, and resources, and writes thoughtful pieces. Through her advocacy, Tam encourages people with privilege to consider redistributing their resources by financially supporting women changemakers.

    Basudha Modak - South Africa

    Electronics Engineer and Educator

    Basudha is the founder/director of Storm In a TeaCup Reskilling and Support Foundation. A World Pulse Digital Ambassador, Basudha has been awarded a World Pulse Spirit Award in 2021, and she was recognized as one of World Pulse’s Top 50 Voices Rising to Watch in 2022. She is the winner of Mrs. Gaia International South Africa 2020, and was named by the Asia Africa Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 40 Global Indians of 2020. Basudha is an electronics engineer and educator. As a mother of a neurodivergent child, she is an advocate for children on the spectrum. Basudha is from Tripura, India, and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Eunice Owino - Kenya

    Partnership Specialist and Women Empowerment Practitioner

    Eunice is a Partnership Specialist and Women Empowerment Practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience serving in both government and non-governmental organizations. She has over 9 years of partnerships-based programming competencies with excellent collaborative communication skills focusing on building relationships and promoting synergy among partners to drive positive change. Eunice is a co-founder of the Centre for Women Empowerment and Technology (CWE-TECH). A multifaceted leader in the EdTech, Gender, WASH, and Social Enterprise Development sector, Eunice is currently based in Kenya.

    Martha Elena Llano Serna - Columbia

    Photographer, Graphic Designer and Environmentalist

    Martha is a Colombian photographer, graphic designer, and environmentalist. She loves to communicate about endangered species, ecosystems, and people. She spearheaded an environmental movement led by women to restore forests, protect land cover, and restore the earth to balance. An accomplished World Pulse leader and storyteller, she joined the platform in 2008.

    Sharmin Prince - United States

    Advocacy and Nonprofit Management

    Sharmin is a luminary in the field of advocacy and nonprofit management. She has curated groundbreaking self-discovery programs for survivors of gender-based violence and contributed to the organizational development of multiple nonprofits. Sharmin has facilitated the training of combat veterans as program facilitators, while addressing moral injury. She has a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College and a Master of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Her expertise has been pivotal in mentoring NGOs from South America to Africa, advocating for gender equality, and pioneering initiatives to foster hope and resilience among the most vulnerable.

    Urmila Chanam - India

    Menstrual Health and Hygiene Activist

    Urmila is a menstrual health and hygiene activist and the founder of Breaking the Silence Worldwide Foundation, a nonprofit that works on education, advocacy, and campaigns to change the way society perceives menstruation and how adolescent girls and women experience menstruation — with pride, privacy, and support. An anthropologist by education and social behavior change, knowledge management, and digital storytelling expert by training, Urmila has 15 years’ experience in the social development sector. A World Pulse community member since 2010 and a domestic violence survivor, she lives in Bengaluru in southern India with her daughter.

    Global Voice Council

    Our Global Voice Council members are leading storytellers, movement-leaders, and technology activists who are lifting the voices of World Pulse and creating a new story for under-represented voices worldwide.

    Loung Ung

    Award-winning author, human rights activist

    “World Pulse is the pulse of women and the world. We have the technology through World Pulse to join our voices and rise together to create change.”

    Loung Ung is a bestselling author, activist, and co-screenplay writer of First They Killed My Father, a 2017 Netflix Original movie directed by Angelina Jolie based on her memoir. Through her writing and advocacy, Loung’s mission has been to help her native land of Cambodia heal from the traumas of war. As an advocate, she has campaigned to ban landmines and end violence against women and child soldiers.

    Jane Goodall

    Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace

    “It's time we listen to the voices of World Pulse. It's time for women to use technology to band together to speak out, heal the world, and take the power.”

    Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots programme, Jane Goodall has worked extensively on conservation, animal welfare, and youth issues. She is best known for her 60-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees. She is a UN Messenger of Peace and an honorary member of the World Future Council.

    Madame Gandhi

    Gender liberation artist, musician, activist

    "I’m excited to see World Pulse take leadership in bringing women, girls, and trans people together in telling our stories and validating our experiences. It’s about celebrating the femininity in all of us and I am lending my voice to that celebration."

    Madame Gandhi is an artist and activist whose mission is to celebrate gender liberation. She has toured drumming for M.I.A, Thievery Corporation, and most recently Oprah. She has been listed as a Forbes 30 Under 30 member and is a 2020 TED Fellow. Her uplifting music and talks have been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, Billboard, NPR, and more.

    Mariane Pearl

    Journalist, author, Chime for Change editor

    Mariane Pearl is an award-winning journalist and author. She is the managing editor of the Chime for Change global journalism platform. She teaches advanced journalism and initiated Women Bylines, a first–time series of quality journalism and multimedia narratives from women and girls worldwide for the local and global media. She is the author of “A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Daniel Pearl” (Scribner), which was adapted and released as a film in 2007.

    Esra'a Al Shafei

    Civil rights activist, blogger , founder of Majal (Mideast Youth)

    “All the platforms I create are about community voices rather than putting the limelight on a singular voice.”

    Esra'a Al Shafei is a Bahraini human rights activist and founder of Majal.org, a network of digital platforms that amplify under-reported and marginalized voices. Together with her team, they build digital projects that creatively facilitate the struggle for social justice in the Middle East and North Africa. These projects include Ahwaa.org, a forum for LGBTQ+ Arab youth, and Mideast Tunes, the largest platform for independent musicians who use music as a tool for social justice advocacy in the MENA region. Since 2017, she has served on the Board of Trustees at the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit which hosts Wikipedia.

    Wanjira Mathai

    Environmentalist, activist, Vice President & Regional Director, WRI Africa & Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation

    “The role of women in securing Africa’s resilience is undeniable – the pandemic and climate change are shocks that face us all but women are most disproportionately affected. We must incentivize their leadership in the food and water systems that sustain us.”

    An inspiring leader, Wanjira has over 20 years of experience serving important strategic and advocacy roles raising the prominence of global issues such as climate change, youth leadership, sustainable energy, and landscape restoration, at Women Entrepreneurs in Renewables (wPOWER), the Wangari Maathai Foundation (WMF), and the Green Belt Movement (GBM) the organization her mother, Wangari Maathai (2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate) founded. Currently, she serves on the Board of the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), as a Leadership Council member of the Clean Cooking Alliance, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential African Women in 2018 and 2020.

    Grandmother Flordemayo

    Curandera Espiritu, member of the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers

    “We are standing in the vibration of a sacred prophecy. The prophecy tells us that consciousness is preparing the spirit of the feminine, the spirit of the grandmothers.”

    Grandmother Flordemayo® is a Curandera Espiritu, or a healer of divine spirit. She was born in the highlands of Central America, specifically Nicaragua, and was the youngest of 15 children. Born under the sign of Q’anil (seed), in Mayan astrology, she sees her role as cosmic germinator through teaching, community, manifestation, and development. She founded The Path an organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of heirloom and heritage seeds. She is a founding member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.

    Karla Ruiz Cofiño

    Technology for Good leader, UNESCO World Champion

    “When a woman builds influence in the digital world, the power of her voice gets translated into the real world, amplified many times over! I’m proud to lift women’s voices through World Pulse."

    Karla is an award-winning digital strategist, entrepreneur, speaker, social activist, and women’s advocate. For the last 15 years, Karla has studied the impact technology has on the evolution of human beings and its power for good. Today she is on a mission to recruit, inspire and empower people to become Digitally Aware, with a curriculum she designed to create a future of interconnected global citizens. She has received numerous awards for her entrepreneurship and innovation including from the Inter-American Development Bank, Vital Voices, Aspen Institute, INTECAP, the World Information Society, and UNESCO.

    Mallika Dutt

    Interconnectedness expert, award-winning storyteller

    “Listen to World Pulse - that’s the heartbeat of women harnessing technology with their power to transform our world.”

    Mallika is a leading innovator in storytelling and culture change and has produced multimedia experiences that have reached millions of people to shift hearts and minds. She brings together the power of ancient wisdom and spiritual practices with contemporary technologies and tools for creative connection and transformation. She combines her creative advocacy for a thriving world with a coaching, speaking and strategy practice that connects planet, people, and purpose. She is the founder of Breakthrough and co-founder of Sakhi for South Asian Women.

    Hazel Henderson

    Economic futurist

    "World Pulse has developed a digital platform that is sitting on one of the most valuable storehouses of intellectual properties in the world; the networking of women's knowledge in communities across the world."

    Hazel Henderson is a world-renowned futurist, evolutionary economist, a worldwide syndicated columnist, consultant on sustainable development, and author of The Axiom and Nautilus award-winning book Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy (2006) and eight other books.

    Neema Namadamu

    Disability and gender activist; Founder, Hero Women

    “The wisdom and strength of women. The determination to offer a better future for their children. Enter World Pulse. This audacious, ennobling, enabling love, intention, and divine capacity is getting ready to energize a more beautiful world. Feel the Pulse.”

    Neema Namadamu is a visionary game-changer, advocate for peace, and a women's rights and disability rights activist in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She founded Hero Women Rising and the Maman Shujaa Media Center which partners with World Pulse to activate women and give them a platform to share their stories with the world. Through the center each woman learns to become a "digital activist" building resilience and leadership in an environment that is violently oppressive to women.

    Iffat Gill

    Digital inclusion leader, The Code the Change

    “It’s time to put inclusion of women at the heart of the development agenda. In the digital era, we need to give women the right tools to succeed. It is time to take what was always rightfully ours!”

    Iffat Gill is a human rights activist, digital strategist, and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of ChunriChoupaal, an organization that empowers women leaders through information and communication technology (ICTs), and digital literacy. Iffat has been at the forefront of shaping the policy debate of women’s digital inclusion for close to a decade, both in Pakistan and at international platforms such as the UN’s World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), UN’s Internet Governance Forum, and European Parliament.

    Stella Paul

    Journalist, Courage in Journalism awardee, International Women's Media Foundation

    “In World Pulse, every woman has her own space and the support to harness the inner power of her voice. This is where the real empowerment revolution is happening. "

    Stella Paul is an award-winning India-based international journalist, covering climate change across the Asia Pacific with a strong focus on gender and indigenous communities. The only Indian journalist to be honored with the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF)'s Courage in Journalism Award and East-West Center's Bravery in Journalism award, Stella is also a three-time winner of the Asian Environmental Journalism Award.

    Elizabeth Kapuʻuwailani Lindsey

    Polynesian explorer, humanitarian, storyteller

    “Here’s to the powerful, brilliant, courageous women of World Pulse. Together, our sisterhood makes everything possible!”

    Dr. Elizabeth Kapu’uwailani Lindsey is the first Polynesian Explorer and female Fellow in the history of the National Geographic Society. A cultural anthropologist and award-winning filmmaker, she travels to the world’s most remote regions as an advocate for social, environmental, and cultural justice. Her first-hand accounts from the world's most fragile regions are reshaping Western perspectives. The recipient of the United Nations Visionary Award, she is an advisor to global organizations and has served on such boards as the Tibet Fund for His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

    Sharon Bhagwan Rolls

    Women, Peace and Security activist & community media leader

    “Having built a women-led community radio network, I know with World Pulse we can empower diverse local women to determine how accessible information and communication technology can support their leadership. Together we uplift women-led innovation."

    Sharon Bhagwan Rolls is a second-generation Fiji Island feminist working on the intersection of gender, media, communications and peace. She is the Pacific Regional Representative of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) & Programme Manager of the Pacific Women Mediators Network. As the Technical Adviser to the Pacific Island Feminist Alliance for Climate Justice (PIFA4CJ) and the Shifting the Power Coalition POWER System. She supports the women-led innovative media and communications action, particularly in response to the climate crisis and peacebuilding. She is a local member of the YWCA of Fiji, a member of the Women’s Resilience to Disasters Board & Generation Equality Multistakeholder Leadership Group.

    Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda

    African Union Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage, Human Rights Lawyer

    Nyaradzayi is the African Union Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage and the Founder of Rozaria Memorial Trust hot link. For twenty years, Nyaradzayi has worked to advance women and children’s human rights, with a special focus on crisis countries and addressing issues of violence against women, peace with justice, property rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and HIV. She has been the General Secretary of the World YWCA and board member or advisor to many global entities including Action Aid International, the Children UK, CIVICUS, and Girls Not Brides.

    Global Advisory Network

    Our Global Advisory Network is a dynamic group of specialists who bring additional expertise and innovation needed to achieve World Pulse’s ambitious goals.

    Françoise Hovivian

    GAN Co-Chair, Globalization, Localization

    Francoise is a critical thinker with operational experience in project and program management, e-commerce, digital marketing, brand awareness, and technical strategy development. She is Project Manager for PurePoint International, Creative Director/Marketer/Fashion Designer at Petite Fadette, a filmmaker, volunteer, and advisor.

    Rangineh Azimzadeh Tosang

    Facilitation & Conflict Transformation Expert

    Rangineh Azimzadeh Tosang, MA, CPF, specializes in facilitation and conflict transformation which has positioned her to both present and work in these key areas internationally as well as domestically. To this end, Rangineh founded Solh Resolutions International, a private consulting company, with the aim of guiding and empowering us to expand our awareness and understanding of ourselves and others through coaching, workshops, and specialized retreats.

    Emily Bove

    Global Advocacy

    Emily is an executive leader within the global women’s rights movement and development community aiming to inspire others to take on feminist leadership as both an ideological and practical mantra, to transform the development sector. Emily is Executive Director at Batonga Foundation and Founder & Curator of the Feminist Leadership Project, which started #ThisIsWhatFeministLeadershipLooksLike, an effort to amplify the voices of those walking the talk every day.

    Nichol Bradford

    Transformative Technology Executive

    Nichol is fascinated by human potential and technology. She is the CEO & Founder of the Willow Group and the Executive Director and co-founder of the Transformative Technology Lab, Conference, and TT200 List. Prior to becoming a leader in Transformative Technology, Nichol was a senior executive in video games with responsibility for strategy, operations, and marketing for major brands including Activision Blizzard, Disney, and Vivendi Games, as well as operating World of Warcraft China.

    Schuyler Brown

    Visionary Brand Builder & Futurist

    Schuyler is the founder of the Art of Emergence, which supports deep individual and systemic transformation towards a better world. She is a futurist with an emphasis on the present moment, a coach, empath, and corporate shaman.

    Caleb Bushner

    Digital Design and Innovation Strategist

    Caleb likes big ideas and loves making those ideas happen as Vice President at Mission North. He has worked at startups and consultancies, providing strategic guidance to move organizations toward emerging opportunities and stronger market positions. When not shaping digital strategies, Caleb is a competitive cyclist and has managed to forget how to speak Chinese and Spanish–but still loves the food.

    Alessandra Chiareli

    Global Strategic Leader

    Scientist by training, collaborative and inclusive global business leader with experience in strategic planning, operational execution, building of high performing diverse teams, cultivates mindful self-awareness as a vital aspect of effective leadership in the workplace, passionate about the power of mentoring to develop our next generation leaders.

    Bev Corwin

    Technology Strategist, Language Localization Expert

    Bev is Director of Technology for DDC, a co-founder of Technology Transfer Days, the Information Architecture Institute, and the Enso Center for International Arts. She consults for global nonprofit and for-profit organizations, serves on advisory boards, and in her spare time volunteers for nonprofit educational organizations.

    Nan Crawford

    Public Speaking, Presentation, Influence & Leadership Coach

    Nan specializes in coaching bold women leaders to deliver high-stakes presentations and high-impact conversations. She helps clients leverage their strength, wisdom, and creativity so they inspire audiences to take meaningful action. Her work is focused on issues of economic, environmental, and social justice. Nan is a pioneer in using theatre as a lens for leadership. She is a keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and the Main-Stage Director for The Bioneers conference on sustainability.

    Donna D'cruz

    Global Consciousness DJ

    Donna founded Rasa Music, a woman-owned record company that releases world music, has produced music for Deepak Chopra and recordings for meditation. She travels the world as a Celebrity DJ and leads people to ecstatic, profound experiences as they celebrate the biggest moments in their lives. Donna has been teaching and guiding meditations with music for years. She combines her love of music with her passion for awakening consciousness.

    Erica Fite

    Global Brand Creative

    Erica is Founding Partner and co-COO at Fancy, a strategic/creative brand-building agency that elevates what matters to women. She is a natural empath who cultivates meaningful connections with consumers and brings a snappy, stylish vibe to every project. Erica has particular expertise in reaching women over 40.

    Suchi Gaur

    Gender, Public Health and Communications Technology Expert

    Dr. Suchi Gaur (Ph.D.) carries more than 11 years of experience working at the confluence of gender, public health and communications technology in the non-profit, start-up, parliamentary and research sector. A Fulbright fellow and gold medalist for her doctoral work in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Suchi is currently leading the daily engagement of women, young women and girls; programmatic and mission impact work and communications portfolio at World YWCA as the Director of Global Engagement and Impact. A stickler for inclusion – especially in sexual and reproductive rights and health work, Suchi believes in the “nothing about us, without us”.

    Abby Goldberg

    Media Strategy and Advocacy

    Abby is a filmmaker, thought leader, advocate, and strategist with over a decade of experience building and leading human rights organizations, including Digital Democracy, and the New Media Advocacy Project (N-Map). Abby works in partnership with governments, business leaders, artists, NGOs, and grassroots advocates to solve the world’s most pressing problems using a diverse arsenal of advocacy tools including technology and video. She is Founder and President of Variant Strategies.

    Nanci Luna Jiménez

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Healer

    Nanci’s unique approach to diversity, inclusion, and social justice continues the legacy of work first started by Dr. Erica “Ricky” Sherover Marcuse, who coined the term “unlearning racism,” and then carried on by recognized cross-cultural communication specialist Lillian Roybal Rose, M.Ed.

    Melissa Kelly

    Marketing Operations Expert

    Melissa has over 10 years of experience in marketing and is currently Marketing Operations Manager at Agari, the leader in phishing defense solutions. Her vision is to help build a world with social, economic, and legal equality — promoting opportunity for all.

    Susan Kenniston

    Technology & Operations Executive

    Susan has over 30 years of experience building and delivering solutions at some of the world's leading brands. At Wipro, Susan has expanded and scaled up the global sustainability practice and launched the Wipro Impact brand, Wipro's integrated sustainability services business. Since moving into sustainability almost 15 years ago, Susan has become a thought leader and visionary, building, leading, and delivering integrated sustainability solutions at the enterprise level across industries. Susan has significant experience in strategy and operations, data and analytics, supply chains, and enterprise architecture from years of working in sectors such as telecommunications, high tech, footwear, and apparel, and technology consulting.

    Daphne Luong

    Research, Digital Mentoring & Engineering Advisor

    Daphne Luong is currently Director of Engineering and Research at Google. She has been involved in building technologies from the ground up at numerous startups, responsible for building and delivering world-class predictive consumer experience platforms and products. Daphne works with social entrepreneurs from around the world to build sustainable enterprises to solve big social problems, contributing to the goal of positively impacting 1 billion lives. Daphne was the recipient of the Microsoft Silicon Valley Women’s Inspiration Award.

    Jamie Rice

    Marketing and Advertising Expert

    Jamie is a Marketing and Advertising expert who has spent the last 18 years working with top global brands implementing strategy and building partnerships to grow their business. Using her knowledge of prejudice and violence against women, she led a fundraising campaign for a film about the endangered status of women and girls in India (http://petalsinthedust.com/). This experience galvanized Jamie's resolve to work to empower women and girls.

    Joy Xi

    Technology Leadership

    Joy Xi is passionate about building community and fostering dialogue across different sources of identity and belief. She founded the Denver chapter of the Common Space Forum, an in-person, moderated discussion event exploring various societal issues. Joy is a product manager at Google and previously worked in venture capital and management consulting. Joy holds a BA in Economics from Harvard University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering, and an MBA from Stanford University.

    Aditi Mohapatra

    Business for Social Responsibility Advisor

    Aditi is Managing Partner at BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) leading the global portfolio of work on women’s empowerment across consulting, collaboration, and research. She has expertise in sustainable business strategies and women's empowerment. She has led corporate engagements on the subjects of gender corporate governance and gender equality, including the advancement of the Calvert Women’s Principles.

    Amie Newman

    Strategic Communications for Social Change

    Amie is a global health communicator, racial and social justice advocate, writer, and editor. As a consultant and Director of Communications at Amara, she has worked with social justice-focused foundations and nonprofits including Our Bodies Ourselves, International Women's Media Foundation, and Foundation for a Just Society.

    Daphne Ortiz

    Public Relations Expert

    Daphne is a public relations expert who knows the power of media attention and what it can do for a brand, personality, company, and organization. She is the founder of StatementPR with expertise in sports, lifestyle, fashion, and non-profits while also working with some of Hollywood’s top personalities, filmmakers and movies. Daphne believes in the power of giving back -- she is active in Step Up Women’s Network, The Junior League of Chicago, is on the board of Heshima Kenya.

    Robin Parisse

    GAN Co-Chair, Media Therapist and Project Manager

    Robin is a Media Therapist who brings cross-industry experience in technology, retail, and consumer products to both technical and non-technical audiences to drive transformation and positive action, bridging the gaps to achieve as they navigate. Robin’s forte is simplifying complex technology projects and processes to generate impactful solutions. She is a traveler, writer, and lover of learning and sharing.

    Geri Pell

    Private Wealth Advisor

    Geri is a private wealth advisor and financial planner at Pell Wealth Advisors, a mentor, and public speaker. She focuses on sustainably responsible investing and women's financial strategies. Geri believes in the power of Social Impact Investing and the profound effect investing with your values can have on your finances and the world. She takes pride in her ability to ask the right questions and to listen closely.

    Ramya Ramanathan

    Communications Strategist and Storyteller

    Ramya is a journalist and storyteller who has been published globally in a range of newspapers, websites, and magazines including Canadian Immigrant, Indian Express, Economic Times, World Pulse Magazine, and Peace Magazine. She is a marketing and communications specialist with 20+ years experience developing and implementing strategies, stakeholder engagement, content management, cause-related advocacy and campaigns, digital marketing and social media, brand management, PR, and crisis communications.

    Natalie Rekstad

    Philanthropy Consultant

    Natalie's superpower is leveraging a strategist’s mind and philanthropist’s heart to attract significant and sustainable funding for global NGO clients. She leads a purpose-driven life as Founder & CEO of Black Fox Philanthropy, a B Corp fundraising strategy firm serving global NGOs that exists to accelerate the social sector’s effectiveness. She is a sought after panelist, speaker, and resource for organizations and universities on the topic of philanthropy, the social sector, and fundraising.

    April Rinne

    Global Citizenship Expert

    April is equal parts global authority, advocate, ally, and adventurer. She sees trends early, understands their potential, and helps others do the same. Focus areas include the digital economy, sharing economy, future of work, travel and tourism, and public policy. April is the founder of April Worldwide, is a keynote speaker, advisor, mentor, investor, and globetrotter. Her expertise includes policy reform, the future of work, the future of travel & tourism, sustainable development, cities, and emerging markets.

    Emily Frazier

    Head of Product Technology

    As Head of Tech, Emily Frazier specializes in multi-tiered technical and creative integrations for World Pulse. With a BFA in Film Production, Emily builds web applications, creates automated systems, integrates cybersecurity risk assessments, and ensures online accessibility standards. She provides an array of design and immersive experiences, and the exploration of multi-sensory interaction techniques (such as developing new auditory and tangible interfaces, sensing modalities, natural language processing, and machine learning across different technologies).

    Marisa Rivera

    Leadership & Empowerment Expert

    Marisa Rivera is an award-winning motivational speaker and CEO of Mpowerment Works. She has over 30 years of experience in leadership and staff development, women’s empowerment, educational training, and international work in 15+ countries. She is a producer of Latina Voices: Leadership Journeys, an educational video showcasing Latina leaders sharing their secrets to success.

    Rebecca Rodskog

    Workplace Crusader, Workplace innovations

    Rebecca’s wish is that all of us be so engrossed and in love with our work, that we want it to be infused into our identity. Rebecca founded Rodskog Change Consulting to show people and organizations how to embrace change, increase growth and productivity, and find a profound sense of value. She is also the founder of Future Now, which offers speaking events and training to help organizations transform outdated practices into market-leading cultures.

    Lena Beck Roervig

    Global Leadership Development

    Lena coaches executives to their professional goals and equips them to live a life that is true to themselves. She is the CEO & founder of Beck Global Consulting and a partner at The Personal Business Plan™. She is the creator of the concept of how to advance women in leadership: ShowYourWorth®. Additionally, Lena co-founded the retreat ‘Bohemian for a Weekend™’ that builds on the unique Art-Mind-Body concept™.

    Sarah Rose

    Digital Monetization Expert

    Sarah is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader, organizational architect, and avid product builder with deep experience across a wide range of consumer technology companies. She is President and Chief Product Officer at TaskRabbit, where she leads the company’s experience and innovation strategy with a focus on building and delivering exceptional Tasker and Client experience. When not working, Sarah and her family enjoy hikes, biking, and explore beautiful places in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Leland Russell

    Business and Leadership Coach

    Leland is the founder of GEO Group Strategic Services and the architect of GEO Virtual Leadership. He has designed and facilitated virtual collaboration initiatives for CEO’s, business owners, and mission-critical teams. With broad experience and deep expertise in strategy, execution, and innovation, he is uniquely qualified to shape solutions to address radical, rapid change.

    Nikki Silvestri

    Equitable Economies Leader

    Nikki is Founder/CEO of Soil and Shadow, a coaching and consulting firm focused on social and environmental entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur and serial non-profit Executive Director, Nikki has connected with leaders, businesses, and organizations at the intersection of ecology, economy, and social equity. She is an international keynote speaker, Greenpeace USA, and Business Alliance of Local Living Economies board member.

    Frank Smyth

    Global Journalist, Security Expert

    Frank is an independent, award-winning investigative journalist specializing in armed conflicts, organized crime, and human rights overseas. He is a former arms trafficking investigator for Human Rights Watch, breaking the role of France in arming Rwanda before its genocide. Smyth is a global authority on journalist security and press freedom testifying to Congress and member states of several multilateral organizations. Frank is the founder and CEO of the leading U.S.-based hostile environments training firm.

    Jody Vandergriff

    Technology Leadership

    Jody is an entrepreneur and chief executive with 15+ years of experience building passionate teams and award-winning products. She is the founder of WebDAM, the first cloud-based digital asset management platform for enterprise marketing teams. Currently, Jody is a speaker and, as the ChiefSeeker, is in the start-up phase of a digital travel inspiration platform, Seeker.

    Janet VanHuysse

    Global HR Executive

    Janet is the Co-founder of TendLab and Head of People at Cloudflare. She has 20 years of experience as an HR leader in technology. Janet was the first VP HR at Twitter, then VP of Diversity & Inclusion. During that time, she pioneered many parental programs that resulted in Twitter's recognition as a great place to work for parents, including a 20-week parental leave policy, parent and manager round tables, dinners-to-go, and Mommy Mentor program.

    Devry Boughner Vorwerk

    Women in Business, Stakeholder Strategies, Global Government Relations

    Devry is CEO of DevryBV Sustainable Strategies, a company that offers support to corporate leaders in four key areas – geopolitical and stakeholder strategies; organizational courage; strategic communications; and inspirational mentorship for women in international careers. Leading with innovative, bold solutions, Devry is recognized for truth and integrity. She leads with courage.

    Liz Wald

    Investor/Advisor/Entrepreneur

    Liz has spent her 25+ year career building, advising, and now, investing in start-ups and scale-ups around the globe. From her early days of AOL to starting her own company working with women in Africa, to time at Etsy, and Indiegogo, Liz has played instrumental roles in emerging industries that now include cannabis and blockchain. A hands-on leader, Liz has experience establishing global operations, raising capital and leading financial planning, and building high-performing teams.

    Karen Watson

    Strategic Communications / Journalism Consultant

    Karen is a strategic communications consultant with a background in journalism, public policy advocacy, and corporate leadership with a comprehensive understanding of global consumer data, demographics, marketing, and advertising techniques. Karen possesses a strong commitment to and passion for forging private-public sector partnerships to impact social good.

    Ellen Wingard

    Transformational Leadership for Social Impact Expert

    Ellen advises leaders who seek to integrate their professional and personal vision to achieve impact for their well-being, organization, and society. She partners with leaders committed to building inclusive cultures that foster gender equity and bias reduction in their global organizations. Ellen is Principal at Global Collaborative Change Partners and a consultant with Movius Consulting, as well as an author, commentator on NPR, and Executive Coach at Harvard School of Business.

    Ann Witsil

    Strategic Planning Expert

    Ann has facilitated strategic planning and leadership development services for local, regional and global organizations for more than 25 years. Her work has enabled government agencies, international corporations, community groups and business teams to develop strategies, policies, new business lines and effective cultures. She serves on international boards addressing environmental, social equity, and community economic development and educational challenges.

    Renee Wittemyer

    Women & Technology Innovation Expert

    Renee is Director of Program Strategy and Investment at Pivotal Ventures, the executive office of Melinda Gates, focusing on accelerating progress on social issues affecting women and girls in the U.S. Renee leads the organization’s work to activate and elevate girls and women as leaders of tech innovation. For her work on gender and technology, Renee has been awarded the “GemTech Global Achiever Award” by UN Women.