2024 Class of Clinton Global Initiative Fellows Announced
25 leaders from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas commit to take action on climate change, health equity, women and girls’ equality, and more
For Immediate Release: May 29, 2024
Contact: press@clintonfoundation.org
NEW YORK — Today, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) announced the 25 emerging leaders and entrepreneurs selected for the inaugural cohort of the CGI Fellowship. These Fellows will have access to resources and guidance as they each develop their own Commitments to Action — new, specific, and measurable projects that advance solutions to critical challenges.
This class of Fellows is developing Commitments to Action within CGI’s focus areas – climate resilience, economic inclusion, health equity, humanitarian response, and women and girls’ equality.
“The initial class of CGI Fellows has already demonstrated a clear commitment to improving the world around them, and we are looking forward to supporting them as they build and implement programs that address urgent global challenges,” said Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Dr. Chelsea Clinton. “We firmly believe that even our most complex problems can be solved through community, collaboration, and a commitment to action. This class of CGI Fellows is joining a community of doers who have launched more than 4,000 social impact projects through CGI, benefiting the lives of more than 500 million people around the world.”
The CGI Fellowship is part of the Clinton Foundation’s focus on the next generation of leaders. CGI operates a range of programs to support emerging social entrepreneurs, and bring them into the CGI community:
- The CGI University program, for undergraduate and graduate students at the ideation phase of social entrepreneurship;
- The CGI Fellowship, for established and emerging leaders ready to implement their ideas into action; and
- The CGI Greenhouse, for growth-stage entrepreneurs looking to scale.
Through the new CGI Fellowship, entrepreneurs will further develop their leadership skills, connect with peers, and refine their ideas so they can turn them into action. In addition to joining the community for CGI 2024, Fellows will join virtual and in-person community building events, and be eligible for consideration for CGI Greenhouse. At the end of the program, Fellows will be required to measure and report the impact of their projects against the goals they set out in their initial Commitment to Action proposal.
Find more information on the 2024 Class of Fellows below:
Climate Resilience Fellows
Hailey Campbell from Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, is committing to launching The Island Youth Climate Exchange. The exchange will support young islanders in emerging as climate leaders, amplifying their voices on the international stage.
Karunarathnalage Lilan Udayanga Dayananda from Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, is providing smallholder farmers with data-driven, precision agriculture solutions to leverage their limited resources and increase crop-yield.
Cyntia Reyes Hartmann from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, is committing to improving water and sanitation access in Chiapas, Mexico, where she will build integral resources such as single-family rainwater harvesting systems.
Amy Meek from Nottingham, United Kingdom, is tackling environmental education through an international charity that empowers young people to tackle pressing climate crises.
Ye (Alvin) Tian from Rugao, China, aims to build a more sustainable future through a new technology platform that fosters climate cooperation between the East and the West.
Economic Inclusion Fellows
Bupe Chikumbi from Lusaka, Zambia, is committing to launching a 4th Industrial Revolution STEM curriculum through her social enterprise organization, Genius Education Zambia.
Jean Paul Gisa from Kigali, Rwanda, is empowering smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa with cleaner, affordable battery-powered irrigation solutions — a sustainable shift in agriculture practices.
William Leif Van Grinsven from Franklin, Wisconsin, USA, is developing agricultural communities in Malawi by developing affordable, high-quality homes; backyard gardens; and community infrastructure.
Courage Matiza from Harare, Zimbabwe, is addressing youth unemployment in Zimbabwe through Employed Youth, an initiative that matches young people with suitable employment opportunities.
Juanita Soranno from Floral Park, New York, USA, is addressing the digital divide by empowering underserved individuals with AI education and digital skills.
Health Equity Fellows
Nancy Bosnoian from Glendale, California, USA, is working to empower high school students with tools and knowledge to prioritize sleep for optimum brain function and preventive mental health care.
Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch from New York, New York, USA, is focused on helping children going through treatment for cancer and their families.
Obianuju Okoye from Aurora, Illinois, USA, is working to leverage artificial intelligence to identify individuals at high risk of adverse health outcomes through a user-friendly platform.
Rachel Sanyu from Kampala, Uganda, is working to mentor high school students from minority backgrounds as they pursue higher education and careers in healthcare.
Kenene Senior from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, aims to address the pressing mental health needs among at-risk youth by providing support and resources to foster resilience and empowerment.
Humanitarian Response Fellows
Natalia Arkhipova from Moscow, Russia, is committing to developing a volunteer-based platform that will provide Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh with essential language skills.
Anish Easwaran from Katy, Texas, USA, is tackling the global snakebite crisis through a patent pending leg armor, offering a lightweight, affordable alternative to traditional Snakebite Protection Devices.
Elizabeth LeBlanc from Taos, New Mexico, USA, is committing to connect every child and adult in Taos County with access to the educational tools and opportunities through a coalition of schools, businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropies.
Tabitha Willis from Country Club HIlls, Illinois, USA, is providing college students with volunteer opportunities, pairing students eager to make a difference with non-profits that need them.
Women and Girls’ Equality Fellows
Selma Bichbich from Setif, Algeria, is committing to launching EcoFem Algeria, an initiative that aims to simultaneously address gender disparities and climate change by empowering women to take leadership roles in environmental conservation and activism.
Ciera Blehm from Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, is providing direct cash to college student survivors impacted by sexual violence through her nonprofit, Survivor Fund Hub.
Mawloda Hassas from Kabul, Afghanistan, is working to help Afghan women establish sustainable businesses in their communities through a network of vocational training centers across the country.
Olubunmi Joan Olaniyan from Ibadan, Nigeria, aims to help 1,000 women transition into tech-based sectors or achieve lateral growth through Pivot My Career, an initiative that facilitates women empowerment.
Raioni Madison-Jones from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is committing to creating safe spaces for girls to explore S.T.E.A.M and social emotional wellness through 3D Girls, Inc.
Lennox Omondi from Nairobi, Kenya, is working to provide sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions and comprehensive education programs that address the challenges faced by women and girls in marginalized communities.