CGI U 2023
Students taking action together
Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2007, CGI University is a community of students who are taking action together on pressing challenges facing their campuses, communities, and the world. Through the Clinton Global Initiative’s power of convening and Commitment to Action model, more than 12,500 students have made an impact in over 160 countries and all 50 states — with the support of more than $4.8 million in funding from CGI University’s corporate and university partners. Now in its 18th year, CGI University’s year-round program engages students, alumni, colleges and universities, and influential voices in creating new ways to effect change on the topics that matter most to emerging leaders.
The CGI Entrepreneurship Application is now open. You can apply for CGI University, the CGI Fellowship, or both via this application. The early decision deadline for selection is November 20, and the final deadline for consideration is December 20.
Over the course of the program, rising leaders participate in trainings, modules, and tailored events that help formulate their ideas and provide the necessary resources, feedback, and tools to transform their ideas into action.
CGI U offers one-of-a-kind training, resources, and personalized mentorship on how to ideate, design, implement, and evaluate a social impact project.
Through a year-round curriculum, hosted on edX, that includes student networking and engagement events, CGI U provides unique opportunities to connect aspiring leaders with leading experts in business, technology, social impact and each other.
CGI U participants are selected on the strength of their Commitment to Action. CGI U helps them formulate their ideas and provides the necessary resources, feedback, tools, and potential funding streams to turn their ideas into action.
Your gift will help us engage more student leaders, build more partnerships, and do even more to address today’s most pressing challenges.
CGI U works closely with partners to provide a wide range of meaningful engagement opportunities for emerging leaders. CGI U actively engages with corporations, foundations, NGOs, and others to co-design and co-develop robust and relevant programming that enhances student entrepreneurial skills, provides space for community-based learning and networking, and prepares student projects for long-term success.
CGI University is a community of students who are taking action together on pressing challenges facing their campuses, communities, and the world. Now in its 16th year, CGI University’s year-round program engages students, alumni, colleges and universities, and influential voices in creating new ways to effect change on the topics that matter most to emerging leaders.
There are many ways to stay connected with CGI U once you have completed the program. You are part of a growing global community of more than 12,500 commitment-makers who continue to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. If you’re a CGI U alumni, please update your contact information or share your latest accomplishments and opportunities with our team.
President of the Alumni Board
Agnes Igoye (‘11) escaped human traffickers at age 14 when the Lord’s Resistance Army raided her village in search of virgins. Today, she is a Regional Migration Expert serving eight countries based at the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). She previously served as Uganda’s Deputy National Coordinator for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and as Commandant Uganda Immigration Training Academy. A senior Aspen New Voices Fellow, Agnes contributed to teach an online child protection course at Harvard University. She founded the Young Professional Mentorship Program, Huts for Peace, and built a center for trafficking survivors in Uganda. Agnes has received numerous awards, and was named one of New African Magazine’s 100 most influential Africans. She holds degrees from Harvard, Oxford, and the University of Minnesota, as a Fulbright/ Hubert Humphrey Fellow.
Vice President of the Alumni Board
Vinny Johl (‘10) is an award-winning dynamic, data-driven, goal-oriented, healthcare leader with a passion for building relationships, patient experience and process improvement. She is a Health Care Ombudsman Mediator for Kaiser Permanente’s North Valley Service Area. Vinny is a proven strategist in design and implementation of patient satisfaction, fundraising and community engagement programs. She has served as Commissioner for the City of Yuba City’s Economic Development Commission and taught sustainability at the University of the Pacific. A two-time CGI University alumna and mentor for over ten years, she has moderated a panel discussion between Dr. Chelsea Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton. Vinny holds undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Management, and an MBA from the University of the Pacific.
Secretary of the Alumni Board
Nancy Xiangwen Luo (‘11) is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and Mount Holyoke College. Nancy has spent her career in strategic investment and education and is the CEO of Cambridge Global Connect UK( Oxbridge Global Connect) www.camgc-edu.com, an award-winning platform nominated by London Tech Week, based in Cambridge UK and Hong Kong that targets top international schools in Asia Pacific with global exposure. She is also a Forbes columnist and recipient of Forbes 30 under 30. Her passion includes international education, impact investment, and art.
Treasurer of the Alumni Board
Kevin Kwok (‘14) is an investor at ddv.one, focusing on AI technology YC startups, and cofounder of OMAO Brands. At HSBC, he was head of Americas’ ESG Advisory practice in investment banking, bridging the gap between finance and sustainability. Previously, at MSCI, he headed ESG Fixed Income Research and was a member of the world’s largest green bond index. Kevin is also a contributing author to, “Responsible Investment in Fixed Income Markets”. Kevin holds an MS from Columbia University and BA from The University of Texas at Austin, is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and mentors for Techstars and CGI University.
CGI U '22
John Baptist W. Kabo-Bah (‘22) is the founder and CEO of Afrivoices for Climate Change (AFC), an organization focused on empowering smallholder farmers through regenerative agriculture and sustainable development. With over seven years of experience in community engagement, project management, and advocacy, he holds a Master’s in Agribusiness Management and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Administration. John is a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow and a 2022 Clinton Global Initiative University alumnus. His work has earned him international recognition, including certification as a Sustainability Leader and the 2020 IFAMA Future for Food Essay Challenge winner.
CGI U '12
Christine Schindler (‘12) is the CEO and co-founder of PathSpot, a technology company focused on safeguarding businesses and customers from outbreaks while enhancing operational efficiency. With a background in biomedical engineering and global health from Duke University, Christine invented PathSpot’s hand scanner, which detects contamination from poor handwashing. PathSpot’s offerings have expanded to include digital tools for health and operations tracking. Christine’s work with PathSpot has been recognized by TIME, Fast Company, and Forbes. Christine also founded Girls Engineering Challenge, a nonprofit encouraging young women in STEM. Her passion for innovative solutions drives her work in merging healthcare and technology to solve real-world challenges.
CGI U '22
Hannah Hoobyar (‘22) is a dynamic philanthropist, bestselling author, and globally recognized leader in social impact. At just 15, she founded Project Bear Hugs, an international disaster relief organization. With expertise in emergency management, child advocacy, and humanitarian efforts, Hannah has become a trusted voice in supporting vulnerable communities worldwide. Her work continues to inspire and transform lives through strategic initiatives and leadership on prominent boards.
CGI U '12
Abe Lopez (‘12) is the Managing Partner of Lightward Inc., a creative incubator and tech studio that harnesses cutting-edge technology and innovative design to craft transformative products, media, and experiences. Lightward thrives on its philosophy of recursive health, emphasizing the wellbeing of all stakeholders. By fostering a culture of innovation, empathy, and continuous improvement, Lightward redefines what a purpose-driven, human-centric company can achieve.
Among its notable projects is “Recess with Guncle Abe,” a show dedicated to social-emotional learning for children, where Abe also hosts. He is actively involved in professional modeling and commercial acting in other projects.”
CGI U '23
Alia Khan (‘23) is a compassionate and dedicated leader with over ten years of experience in youth development, focusing on diverse and marginalized communities. She holds a Master of Public Administration in Public Sector Management & Leadership from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from California State University, Sacramento. Alia is a 2023 Clinton Global Initiative University Alumna and a mental health advocate, serving as a board member of Healing with Equine Essence, which provides healing through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Additionally, she is an inspirational leader for her local BSA Scouts and Girl Scouts, supporting youth leadership programs and community initiatives.
CGI U '20
Ameer Ibrahim (‘20) is a climate investor at a family office, having begun his career at PwC in financial services assurance before working in M&A investment banking at HSBC, London. Focused on sustainability, he has participated in COP26, COP27, and COP28, and spoken at The World Economic Forum. Ameer holds postgraduate degrees from the U.K. and China and was a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University. With international leadership experience, including serving as a Non-Executive Director at Edinburgh University Students’ Association and as Student President at The University of Glasgow, he is committed to financial inclusion and advancing ESG education globally.
CGI U '23
Marcelle Chagas Gontijo (‘23) is a journalist, digital marketing specialist, and holds a master’s degree in communication from the Federal Fluminense University. With a leadership background in diversity and inclusion causes, she serves as the General Coordinator of the Black Journalists Network for Diversity in Communication and is involved with the Gender, Race, and Territoriality in Science Observatory. A Tech and Society researcher at the Mozilla Foundation and a CGI University 2023 alumna, she is dedicated to combating misinformation, including underrepresented groups in communication, and promoting a more inclusive digital environment. Recognized for her work, she was a finalist for the Woman Press Trophy and the Jornalistas & Cia / HSBC Sustainability Award.
CGI U '22
Humphrey Beja (‘22) is a dynamic leader and the Deputy Secretary of the National Midwives Association of Uganda. He is a CGI University 2022 alumnus, where his project focused on community awareness on the prevention of cervical cancer in Uganda. He was a commitment mentor at CGI University in 2023. Currently, he is a research fellow at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda, working on a research project on alcohol use disorders and dementia. Beja emphasizes inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment in his leadership, fostering growth and collaboration to address global challenges.
Students taking action together
American Association of Community Colleges
Virtual Annual Meeting
Howard University
Virtual Annual Meeting
University of Edinburgh
Virtual Annual Meeting
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Washington University
St. Louis, MO
George Washington University
Washington, DC
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
University of Texas
Austin, TX
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
Students taking action together
American Association of Community Colleges
Virtual Annual Meeting
Howard University
Virtual Annual Meeting
University of Edinburgh
Virtual Annual Meeting
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Washington University
St. Louis, MO
George Washington University
Washington, DC
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
University of Texas
Austin, TX
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
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from more than 160 countries and 137 institutions of higher education turning their ideas into action through CGI University
has been awarded to student commitment-makers through the CGI University Network.
Through CGI U, students make Commitments to Action to address pressing challenges. Explore commitments from CGI U alumni below.
The Clinton Global Initiative inspires leaders to come together to take action on the world’s most pressing issues. …
Innovative technology. Social impact. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community. What happens when you combine the three? Great things, …
RAGINA ARRINGTON AND JORDAN ASHWOOD ON WHY THEY ARE BETTING ON THE NEXT GENERATION TO CREATE A FUTURE …
The Clinton Global Initiative inspires leaders to come together to take action on the world’s most pressing issues. …
Innovative technology. Social impact. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community. What happens when you combine the three? Great things, …
RAGINA ARRINGTON AND JORDAN ASHWOOD ON WHY THEY ARE BETTING ON THE NEXT GENERATION TO CREATE A FUTURE …