Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship

At the age of 12, alongside her younger sister Ella, Amy launched the award-winning charity Kids Against Plastic (KAP). She has a bold vision – to empower young people to become agents of change on environmental issues close to their hearts, all while building essential skills and confidences for their futures.

Through her charity, she works closely with young people internationally on climate education through weekly meetings, as well as engaging a wider audience through campaigns, events, and even two books she has authored. Alongside her advocacy, she is taking her environmental interests further academically, currently pursuing a Natural Sciences degree at the University of Nottingham.

Bupe Chikumbi is an education activist, social entrepreneur, and human biologist. She works at the intersection of Science, Education and Leadership and is the founder and executive director of Genius Education Zambia, a social enterprise that empowers the Zambian education system with 4th Industrial Revolution skills, impacting over 100,000 since 2018. Bupe’s passion lies in equipping African youth with the skills needed for the digital future and her vision is to establish Genius Education Zambia as a leading institution in STEM education across Africa.

Ciera Blehm is the Co-Founder and COO of Survivor Fund Hub, an innovative organization dedicated to providing financial care to student survivors of sexual violence. This work centers on tangibly supporting survivor joy and resilience while raising awareness about the unjust and significant costs of sexual violence. Over the past eight years, Ciera has become an expert in this field, researching the intersections of socio-economic policy, inequalities, prevention education, and the long-term impacts of sexual violence. Ciera is a testament to the power of transforming personal trauma into collective empowerment, inspiring those around her to imagine and work towards a more just and compassionate world.

Ciera received her BSBA in Finance and BA in Socio-Legal Studies from the University of Denver.

Courage is a passionate social entrepreneur with a decade of experience in global health. His commitment to creating solutions for community challenges has connected countless young people with life-changing opportunities. As a policy advocate and expert in sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and health finance, Courage leverages his expertise to drive positive change. A dedicated mentor, he draws on his international experiences to guide young people in navigating an evolving world. A champion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health, Courage fosters environments where individuals learn from each other and celebrate the richness that diversity brings.

Cyntia Reyes Hartmann is a biologist who has dedicated to the conservation management of areas of ecological importance, she is a founding partner and General Director of Tierra Verde Naturaleza y Cultura, a non-profit organization that she founded 15 years ago, she is a member of the Council Advisor to the Cañón del Sumidero National Park, to the Network of Advisory Councils of the Southern Isthmus and South Pacific Border Region, to the collective Menos puentes, más ciudad and other spaces for social participation. She’s work focuses mainly on highly marginalized rural communities, combining conservation and social well-being.

Elizabeth S. LeBlanc is the Founder and Project Lead for the Taos Education Collaborative, a community initiative leading cross-sector partnerships to increase educational equity for learners of all ages. Elizabeth is also the principal of Taos Academy Charter School. Previously, Elizabeth served as Co-Founder and CEO of the Institute for Teaching and Leading (i4tl), consulting with districts nationally and internationally to build student-centered learning models. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Center for Research and Innovation. Elizabeth holds a BA in from Wake Forest University, an MA in Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies from New Mexico State University, and is a doctoral student at the USC Rossier School of Education’s Global Executive Doctorate program. She has also volunteered as an Expert Teacher Adviser with Little Ripples to create refugee-led preschool education opportunities for displaced populations.

Gisa Jean Paul is a seasoned professional and serial entrepreneur with over 13 years in international development. Currently serves as the Venture Studio Director at One Acre Fund, he leads initiatives supporting agri-SMEs and fostering agri-entrepreneurship in Rwanda. Gisa previously scaled One Acre Fund’s Tree Program, distributing millions of tree seedlings to 1M farmers. His ventures focus on innovative solutions for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Gisa holds an MSc in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity and a BBA from Kigali Independent University.

Growing up surrounded by climate denialism, Hailey developed a passion for uniting diverse perspectives and encouraging everyone to recognize their role in combating climate change. This drive extenders to her role as Co-Executive Director of Care About Climate, where she empowers young people with the confidence and skills for influencing climate policy. In addition, Hailey serves as a Climate Adaptation Specialist for the City and County of Honolulu. With a background in Sustainability from Arizona State University, she expertly bridges the gap between community leadership, scientific knowledge, and policy to address the climate crisis. Alongside her public service and advocacy work, Hailey enjoys hiking, participating in native ecosystem restoration, and baking!

Juanita Soranno is the Founder and Executive Director of CodeConnect, an organization focused on empowering communities to ensure everyone can navigate an AI-enabled world. Previously, Juanita served as Vice President of Global Social Impact & Innovation at 2U, Inc., where she launched edX for Impact and earned recognition from Fast Company. Juanita holds an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill and a B.A. from San Francisco State University. A sought-after speaker, she has presented at Google Women Techmakers, SXSW EDU and TEDxAyala Avenue. Juanita loves coffee and living in New York with her husband and two children.

Lilan Dayananda is a dedicated social impact entrepreneur focused on climate-smart, data-driven, precision agriculture. As the founder of Elzian Agro, he has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at regenerative agriculture. With a background in social entrepreneurship from Stanford Seed, he leads projects utilizing AI, IoT, automation, nanotechnologies, and blockchain to enhance food security, biodiversity restoration, and climate action. Lilan collaborates with local and global organizations to promote sustainable transitions to renewable energy and regenerative agriculture and forestry practices. His social entrepreneurial journey continues, driven by a passion for meaningful impact and a dedication to creating positive change in the world.

Kenene Senior, based in St. Ann, Jamaica, is a dedicated and versatile educator, research officer, and associate psychologist. Currently a Senior Lecturer and Research Officer at Moneague College, she specializes in psychology, social work, and criminal justice. Kenene holds a BSc in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from the University of the West Indies Mona, an MA in Forensic Psychology from the University of North Dakota, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies at Regent University. Passionate about youth development and mental health, she also serves as the Executive Director of G.I.F.T. Foundation Jamaica Ltd., leading impactful community initiatives geared toward providing psychosocial and spiritual support to at-risk children and youth through individualized mentorship, academic support, gift development and engagement in community outreach and civic activities.

Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch is a social entrepreneur, speaker, author, and passionate advocate for children’s mental health and well-being, particularly those facing medical vulnerabilities. She is the Founder and Executive Director of A Moment of Magic and the Express, Create, Heal program.

Having witnessed firsthand the impact of hospitalization on loved ones, Kylee has spearheaded innovative initiatives prioritizing patient-centered care and peer-based initiatives utilizing creative outlets like art, music, and play as tools for learning, coping, and resilience. Originally founded in her college dorm room, her moment of inspiration has become an international movement.

Lennox Omondi is a Global Award-winning and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and promoting environmental sustainability across Africa. As the CEO of EcoBana Limited, Lennox leads the charge in manufacturing biodegradable sanitary towels using banana fibers. With a background in Mass Communication, Lennox’s passion for social impact was ignited during his studies, driving him to establish EcoBana. He has been globally recognized for his commitment to sustainable development, winning prestigious awards like the 2022 Hult Prize Global Award and the UN Volunteer Of The Year Award 2022. Committed to empowering women and girls, Lennox combines innovation with social advocacy to create lasting impact. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Lennox enjoys mentoring young innovators, advocating for social impact, and fostering environmental stewardship in his community.

Mawloda Hassas is the Co-founder of the Entrepreneurship Association of Afghan Women (EAAW), and a young activist for Women and youth in Afghanistan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Balkh University and is currently studying at the Asian University for Women. Actively engaged in political, socio-economic, and cultural programs, Mawloda has earned numerous awards and certificates. She has extensive experience in volunteering, ambassadorship, fellowship, and internships, including roles as a youth peace ambassador of ICESCO, Quest entrepreneurship fellow, National Team Leader of ODCC, young leader of UNFAO, and Women Deliver. Mawloda is organized, committed, and fluent in English, Turkish, Uzbek, Pashto, and Persian, which enhances her communication and problem-solving skills.

Nancy Bosnian is an award-winning entrepreneur, a student at Columbia University, and a speaker. She is the founder and CEO of End No Sleep, an emerging leader in sleep education focused on preventative mental health care for high school students. As a survivor of the Syrian Civil War, Nancy’s personal experience drives her passion for democratizing healthcare information. Under her leadership, ENS has educated over 8,000 students in five countries. Through her dedication to social impact, she has made significant strides in ensuring the next generation has access to the sleep and brain health information they need to thrive.

Natalia Arkhipova is a human rights advocate with extensive experience in international development and project management, currently working on the “Building Bridges through Learning” project aimed at helping the refugees of Nagorno-Karabakh, and serving as the Central Asia Russia researcher at the Platform for Peace and Humanity. She holds a Master of Global Affairs & Policy from Yonsei University. Natalia has applied her skills across various roles, from managing educational programs in Seoul to conducting human rights research for the United Nations. Passionate about fostering global change, Natalia is committed to implementing programs that address urgent human rights issues and humanitarian needs. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys traveling and immersing herself in new cultures, which enriches her understanding and appreciation of global diversity.

Bunmi specializes in Organizational Transformation with a proven track record in delivering human-centered business transformations. She founded Pivot My Career Initiative to help women advance their careers in tech and entrepreneurship. As a Consultant, Bunmi combines strategic insight with human-centered solutions and coaching skills to assist women navigating career transitions. She collaborates with local SMEs and tech leaders to foster sustainable economic inclusion for women, helping them create better futures for themselves. An avid Formula 1 fan, Bunmi not only loves the racing but also draws inspiration from the recent advocacy for inclusivity in the male-dominated sport.

Rachel Sanyu is a social entrepreneur dedicated to increasing representation in Uganda’s healthcare professions. Witnessing the opportunity gap that children from underrepresented backgrounds face, Rachel committed to establishing ProMMED (Professional Mentorship for Medical Diversity) to support them on their journey towards careers in healthcare. With a strong academic record from the University at Buffalo, a background in mentorship and a passion for medicine, Rachel is dedicated to combining her expertise with innovative solutions to help students address barriers faced within this space. In addition to mentorship and entrepreneurship, Rachel enjoys volunteering, medical research, and participating in community health events.

Raioni Madison, a passionate servant leader in Atlanta, GA, empowers young women through 3D Girls, Inc., a non profit organization serving over 500 annually. Founded in 2012, 3D Girls provides girls with S.T.E.A.M. focus mentoring programs, parent education, and social-emotional wellness resources. Raioni envisions a world where young women from all walks of life have access to tools to become self-sufficient leaders. Recognized for her innovative approach, Raioni has been celebrated and acknowledged for her work in social innovation. With all the notoriety and recognition received, Raioni’s most prized accomplishment is being the mother of her two daughters.

Selma is a passionate social and climate youth activist from Algeria, dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. She founded the NGO “Together for Blue and Green” and co-founded the “MENA Youth Network” for regional collaboration. As the Focal Point of the environment and human rights thematic group at MGCY, she champions the intersection of environmental protection and human rights. Selma is a board member at “ProVeg,” a project coordinator at the “MENA Coalition for Peace and Security,” and a Learning Planet mentor. She has represented Algeria at international conferences such as Cop and Stockholm+50 conference, and organized the successful “MENA Youth Environmental Assembly.” Selma is also a World Food Forum Policy Board member and an Anna Lundh Program Young Civil Society Leader.

Hailing from the south side of Chicago, Tabitha’s passion for service and science inspired her to champion the expansion of STEM opportunities and environmental justice efforts for under-resourced students. Operating at the nexus of research and innovation, she founded Chayah, where she leads initiatives to tackle critical sustainability issues through student community volunteer action. Her unwavering dedication has earned her recognition as one of 25 extraordinary girls in Malala Yousafzai’s Dare to Learn: The Power of an Educated Girl, as well as acceptance as a Taco Bell Live Más Scholar and membership in the Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps.

W. Leif Van Grinsven is a social impact entrepreneur focused on empowering disadvantaged African families through affordable planned communities. As Co-Founder and COO of Small Farm Cities Africa, Leif lives in Malawi leading a team of over 100 employees creating communities that combine hyper-affordable homes and mortgages, backyard farms, and infrastructure. Prior, Leif worked with Dubai Ports World to launch an e-commerce platform in Rwanda, and before this, worked with World Health Organization (WHO) on their COVID-19 Emergency Team in Copenhagen, Denmark. Leif has a masters from the Institute of Development Studies and an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College (IL).

Alvin Tian is a passionate advocate for energy transition and decarbonization of the economy. He founded BlockCarbon, a technology-driven platform to support the development of high-quality carbon credits in Asia and bridge them with the global market. He is also a research fellow at Harvard University’s Ash Center, where he studies US-China climate cooperation options. Alvin has earned an MPA degree from Harvard Kennedy School an MBA degree from MIT Sloan.

Alvin has over ten years of experience in M&A, energy trading, and corporate investment. Most recently, Alvin led Shell’s investments in energy digitalization, FinTech, and digital logistics in China.