WHERE KINDNESS & CONNECTIONS ARE FOREVER
The Women of the Future Programme is a vibrant and impactful community that connects women across all industries on a global scale. Its many initiatives seek to burst open the female leadership pipeline, celebrating success but also creating a collaborative global community that can share expertise, facilitate collaboration, and amplify the impact of each leader’s work.
Led by Pinky Lilani CBE DL, we have built a remarkable, informal community of influential women determined not only to build professional and personal relationships with one another, but to be advocates for an exciting new generation of talent.
WHAT’S THE VISION?
The Women of the Future Programme is a movement focused on collaboration and kindness in the workplace, galvanising a community of women to work together as a new generation of talent across multiple sectors and industries.
WHAT’S THE GOAL?
To provide a platform for the progression of women across diverse sectors and countries. To enable future leaders to identify opportunities, build careeradvancing networks, be inspired, and gain cutting-edge insights.
Celebrating female trailblazers at the forefront of ESG
Women of the Future: 50 Rising Stars in ESG celebrates the talented female trailblazers and role models aged 35 and under from around the world who are at the forefront of ESG. Our campaign showcases 50 brilliant leaders working across different aspects of ESG who have made a lasting and positive impact on their organisations, environment, and wider society. We share their stories, inspiring other women to be a force for good, and shed light on the positive examples of innovation, creativity, and talent.
WHAT IS ESG IN THE EYES OF THE WOMEN OF THE FUTURE PROGRAMME?
ESG is a wide-ranging and fast-moving field, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It provides a framework for assessing how a company is performing against its commitments to shape a better world. This campaign will help to demystify ESG, translate it to a wider audience and celebrate the women who are driving progress.
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mantra
PINKY LILANI CBE DL
Founder, Women of the Future Programme
It is with great joy and immense pride that we present the 2025 Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG.
At Women of the Future, we are driven by the belief that talent and compassion, when nurtured and supported, can spark extraordinary impact. This collection shines a light on 50 brilliant individuals who are not only excelling in their fields but also pioneering new paths for sustainable, ethical, and purpose-led leadership.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer optional; they are essential. These rising stars are demonstrating what it means to lead with integrity, vision and a deep sense of responsibility to our planet and its people. They inspire us with their courage to challenge the status quo and their commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
This is more than a celebration – it is a call to action. Let us continue to champion and amplify the voices of those shaping a better tomorrow.
Congratulations to all our incredible listees this year.
With over 330,000 colleagues, we have people from every walk of life in all parts of our business, representing the diverse communities we serve. At Tesco, whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.
Welcome
BARONESS SUSAN GREENFIELD CBE
Chair, Judging Panel—50 Rising Stars in ESG 2025
It is an honour to welcome you to this celebration of the 50 Rising Stars in ESG – a remarkable group of individuals whose work is redefining what it means to lead with purpose in our changing world.
As Chair of the Judging Panel, I had the privilege of engaging with stories that were as inspiring as they were impactful. Each nominee brought a unique blend of intellect, innovation, and empathy – qualities essential not only to the advancement of ESG principles, but to the future of leadership itself.
In a world facing unprecedented environmental and social challenges, these rising stars are not only responding – they are anticipating, innovating, and transforming. They remind us that ESG is not simply a framework for compliance, but a powerful lens through which we can create lasting value for both society and the planet.
This booklet stands as a testament to their brilliance, and I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us.
Proud sponsors of the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG Awards 2025
We recognise that a vibrant and inclusive culture is essential for innovation and success. Our commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment is reflected in our ongoing initiatives and networks, which support the advancement and engagement of women across all sectors.
Our support for the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG Awards demonstrates our belief in celebrating the achievements of women who are driving progress towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
We remain committed to building a workplace and community where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. We are proud to stand alongside the inspiring women recognised by the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG Awards.
To learn more about our culture and engagement initiatives, please visit our website.
2025 Judges
CHAIR OF THE JUDGING PANEL
BARONESS SUSAN GREENFIELD CBE, FRCP (HON)
Baroness Greenfield, Founder and CEO of Neuro-Bio Ltd, is a neuroscientist, writer, and broadcaster. Based mainly at the University of Oxford, she has also held research fellowships at the Collège de France in Paris, NYU Medical Center in New York, and the University of Melbourne. She holds 32 honorary degrees from UK and foreign universities and has received numerous honours, including the Legion d’Honneur from the French Government, an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, the American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award, and the Australian Medical Research Society Medal. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
AVRIL CHANG
SENIOR CONSULTANT GENERAL SURGEON, CLEVELAND CLINIC, LONDON
Avril Chang is a senior Consultant General Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London. She specialises in Upper Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgery. Throughout her surgical career, she has been heavily involved in Education and Training, previously serving as Training Programme Director for General Surgery in South East London, then as Chair of the pan-London Specialty Training Committee for General Surgery. She also served as the Surgical Tutor for Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons England.
ANNE-MARIE KRUK
GENERAL MANAGER OF PROPOSITIONS & VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER, AUSTRALIAN PAYMENTS PLUS
Anne-Marie is a purpose-driven leader who has worked in London, Dubai, and Sydney across multiple industries, including retail, consulting, and financial services. She has led major commercial and customer programmes at organisations such as McKinsey & Company, Westpac, Woolworths, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and currently at Australian Payments Plus. She is passionate about creating highperforming, customer-led cultures, supporting women to achieve their full potential, and driving social impact.
2025 Judges
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PRITHA MEHRA
CIO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
Pritha oversees one of the world’s largest technology infrastructures, which processes more than 115 petabytes of data each year. As CIO and Executive VP at USPS, she is transforming the enterprise to drive greater performance and innovation at scale. Pritha’s leadership has been recognised through numerous awards, including the Women in Logistics and Delivery Services 2022 Award for Excellence. A digital transformation thought leader, she has been a featured speaker at the Amazon Web Services Public Sector Summit, Google Government Summit.
SILVIA PAVONI
EDITOR IN CHIEF,
THE BANKER, FINANCIAL TIMES
Silvia is the Editor-in-Chief of The Banker, a flagship publication of the Financial Times Group. She joined the FT Group in 2005 and was most recently the Founding Editor of Sustainable Views, an FT Group intelligence service for sustainability professionals. Silvia also serves as an advisory board member for the Women of the Future Programme and the European Risk Management Council, and is part of the London council of the not-for-profit WILL (Women in Leadership in Latin America). She was awarded an honorary fellowship by City, University of London in 2019.
DR MUKUND RAJAN
CHAIRMAN OF ECUBE INVESTMENT ADVISORS
Mukund is the Chairman of ECube Investment Advisors, a first-of-its-kind platform created to catalyse ESG change in corporate India. Prior to this, he held several senior executive positions during his 23-year career with the Tata Group, serving as Chief Ethics Officer, the Group’s first Brand Custodian, Chairman of the Tata Global Sustainability Council, and a member of the Group Executive Council at Tata Sons. He also served on the boards of various Tata companies, including Tata Teleservices, Tata Communications, Tata SIA Airlines, and Tata AIG.
WINGEE SIN
GLOBAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CARTIER WOMEN’S INITIATIVE
Wingee serves as the Global Program Director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative, an annual international programme that empowers women impact entrepreneurs through financial, social, and human capital support. She also serves on the investment committee of Next Wave Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on earlystage social impact businesses. Wingee co-authored Impact with Wings: Stories to Inspire and Mobilize Women Angel Investors and Entrepreneurs, and has had a distinguished 15-year career in capital markets at State Street Global Advisors, Barclays Global Investors (now BlackRock), and Goldman Sachs & Co.
I know what’s unfolding the history the context how it connects why it matters my own mind
Source: FT
2025 Listee announcement
• Elizabeth Abati
• Dr Cassandra Bolanle
• Venia Vimbai Awali Bakali
• Yvette Ishimwe
• Efe Johnson
• Norah Kimathi
• Nandita Kotwal
• Rufaro Marufu
• Mercy Phiri
• Buyiswa Twala
LATIN AMERICA
• Ana Luz Benites Tito
• Maya Carrasco
• Sara Gutiérrez Plata
• Karen Legorreta
• Naichka Leonard
• Linda Estrella
del Mar Montilla-Celis
• Andrea Rincón
• Mariana Villasuso
• Moza Al Nuaimi
• Fatima Al Qubaisi
• Shreeya Giri
• Amna Hassan
• Deniza Kurmanalina
• Natalie Loi Yoke Kei
• Reaksmeychhorpon Long
• Andi Rosita Dewi
• Asha Scaria Vettoor
• Saki Tsuru
• Annie Zhou
NORTH AMERICA
• Amber Barbach
• Kehkashan Basu
• Lauren Click
• Rida Karim
• Mariella Satow
AFRICA ASIA-PACIFIC EUROPE
• Michaela Arjoon
• Anastasia Barner
• Dr Selin Calik
• Dr Mrinalini Dey
• Nora Sophie Griefahn
• Anieke Lamers
• Isabella Lorusso
• Robin Aisha Pocornie
• Aura Elena Murillo Perez
• Ana-Maria Railean
• Amaia Rodriguez Sola
• Mina Saidze
• Louise Skajem
• Bianca Maria Tavella
• Miriam Walker-Khan
• Dr Annie Williamson
2025 Listee announcement
ELIZABETH ABATI | NIGERIA
Strategy Manager, Google
AFRICA AFRICA
Throughout her career and voluntary work, Elizabeth has demonstrated unwavering dedication to driving growth and sustainability through technology. As a Strategy Manager at Google, she leads strategic initiatives to extend the device lifetime of Android smartphones and increase Android's presence in the secondhand smartphone market. Her insights in these areas have been instrumental in driving Google's commitment to a more circular economy for its consumer hardware products. Beyond her corporate achievements, Elizabeth is a recognised thought leader in sustainability and served for two years as Editor for the Republic Journal, commissioning articles on sustainability and climate change in Africa and amplifying the voices of young African leaders.
DR CASSANDRA BOLANLE AKINDE | NIGERIA
Executive Director, The Neo Child Initiative for Africa
A trained medical doctor, Cassandra is driving innovative public health initiatives that promote equitable and sustainable change. As the Executive Director of The Neo Child Initiative for Africa, she has led community projects supporting 40,000 vulnerable children with essential healthcare, education, and nutrition. She has implemented menstrual hygiene management programmes in 100 underserved schools, and as founder of Obrin Health, she produces affordable, eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products, reducing school dropout rates while empowering rural women through job creation. She also leads the SDG Literacy Drive, a nationwide campaign that integrates physical library installations with digital learning tools to promote education and climate literacy.
VENIA VIMBAI AWALI BAKALI | MALAWI
Founder, Single Mother Empowerment Organization (SME-Org)
Venia’s firsthand experience of the challenges single mothers face, including financial instability, a lack of emotional support, and limited access to opportunities, inspired her to launch SME-Org. What started as a small support group focused on peer mentoring and skill-building workshops now reaches 324 young and single mothers in Malawi's rural communities. Her work, which creates safe and supportive spaces for women who are often marginalised and stigmatised, provides a platform for empowerment and upliftment. Venia was recently invited by the President of Malawi to a state dinner in recognition of her organisation’s contribution to national development.
YVETTE ISHIMWE | RWANDA
CEO & Founder, IRIBA Water Group
A globally recognised changemaker and social entrepreneur, Yvette founded IBIRA Water Group at the age of 20 to address the chronic lack of access to safe drinking water in underserved communities. What started as a grassroots idea is now a high-impact enterprise operating in Rwanda, the DRC, and the Central African Republic, delivering safe water access to over 517,000 people. Through an innovative franchise model, the company has created 194 jobs, 86% of which are held by women. Yvette has also led IRIBA into the carbon finance sector, registering its first carbon project to unlock sustainable funding for schools and low-income communities.
EFE JOHNSON | NIGERIA
Social Impact Leader & Founder, Xari Africa
As a young woman navigating the stigma surrounding menstruation, Efe recognised the dire need for accessible, stigma-free Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) education, especially in northern Nigeria. Supported by the European Union and the United Nations, Efe has improved SRHR education across Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, impacting over 30,000 vulnerable girls and young women in underserved, hard-to-reach communities, including sex workers and teen mothers. Through Xari Africa, she is building Africa’s first digital SRHR academy with the aim of training 10,000 young advocates as change agents in their communities by 2026, ensuring women and girls are empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies.
NORAH KIMATHI | KENYA
Co-Founder, Zerobionic
Norah is a young innovator and social impact leader bridging the gap between technology, sustainability, and inclusive education. At Zerobionic, Norah manages a recycling pipeline that collects plastic waste from local communities and turns it into 3D-printed exoskeletons. These devices are fitted with sensors that convert speech into sign language, helping over 10,000 students with hearing impairments follow STEM lessons in real time. A computer science research fellow at Strathmore University, she has also mentored over 5,000 young innovators and empowered more than 10,000 students across Kenya through educational outreach, tech training, and inclusive innovation programmes.
NANDITA KOTWAL | KENYA
2025 Listee announcement
AFRICA AFRICA
Director & Independent Sanitation & Waste Consultant, TerraLoop Africa
Nandita is a water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) specialist advancing inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and scalable sanitation and waste management solutions across Africa. She advises African governments, the World Bank, and the UN, and has supported sanitation and waste interventions in Kenya’s Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, strengthening services for displaced people. She recently founded TerraLoop Africa to promote innovative financing and ESG-aligned solutions that prioritise environmental sustainability and improve services for underserved communities. Nandita envisions a future where sanitation and waste management are no longer peripheral concerns but central pillars in climate and infrastructure conversations.
RUFARO MARUFU | ZIMBABWE
Venture Lead, Ekha Energy Project
Rufaro’s vision is to transform rural African communities through decentralised clean energy solutions that empower women, uplift youth, and preserve the environment. At Ekha Energy Project, she is delivering inclusive, climatesmart innovation across underserved regions of Zimbabwe by replacing firewood and kerosene use with solar products in off-grid, last-mile communities, supported by a rural workforce of energy entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2023, the organisation has reached over 2,000 households with solar-powered lamps and home systems, replacing more than 6,000 kerosene lamps, reducing indoor air pollution, and contributing to the avoidance of an estimated 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
MERCY PHIRI | ZAMBIA
Founder, Institute for Environmental Management and Eco-Development (IEME)
An environmental educator and climate change advocate, Mercy founded the Institute for Environmental Management and Eco-Development (IEME) to promote climate resilience, afforestation, and green entrepreneurship. To date, her organisation has empowered over 2,000 women in agribusiness. In addition to expanding its afforestation programme, IEME’s future plans include digitising farm-level data for better decision-making and piloting bio-circular economy projects such as plastic-to-biofuel conversion. Mercy is recognised for blending grassroots action with high-level policy engagement, and she has represented Zambia on the African Union’s ESG and sustainability engagements, as well as the UN’s Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.
BUYISWA TWALA | SOUTH AFRICA
CEO, Agrigreat Soiltech & Envirocare
At just 24 years old, Buyiswa is revolutionising food systems and security in Johannesburg’s informal settlements. After managing a community farm, she founded Agrigreat Soiltech & Envirocare to turn organic waste into nutrientrich fertilisers, promoting sustainable agriculture and a circular economy while meeting the demands of a growing population. She launched the city’s first biowaste conversion station, which processes over five tonnes of waste every month, and is currently establishing a larger site that will have an even greater impact on reducing landfills and soil degradation in South Africa. Buyiswa is also inspiring future leaders through agricultural festivals and launching Agrigreat STEM clubs in Johannesburg’s townships.
MOZA AL NUAIMI | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Sustainability and Stewardship Specialist, New York University Abu Dhabi
Moza is a sustainability leader at NYUAD, advancing climate action through data, policy, and engagement. From launching the Green Workplace Certification to fostering NYUAD’s Climate Action Plan and Scope 3 initiatives, she has consistently translated climate ambition into campus-wide action. Her external footprint has been equally impactful: she helped organise NYUAD’s presence at COP28, coordinated youth engagements at COY18 and SES24, and contributed to the founding of the UAE Universities Climate Network. Currently completing an MSc in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex, she aspires to bridge technical expertise and public policy in order to influence the development of regionally relevant climate frameworks.
FATIMA AL QUBAISI | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Vice President, BlackRock
Fatima is a sustainability lawyer and ESG architect who pioneered Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank’s ESG department, negotiating ethical contracts and drafting its first sustainability report. She holds a deep commitment to empowering marginalised women and minority communities. Through over ten years of pro bono legal work, she has helped more than 500 women navigate high-stakes challenges, from abusive marriages to complex divorces, securing their financial independence, custody rights, and safety. She also started a regional network connecting women and minorities to equitable job opportunities in sustainability-focused industries. A relentless voice for trauma-informed governance and environmental action, Fatima is proving equity and sustainability are inseparable.
SHREEYA GIRI | NEPAL
Founder, Happy Minds
Shreeya is delivering on her mission to redefine mental health care in Nepal by fostering safe, stigma-free spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported. She is the founder and Managing Director of Happy Minds, a trailblazing mental health platform revolutionising access to culturally sensitive care. With a focus on destigmatising therapy, she drives innovative community-driven and tech-enabled solutions, empowering individuals and organisations to prioritise mental wellbeing across Nepal and beyond. Since its launch in 2020, Happy Minds has reached over 57,000 individuals in 29 countries and more than 15 industries.
AMNA HASSAN | PAKISTAN
CEO, Alif Laila Book Bus Society
An accomplished nonprofit leader, artist, and educator, Amna has over a decade of experience driving early literacy, creative learning, and visual storytelling in Pakistan. She began her journey with Alif Laila Book Bus Society as an art teacher in 2014, where her passion for art and education quickly propelled her into leadership roles. Now, as CEO, she leads innovative education programmes, empowering children through storytelling, creative teaching, and environmental awareness. She has championed low-impact, mobile library solutions—such as camel and rickshaw libraries—and works to ensure every child in Pakistan, regardless of gender or geography, has access to transformative learning through stories, creativity, and community-driven education.
DENIZA KURMANALINA | KAZAKHSTAN
High Schooler
A decorated chess player and math olympiad winner, Deniza is tackling inequity while inspiring other young women in STEM. At 17, she is already expanding inclusive education in Kazakhstan. She co-founded Inclusive Academy, a global initiative supporting children facing systemic barriers due to disability. Operating with 5,000 volunteers in over 20 countries, the academy has provided free, high-quality education to 4,000 children. One of Deniza’s most impactful innovations is SpeakUP, an AI-powered speech app designed to assist children with speech difficulties. Designed with speech therapists, SpeakUP uses voice activity detection and fine-tuned automatic speech recognition models to facilitate communication and help children with disabilities express themselves.
2025 Listee announcement
NATALIE LOI YOKE KEI | MALAYSIA
Head of Technology, UnBound
Fuelled by the desire to ensure free, high-quality education is accessible to everyone, regardless of background, Natalie launched UnBound Malaysia, a free, multilingual platform that has impacted over 200,000 students across 100+ institutions in the ASEAN region. UnBound redefines digital learning by offering gamified, localised, and inclusive content, co-developed with national ministries, regulators, and global partners. Natalie is also the co-founder of Mossy AI, an urban greentech firm driving AI-based sustainability across ASEAN and Europe, and Managing Editor for IGI Global’s 2025 book on fintech and poverty alleviation. Her work is proving that inclusion in education is not only possible—it’s scalable.
REAKSMEYCHHORPON LONG | CAMBODIA
CEO & Founder, HathKal Lab
With a background in chemical engineering and a commitment to purposedriven innovation, Chhorpon has launched two successful start-ups that are advancing food science and accessible education in Cambodia. Her social enterprise, HathKal Lab, produces high-quality essential oils from locally sourced botanicals. The business empowers more than 100 rural farmers—primarily women— by transforming traditional agricultural knowledge into food-grade, export-ready products. Since 2018, Chhorpon has also led Dr. Rabbit, an education platform that offers affordable online English classes to working adults across Cambodia. Her technical expertise and grassroots leadership have been recognised by USAID and UNDP, as well as several international fellowship programmes.
ANDI ROSITA DEWI | INDONESIA
Founder-CEO, Girls and Women in Renewable Energy Academy (GAWIREA)
Andi is a renewable energy engineer ensuring women—especially in rural communities—are empowered to lead the energy transition in Southeast Asia. Since founding GAWIREA in 2021, she has impacted over 1,000 women and youth across Indonesia through clean energy education, transferring hands-on skills in solar PV installation and energy entrepreneurship. Through the Solar Sister programme, her organisation has distributed 100 solar lamps, directly reducing reliance on kerosene and diesel lighting in two underserved communities. From building a solar-powered community library to leading non-formal training programmes, she’s turning clean energy into a pathway for dignity and independence.
ASHA SCARIA VETTOOR | INDIA
CEO & Founder, Swara—Voice of Women
A TEDx speaker and Oxford MBA, Asha blends grassroots impact with global storytelling—creating dignified jobs, promoting sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of ESG leaders. In 2018, she founded Swara—Voice of Women, a direct-to-consumer fashion brand that empowers over 70 rural women artisans in Kerala. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, Swara reaches 3,000+ customers across six continents through sustainable, small-batch collections. To further Swara’s mission, Asha launched CraftHER, an immersive leadership programme and new model of ethical, educational tourism that brings scholars from top universities like Oxford and Cambridge to live and learn in India’s artisan clusters.
SAKI TSURU | JAPAN
MSc Student in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Saki is a Japanese social entrepreneur and Chevening Scholar designing community-led investment models to empower women in poverty. She founded BLJ International Services, a cleaning service training and employing women from impoverished communities in India, as well as the Musubi-te Foundation, bringing afterschool education to over 700 children. In 2024, she joined Next Bharat Ventures, an impact initiative by Suzuki Motor Corporation, where she helped design a residency for emerging social entrepreneurs. Now at the London School of Economics, Saki is combining grassroots experience and academic research to create a bottom-up impact investment fund that shifts power and capital to underserved communities.
ANNIE ZHOU | AUSTRALIA
Founder, MoneyWise and Brighter Futures Podcast
At the age of 15, Annie founded Australia's first youth-led initiative that equips children with the skills to take control of their financial futures. Through MoneyWise, Annie has led 200+ free financial literacy workshops to over 14,000 students in low-socioeconomic areas. Her kid-friendly financial literacy book, Money Made Simple, has been distributed to over 300 underfunded schools globally, reaching 52,700+ students across Australia, Cambodia, Tanzania, and Papua New Guinea. She also hosts the Brighter Futures youth podcast, connecting over 50,000 global listeners with practical advice from leaders like the Minister for Education, founders of startups, and social changemakers, further breaking down barriers to knowledge and opportunity.
2025 Listee announcement
MICHAELA ARJOON | UNITED KINGDOM
Principal Energy and Carbon Consultant, BAE Systems
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Michaela's sustainability journey began when she co-founded a content creation company showcasing her country’s culture and nature. The Caribbean’s untapped renewable potential sparked her curiosity and her career as an energy and sustainability engineer. Now, as Principal Energy and Carbon Consultant at BAE Systems, Michaela bridges complex technical challenges with practical implementation. In addition to being the go-to expert in solar energy across her sector, she leads the company's largest energy reduction project, embedding energy management best practices across all levels. She also shares her expertise throughout the business and mentors with the Arkwright programme, inspiring the next generation of engineers and sustainability leaders.
ANASTASIA BARNER | NETHERLANDS
Founder & Business Content Creator, FeMentor
Anastasia is the founder of FeMentor, Germany’s first reverse mentoring platform, which connects young female talents with experienced mentors. FeMentor was created to challenge traditional power structures by giving young, diverse voices a seat at the table, enabling cross-generational exchange. Free to users, the platform is currently being scaled for worldwide access so its impact can span across borders to offer tailored reverse mentorship programmes that will help organisations meet their social and governance goals in an authentic and sustainable way. An international keynote speaker, delivering talks on Gen Z, digital entrepreneurship, and diversity, Anastasia’s work has empowered thousands of women and elevated underrepresented voices across industries.
DR SELIN CALIK | UNITED KINGDOM
Founder and CEO, Women In Smart Energy UK
With a career spanning diplomacy, academia, and sustainable development, Selin is an energy transition expert and ESG leader. She has served as a UN Climate Change Observer since 2015 and has spoken at major global events, including COP26 and COP27. As CEO of Women in Smart Energy UK, she has spearheaded ESG-aligned training programmes for emerging markets, with a strong focus on solar and wind integration. She has also advised central banks on ESG strategies, including data ethics and HR resilience. A champion of sustainability through diplomacy, innovation, and policy, Selin is pioneering inclusive energy strategies and driving climate education—shaping a more equitable and resilient future for all.
DR MRINALINI DEY | UNITED KINGDOM
Clinical Research Fellow and Medical Doctor in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, King’s College London
Mrinalini is a clinician, researcher, and patient advocate advancing social justice and reducing healthcare disparities. A Specialty Registrar in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, she has published and presented her work widely, and is involved in policy and research nationally and internationally. She explores the social determinants of health in those with chronic diseases, with the ultimate aim of delivering better outcomes, breaking down barriers, and ensuring more equitable access to care. In recent years, Mrinalini has developed a particular interest in health literacy, becoming a sought-after speaker on the subject. She also volunteers as a clinician representative to the nonprofit EULAR (European Alliance of Associations of Rheumatology).
NORA SOPHIE GRIEFAHN | GERMANY
Founder & CEO, Cradle to Cradle NGO
Nora is the co-founder and Executive Director of Cradle to Cradle NGO (C2C NGO), a pioneering organisation that promotes a truly circular and positive economy. In her leadership role, she shapes the organisation’s entire strategy around the core principles of C2C: using innovation to design materials, products, and systems that are healthy, circular, and beneficial for people and nature. A recognised C2C thought leader and advocate, Nora is active on scientific advisory boards and juries, is involved in European and international networks, and passes on her knowledge as a lecturer at colleges and universities.
ANIEKE LAMERS | PORTUGAL & THE NETHERLANDS
Operating Partner, Borski Fund
An award-winning VC, founder, and executive coach, Anieke is known for combining financial expertise with purpose-driven leadership. Formerly at Rubio and RTL Ventures, she also founded Peekabond, a social platform that helps global families build deep bonds with their loved ones at a distance. Now at Borski Fund, she invests in female-led tech startups tackling real-world problems in climate, health, and future societies. She’s pushing for smarter, more values-aligned VC—where ESG isn’t a side note, but a strategic edge. Anieke is also the founder of Women in VC Portugal and the VC coach and advisor to impact VCs globally.
2025 Listee announcement
ISABELLA LORUSSO | UNITED KINGDOM Student, Sutton Grammar School
Youth leader, charity fundraiser, musician, and athlete, Isabella is already having a significant impact at the age of 17. She champions children's wellbeing, women’s empowerment, and diversity in sports and the arts. An aspiring solicitor, she has raised funds, improved hospital care, and advocates through law and writing. At Sutton Grammar School, she is an active member of the Law Society and has received recognition for her contributions to school life. She was chosen as a Financial Times Student Advocate, a role that highlights her leadership and engagement with current affairs. Named by the BBC as one of 100 Inspiring Londoners, Isabella envisions a future where kindness drives change.
ROBIN AÏSHA POCORNIE | THE NETHERLANDS
Founder, robinAIsha Consultancy
Robin’s personal experience with algorithmic discrimination catalysed her career as an activist for responsible AI. She made history challenging discriminatory practices in technology through a landmark legal case in 2022. The ruling marked the first time algorithmic discrimination was formally addressed in the Dutch legal system, establishing significant precedent in AI ethics discussions and general case law. As founder of robinAIsha Consultancy, she advises on bias mitigation and ethical AI development from a community-based perspective. She is also an accomplished speaker and advocate for ensuring that technological advancement serves social equity goals rather than reinforcing existing patterns of discrimination.
AURA ELENA MURILLO PÉREZ | MEXICO & UK
Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Resting Reef
An award-winning Mexican designer, Aura is creating new rituals around death that support life through marine system restoration. The sudden loss of her father and the challenges of navigating a traditional funeral's impersonal and bureaucratic processes inspired her to seek compassionate alternatives to celebrate her father’s legacy. With Louise Skajem, she co-founded Resting Reef, which transforms cremated ashes into underwater reef structures, honouring loved ones while restoring vital coastal ecosystems. This sustainable end-of-life alternative addresses environmental degradation, supports grieving families, and strengthens local economies. Working at the intersection of culture, empathy, and ecology, Aura is a death-positive advocate delivering ecological and social impact.
ANA-MARIA RAILEAN | MOLDOVA
Co-Founder, KUMA
A Chevening Scholar and MBA candidate at the University of Edinburgh, Ana-Maria champions responsible innovation and female leadership. She co-founded Moldova’s first women-in-tech mentoring programme and female engineering student group. With over seven years of experience in data analytics and AI, she is now building KUMA, an AI startup that uses generative technology to help families preserve and share their stories across generations by recording memories and transforming them into podcasts, audiobooks, and documentaries. With a 100% women-led founding team, she is focused on advancing female leadership in the AI space while championing governance-first product design and ethical technology use.
AMAIA RODRÍGUEZ SOLA | SPAIN
CEO & Co-Founder, Gravity Wave
While traveling in Southeast Asia, Amaia witnessed the devastating impact of plastic pollution on pristine beaches, an experience that profoundly influenced her career trajectory. With her brother, Julen, she co-founded Gravity Wave in 2020 to combat marine pollution through large-scale clean-up operations targeting plastic waste, especially abandoned fishing nets, and transforming it into sustainable products. Their innovative approach integrates traditional fishing communities into the solution, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Collaborating with over 7,000 fishermen across 150 ports in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Egypt, the company has successfully removed more than 992,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the Mediterranean Sea and up-cycled 414,000 kilograms.
MINA SAIDZE | GERMANY
Global Lead ESG Strategy & Data, Axel Springer SE
Driven to harness data and technology for innovation, inclusion, and impact, Mina leads global ESG data and AI strategy at Europe’s largest media tech company. She’s trained over 600 employees in AI literacy and responsible AI and created an ESG Management Dashboard, fostering informed, datadriven decision making. Also the founder of Inclusive Tech, she launched Europe’s first initiative to advocate for diversity in the tech industry and educate on responsible AI development. As a speaker, author, and consultant, she is influencing other leaders’ AI engagement. Mina is shaping a responsible digital future where AI is not only innovative but also ethical, inclusive, and aligned with ESG values.
2025 Listee announcement
LOUISE SKAJEM | GERMANY
Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Resting Reef
Louise is a designer and co-founder of Resting Reef, a pioneering startup transforming ashes into living reef memorials. With a background in sustainability and innovation, she blends science and creativity to tackle climate challenges and reshape death care through regenerative, nature-based design. With Aura Murillo Pérez, she has led the business to achieve six Innovate UK grants and multiple other awards for sustainable innovation. Louise envisions a future where sustainability is not only a business imperative but a deeply human endeavour. Personally, she is committed to developing regenerative systems that consider emotional needs as much as environmental and economic ones, particularly around the universal experience of loss.
BIANCA MARIA TAVELLA | UNITED KINGDOM CEO, Fairshot
Bianca is the founder and CEO of Fair Shot, a pioneering social enterprise tackling disability unemployment. Addressing the staggering 95% unemployment rate among adults with learning disabilities, the organisation offers an 11-month training programme in its Covent Garden cafe followed by sustainable paid work with inclusive employment partners. Under Bianca’s leadership, 45 trainees have graduated the programme since it launched in 2021, with 100% job placement and 85% job retention. Bianca’s approach is both systemic and deeply human, blending operational excellence with a profound belief in community and potential. Her work is not only reshaping individual lives but redefining what inclusive employment can look like.
MIRIAM WALKER-KHAN | UNITED KINGDOM
Diversity and Inclusion Reporter, Sky Sports News; Founder, Brown Girl Sport
Miriam has built a career telling stories of under-represented communities in sport. At BBC Sport, she reported on Match of the Day and featured on the Question of Sport podcast. As D&I Reporter at Sky Sports News, she has presented several sports documentaries, as well as the series Real Talk, and she reported at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Two years ago she founded Brown Girl Sport—launched as an online platform and now a physical community. Working with the country's football clubs, Miriam makes sure Brown women and girls are physically taking up space in football and feel empowered to enter the world of sport.
DR ANNIE WILLIAMSON | UNITED KINGDOM
Research Fellow and NHS Doctor, Institute for Public Policy Research
A doctor, economist, and policy expert, Annie is leading evidence-based systemic transformation in healthcare. Her groundbreaking work on democratic healthcare governance centres patient and staff voices to build more equitable, sustainable healthcare systems. At the Institute for Public Policy Research, she combines frontline medical practice with influential health policy leadership. She has delivered numerous briefings to senior government policymakers and shaped the wellbeing strategy for one of the largest NHS trusts. Her advocacy for healthcare governance that prioritises ethical operation and inclusive decision-making has resulted in new funded programmes for innovative social care research and NHS reform.
ANA LUZ BENITES TITO | PERU
Business Administrator and Environmental Engineer, Valle Sagrado Verde
Ana Luz believes that every tree planted and every community strengthened brings us closer to a more resilient future. As the deputy director of Valle Sagrado Verde, she promotes ecological restoration and natural regeneration in Andean communities. Through collaboration with communities, local governments, and strategic partners, she has facilitated the planting of 90,000 native trees, the formation of 33 community brigades, and the training of over 550 people in fire prevention and land management. A beacon of female leadership in climate action, her mission is to ensure environmental regeneration is synonymous with social justice, gender equity, and hope.
MAYA CARRASCO | BRAZIL
Founder & ESG Strategist, Triência and Instituto Tri
Maya’s mission has always been to bridge purpose and strategy in an accessible, concrete, and transformative way. For over a decade she has supported small and medium-sized enterprises and nonprofit organisations in Brazil to deliver sustainability, innovation, and impact. She founded the consultancy Triência to cultivate regenerative intelligence solutions for SMEs looking to implement a measurable ESG strategy. She also serves as board advisor at Instituto Tri, a nonprofit she co-founded to promote sustainable development in local cities and communities, where she leads initiatives focused on female leadership and social inclusion, bridging the nonprofit sector with the local business ecosystem.
2025 Listee announcement
SARA GUTIÉRREZ PLATA | MEXICO
Coral Restoration & King Crab Aquaculture Specialist, Instituto Mexicano de Investigación en Pesca y Acuacultura Sustentables (IMIPAS)
With a passion for marine ecosystem protection and local education, Sara is working toward a healthier future for coral reefs and coastal communities. As a marine biologist at IMIPAS, she has developed innovative regenerative aquaculture techniques for key species used in the restoration of damaged reefs. She also drives urgent community efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems for a sustainable tomorrow, training community brigades and promoting practices that ensure healthy reefs. Sara stands out for her ability to translate scientific knowledge into concrete actions, promoting a cultural shift toward more responsible natural resource management.
KAREN LEGORRETA | MEXICO
Founder & Executive Director, COVA—Conservación, Vida y Agua
Blending scientific rigour with grassroots collaboration, Karen is a Mexican environmental leader delivering nature-based solutions for clean water and sanitation in Indigenous communities. Her work empowers the most vulnerable to regenerate ecosystems through sustainable, community-led development. Under her leadership, COVA has developed 100 artificial wetlands and dry toilets, directly benefiting thousands of people without access to safe water or sanitation. Karen has also pioneered environmental education programmes that train young people in eco-technologies, water quality monitoring, and climate adaptation. Her approach represents a new model of development where women, youth, and Indigenous communities are protagonists in environmental transformation.
NAICHKA LEONARD | HAITI
Education & Youth Coordinator, SOS Children’s Villages of Haiti; CEO, AGRI-MODESS
A social entrepreneur and educator, Naichka is championing equity, resilience, and climate-smart innovation across Haiti. She is the founder and CEO of AGRIMODESS (Agriculture Moderne pour un Développement Économique Social Solidaire), a pioneering agro-social enterprise that uplifts rural women and youth through sustainable agriculture and agro-processing. As National Coordinator for Education and Youth at SOS Villages d’Enfants Haïti, she leads educational initiatives and youth empowerment strategies. She has also co-founded two organisations—REV Peyizan and MUSOPA—to promote civic engagement and a solidarity economy in marginalised communities. Using multiple platforms to advocate for gender equity and rural innovation, she also authored the book One Shot to inspire young people.
LINDA ESTRELLA DEL MAR MONTILLA-CELIS | VENEZUELA
Founder and CEO, Táchira Project
A mechanical engineer and former Technical Program Manager at Tesla, Linda launched Táchira Project to close opportunity gaps and cultivate changemakers committed to impacting their communities. Under her leadership, the organisation has directly trained over 980 individuals from across Venezuela, fostering grassroots disruption, innovation, and sustainable ventures in a highly challenging socioeconomic environment. As a catalyst for transformative education, she has launched trailblazing cross-cultural international collaborations that have built bridges between global institutions and fragile communities with limited resources. Linda is also a pioneer in the space sector, being the first Venezuelan to participate in analog space missions.
ANDREA RINCÓN | MEXICO
Founder, Border Youth Collective A.C.
Andrea is a human rights activist promoting justice, dignity, and youth leadership along the Mexico-U.S. border. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea launched a digital school for migrant children and youth living in shelters as an emergency humanitarian response. This initiative evolved into Border Youth Collective A.C., a grassroots organisation she co-founded and now leads. Supporting migrant children through trauma-informed education, her Mobile School for Migrant and Refugee Children has reached over 200 children in shelters. Andrea has also participated in humanitarian desert aid, led student mobilisations against gender-based violence, and provided direct support in human rights cases.
MARIANA VILLASUSO | MEXICO
Public Policy Sr. Manager, Stori | Gender & Inclusion VP, FinTech México
Mariana is a trailblazing ESG and public policy leader with over a decade of experience shaping Latin America’s finance agenda. Driving gender equity, sustainable innovation, and regulatory change, she is positioning Mexico’s financial system as a regional force for social impact, climate action, and economic empowerment. Currently Public Policy and ESG Manager at Stori—a fast-growing Mexican fintech—she has spearheaded regulatory approvals and led governance reforms to expand digital financial inclusion for underserved communities. Her leadership has enabled the integration of gender-responsive KPIs and sustainability frameworks into product design, directly contributing to a more inclusive financial ecosystem in Mexico.
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AMBER BARBACH | USA
Founder & Director, The Glioblastoma Research Organization
After losing her father to glioblastoma in 2018, Amber founded the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBMRO), which has raised over $2.2 million for research and awareness, funding projects at major U.S. cancer centres and fostering a global support community. She has launched pioneering initiatives like the Glioblastoma Biobank Project, providing invaluable resources for global researchers and aiding the expansion of the Central Brain Tumor Registry. Her strategic vision culminated in the inaugural Glioblastoma Summit, a landmark event uniting top medical professionals and industry leaders to foster education and collaboration. Amber also introduced the "5K Your Way" fundraiser, an inclusive, global event that promotes community participation and awareness.
KEHKASHAN BASU | CANADA
Founder-President, Green Hope Foundation
The youngest recipient of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal for her global work on ESG, Kehkashan is a UN Human Rights Champion and the Founder-President of the social innovation enterprise Green Hope Foundation, which addresses the intersectional challenges of climate change, gender parity, and social justice. She has led transformative initiatives, such as providing clean energy-powered education to rural girls, combating child marriage, and empowering women through climate-smart agriculture. By continuing to advocate for gender-responsive sustainability action at the United Nations and World Bank, Kehkashan aims to close gender and racial data gaps, ensuring that the voices of women and girls of colour, especially in crisis-affected regions, are heard and integrated into global decision-making.
LAUREN CLICK | USA
Founder & Executive Director, Let's Go Compost
Lauren is driven to make composting accessible and scalable in public schools across the United States. Her organisation, Let’s Go Compost, implements hands-on composting systems that train students to sort, weigh, and track organic waste while learning applied environmental science. She has launched programmes in over 120 schools. A founding board member of the Arizona Composting Council and named 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the U.S. Composting Council, she champions composting on various national, regional, and local committees. Her current work centres on scaling proven food systems through policy, procurement, and community-led infrastructure, using schools as strategic leverage points to drive measurable impact.
2025 Listee announcement
NORTH AMERICA
RIDA KARIM | USA
Founder, Technology Youth Empowerment
Committed to building institutions that are accountable by design, Rida is advancing equity through technology, education, and policy. A former Junior Cybersecurity Analyst currently pursuing degrees in Data Science and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, she is also a nonprofit leader. In high school, Rida founded Technology Youth Empowerment, bringing hands-on STEM education to 48 elementary and middle schools. To close the gap between emerging technologies and youth agency, she also launched GenZNavigators, a regional initiative that teaches students the fundamentals of AI. Additionally, Rida serves as Director of Artificial Intelligence at Rare Gen, a global nonprofit focused on improving access to treatment for rare diseases, and has presented her work at the World Bank and the Brookings Institution.
MARIELLA SATOW | USA
Founder, SignUp Media
A Stanford undergraduate and teenage entrepreneur, Mariella founded SignUp Media—a Chrome extension providing sign language interpretation for streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+. Created with the Deaf community and using primarily Deaf interpreters, SignUp enhances media accessibility, supports education, and is used in classrooms and interpreter programmes across the US, UK, India, and Canada. SignUp's future involves scaling AI-powered interpretation technology to serve a wider range of languages and cultural contexts. Striving to bridge technology and human experience, Mariella is ensuring SignUp's research and work in AI and sign language spans cultural divides, making digital spaces more welcoming for all.
