women shaping

our future

Edition 2025

“With Women for Change, we put the spotlight on 25 Women who show us other ways. 25 women who, through bold and unwavering leadership, are actively reshaping our world for the better.

Their leadership is, above all, a state of mind and a practice. It’s the commitment to ensure no one is left behind; to honor our deep connection with nature and to operate as an integral part of it. To stand against systems that harm people and our planet. To choose people over profit, peace over ego, and uncomfortable truths over silence.“

Garance Aulagne
Women for Change Leader

25 women shaping the future

Meet 25 women who will have a massive positive impact on the world in the next ten years. Discover those women’s unique and powerful stories. They push boundaries and are a powerful call to action for a better future, where humanity must address pressing challenges such as climate, resources, biodiversity, and the human factor.

Biodiversity

LEENA AL OLAIMY

FOUNDER & CEO OF SYMBAIOSYS

Bio

Leena Al Olaimy is a systems alchemist, peace activist, author, and social entrepreneur championing public-planet partnerships, interspecies boardrooms, and nature’s economic rights. A Fulbright scholar, Dalai Lama Fellow and recognized among Bahrain’s most influential women, she bridges science, finance and spirituality to transform our human-nature being.

Impact

As Founder & CEO of Symbaiosys, Leena contributes to the global goal of restoring 1B hectares of land and sea by unlocking $180T in economic value and giving our planet equity in the ecosystem services it provides. Having influenced five climate policy shifts and reaching 15,000+ people through 300+ talks, and three platforms, she is paving the way for markets to tell the ecological truth.

ALEXIA AKBAY

FOUNDER & CEO OF SYMBROSIA

SHE Changes Climate

Bio

Alexia Akbay is CEO of Symbrosia, a CleanTech company using seaweed to cut livestock methane. With degrees from NYU and Yale, she’s raised $17M+, earned Forbes 30U30, and leads climate innovation through human-centered design, sustainability, and community-driven agricultural solutions.

Impact

Symbrosia’s mission is to scale restorative aquaculture for climate and community impact. We cultivate Asparagopsis taxiformis to reduce livestock methane emissions by 80% by supplementing our SeaGraze product at 0.1% of feed, support sustainable food systems, and restore Hawaiian coastlines. We measure success through methane reduction, local job creation, and restoration milestones, empowering communities through science, culture, and regenerative industry.

ROKIATOU TRAORÉ

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF HEROU ALLIANCE

Filha do Sol

Bio

Rokiatou Traoré is a green entrepreneur focused on poverty, climate change, and food insecurity. She founded Herou Alliance to empower women and youth through an inclusive Moringa value chain. By 2030, she aims to involve 150,000 farmers, plant 10 million trees, and export Moringa products globally.

Impact

So far they have been working with 2,000 farmers, mainly women and young people. They have planted over 80,000 trees on personal funds and integrate moringa tea, powder, soap, oil, spices, honey to the daily diet of over 5,000 people in 8 countries including Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Togo, France, Germany.

SHEHERAZADE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROGRES SULAWESI

Green Craft Academy

Bio

Sheherazade is co-leading a conservation organization on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, home to herself and many wild animals that cannot be found anywhere else. She is both a practitioner and an interdisciplinary scientist who studies forest governance and relationship between people and nature.

Impact

They have built a growing network of empowered communities to conserve Sulawesi’s unique species, from bats, tortoises, marsupials to fish. About 5,000 kids and 800 youths have participated in their programs. They believe saving species from extinction is a journey to restore our relationship with nature and our own selves.

DIVYA HEGDE

CEO OF BAERU

Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras (SSF)

Bio

Divya Hedge, a Northwestern alum, started her career at Google and now works in waste management. She leads India’s first largescale ocean plastic recovery with fisheries communities. Using AI, IoT, and circular economy models, she creates livelihoods, earning recognition from UNESCO, UN Women, and NITI Aayog.

Impact

Baeru is redefining coastal resilience by recovering ocean plastics, cutting CO₂ emissions, and empowering women in waste work. Operating India’s first coastal MRF with a payback model, it enhances traceability through AI and promotes behavior change via Culture for Climate. Baeru has supported 1,500+ women, diverted 35,000+ tonnes of plastic, and digitized waste operations. Through The Khushi Project, launched in 2021, it offers pro bono mental health care for women waste workers. Its mission: build circular, tech-driven waste systems with coastal communities.

PRASIDDHI SINGH

YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR & AUTHOR, PRASIDDHI FOREST FOUNDATION AND THE GREEN PILLAR

Rumsan

Bio

Prasiddhi Singh is a globally recognised, award-winning 12-year-old emerging leader. India’s youngest G20 & COP speaker, she founded the UN-accredited Prasiddhi Forest Foundation. She has planted 150,000+ trees, impacted 80,000+ lives, and leads nature based community-driven climate action for a global just transition.

Impact

With a vision to Heal Our Earth, Prasiddhi Singh is on a Mission of Ten Million Trees, driving large-scale environmental and social impact by planting 150,000+ trees, restoring ecosystems, and empowering 80,000+ people through her global climate education initiative. Her work supports 5,000+ farmers & villagers, engages 200+ schools, and fosters 400+ communities worldwide. Through speaking, advising, and collaborating with international institutions, she amplifies unheard yet powerful rural and child voices on global platforms, advocating for nature-based solutions, sustainability, social resilience and an inclusive just transition.

Human Factor

JAYATI GHOSH

PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST & LEADING VOICE ON GLOBAL ECONOMIC JUSTICE

tēnaka

Bio

Jayati Ghosh is an Indian economist and public intellectual recognized for her work on development economics, globalization, and global economic policy. She has authored numerous publications on inequality, economic policy, gender issues and the impact of neoliberal reforms. As a professor and researcher, she has been a vocal critic of austerity, advocating for policies that promote social and economic equity. She is member of several UN High Level Boards (on Effective Multilateralism and on Economic and Social Affairs), Co-Chair of the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT) and a Member of the Club of Rome.

Impact

Jayati Ghosh’s work has influenced international economic discourse, challenging dominant neoliberal narratives and advocating for fairer global trade and labor policies. Through her research, public engagements, and policy advisory roles, she has shaped debates on inequality, poverty, and gender justice, pushing for transformative economic reforms that prioritize people over profit.

IMANE KHELIF

ATHLETE & OLYMPIC CHAMPION

Soil Centric

Bio

Imane Khelif is an Algerian boxer and a powerful voice for women in sports. As an Olympic champion competing at the highest international level, she has shattered barriers in a field long dominated by men. Her presence in the ring redefines what a high-performing female athlete looks like: strong, muscular, and unapologetically powerful. She challenges the idea that power belongs to men, and proves that excellence in sport doesn’t come with a gender label. Beyond the ring, she’s shown incredible resilience in the face of harsh criticism, including from globally influential figures. However, she kept going and she became a symbol of strength and defiance for countless others.

Impact

Imane’s rise has reshaped how female athletes are seen in Algeria, across the Middle East and around the world. She made space in boxing for women who were never supposed to be there, and made it clear that toughness, ambition, and physical strength are not just male traits. Her voice and presence push back against outdated expectations, especially in regions where women in sport still face real resistance. Imane isn’t just winning fights, she’s changing the conversation.

GISÈLE PÉLICOT

ACTIVIST

SUGi

Bio

Gisèle Pélicot has become a prominent figure in the fight against sexual violence and chemical submission, thanks to her bravery in making her trial against her husband and the associated abusers public. Through her personal story and legal battle, she has championed greater awareness and legal accountability, drawing national attention to the often-overlooked issue of chemical submission. Her actions have sparked wider conversations about consent, accountability, and the urgent need to address abusive situations.

Impact

Through her advocacy, Gisèle Pelicot helped shift public awareness and institutional responses to gender-based violence. Her courageous testimony sparked national debate, influenced policy discussions, and empowered others to speak out - earning her recognition as one of the BBC’s 100 Women, a Financial Times Women of the Year and named The Independent’s most influential woman of 2025.

MAYADA ADIL

MEDICAL DOCTOR & UNITED NATIONS YOUNG LEADER FOR SDGS

Forest Nature and Environment Aceh Foundation / Yayasan HAkA

Bio

Mayada Adil is a Sudanese medical Doctor and artist recognized for her work in achieving Agenda 2030 and contributing to advancing and amplifying youth voices in multiple domains: health and gender equality with strong climate advocacy worldwide, to strengthen youth’s meaningful participation in high-level decisionmaking.

Impact

Mayada Adil bridges medicine, art, and advocacy to promote sustainable development, gender equity, and climate justice. She has influenced global policies, addressing world leaders and Member States at the High Level Opening of the SDG Summit at the United Nations General Assembly 78th session. She has also represented the MENA region at the UN and is building inclusive environmental strategies as well as empowering youth and marginalized communities at the heart of decision-making.

HEELA YOON

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AFGHAN YOUTH AMBASSADORS FOR PEACE & MUSKA

Oceanmar Project e.V.

Bio

Heela Yoon is a climate and peacebuilding advocate providing clean water in Afghanistan. As AYAPO’s Founder, she prevents conflicts over water and land through peace dialogues. Recognised by the UN, OSCE, and Kroc Institute, she also created MUSKA, a mental well-being app for conflict zones.

Impact

Heela Yoon has trained over 100 women as first responders, provided clean water and humanitarian aid to 45,000 families in Afghanistan, and delivered mental health support to 100 women. Her app, MUSKA, offers trauma-informed care and stress management tools and will be piloted in South Sudan, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones.

NISREEN ELSAIM

FORMER CHAIR, SUDAN YOUTH ORGANIZATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Econox Laos

Bio

Nisreen Elsaim is a distinguished Sudanese climate, peace and security expert. She is the founder of the Youth and Environment Society (YES) organization and 13 other organizations over the past 10 years. She is former Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, former Robert Bosch Academy Fellow and Re. Generation leader by the Prince Albert II Foundation.

Impact

As a climate expert and humanitarian champion, she has mobilized over 40,000 young people, through 823 forums influencing climate justice and peace policies globally. Her humanitarian initiatives have directly supported 15,000 Sudanese IDPs and refugees, indirectly benefiting 90,000 across Sudan and neighbouring countries, with a focus on women and youth. Numbers triple when we talk about her efforts fighting climate disasters in Africa and MENA region.

VIOLETTE DORANGE

PROFESSIONAL SAILOR & ADVOCATE FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORTS

Econox Laos

Bio

Violette Dorange is a French professional sailor known for breaking barriers in offshore racing. She is the youngest person to cross the English Channel solo at age 15 and has since competed in prestigious races, including the 90 day solo round-the-world voyage Vendée Globe. Passionate about gender equality in sports, she actively promotes women’s participation in competitive sailing.

Impact

Violette Dorange is inspiring a new generation of female sailors by proving that determination and skill transcend gender barriers. Through her performances, advocacy, and mentorship, she is pushing for greater inclusion of women in sailing, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future female athletes in offshore racing.

CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM

PRESIDENT OF MEXICO

Econox Laos

Bio

Claudia Sheinbaum is an environmental engineer and politician who became a key figure in Mexico’s political transformation. She is the Mexico’s first female President and she previously served as the Head of Government of Mexico City, where she implemented progressive policies on sustainability, public transportation, and social welfare.

Impact

Claudia Sheinbaum has reshaped Mexican politics, breaking gender barriers and championing policies for social and environmental justice. Her leadership in Mexico City set a precedent for sustainable urban development, and as President, she continues to advocate for economic equality, climate action, and inclusive governance, inspiring women and leaders worldwide.

OLEKSANDRA MATVIICHUK

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER & HEAD OF THE CENTER FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES

Econox Laos

Bio

Oleksandra Matviichuk is a human rights lawyer and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties. She defends people and promotes freedom in Ukraine and the OSCE region. In 2022, she received the Nobel Peace Prize for the work of her organization.

Impact

After the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022, Matviichuk, together with other partners, created the ‘Tribunal for Putin’ initiative to document war crimes. Working together, they have already recorded over 84,000 episodes. While this war turns people into numbers, they are returning people their names. Because people are not numbers, life of each person matters.

Resources

MEREM TAHAR

ACTIVIST - ASSOCIATION OF LES FEMMES DE LA DIASPORA TCHADIENNE

traceless materials GmbH

Bio

Merem Tahar is the Youth Special Envoy for the President of COP15 UNCCD. She leads initiatives with the association Les Femmes de la Diaspora Tchadienne on women’s empowerment and sustainable agriculture in Chad, she advocates for Toubou indigenous rights and youth engagement in climate policy.

Impact

She advocates the inclusion of young people in climate policies and the rights of indigenous people, linking local initiatives with global decision-making. Along with Femmes de la Diaspora Tchadienne, she supports women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture and access to drinking water, health and education, as well as many other projects for girls and women in Chad since 3 years. She is leading projects that are under implementation to develop agritech in Chad.

MEREDITH WHITTAKER

AI RESEARCHER, ADVOCATE FOR TECH ACCOUNTABILITY & PRESIDENT OF SIGNAL FOUNDATION

Chanakya International and Chanakya School of Craft

Bio

Meredith Whittaker is a researcher and activist known for her work on AI ethics, tech accountability, and digital privacy. A former Google researcher and co-founder of the AI Now Institute, she played a key role in organizing the 2018 Google Walkout. She is currently the president of the Signal Foundation, championing secure and private communication.

Impact

Meredith Whittaker has been a leading voice in exposing the risks of AI and big tech’s unchecked power. Her advocacy has influenced global discussions on data privacy, labor rights in the tech industry, and ethical AI development, pushing for greater transparency and accountability in digital technologies.

ROBERTA ANNAN

UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADOR & FOUNDER OF AFRICAN FASHION FUND

Awareness 360

Bio

Roberta Annan is an award-winning businesswoman and philanthropist. As Founder of the African Fashion Foundation (AFF), she empowers African designers, promoting a sustainable, inclusive fashion ecosystem that honors Africa’s cultural heritage and encourages global collaboration.

Impact

Roberta Annan’s work with AFF and Black Heritage Textiles Group (BHTG) promotes sustainable fashion by training designers in eco-friendly practices, offering grants to ethical businesses, and connecting stakeholders to elevate African fashion globally, fostering ethical and sustainable industry growth.

KATE KALLOT

FOUNDER & CEO OF AMINI

InsectiPro

Bio

Kate Kallot is the Founder & CEO of Amini, a leading AI startup building the data infrastructure for Africa and the Global South. Kate has received global acclaim for her impact work, most notably for advancing technology access across Africa.

Impact

Kate Kallot is transforming how AI and data are used to address environmental and economic disparities. By championing data sovereignty and creating cutting-edge solutions for climate resilience and food security, she empowers underserved communities, bridges the digital divide, and proves that inclusive, locally driven AI can shape a more sustainable, equitable future.

Climate

AYISHA SIDDIQA

CLIMATE JUSTICE ADVOCATE AT UNITED NATIONS

HKIND / Femmes de Santé

Bio

Ayisha Siddiqa is a Juris Doctorate candidate in international and environmental law. She is a UN advisor and climate activist, she was named The Independent’s “Climate 100,” TIME’s Woman of the Year, and Business Insider’s “Climate Action 30” for her work on justice, decarbonization, and Indigenous rights.

Impact

Ayisha Siddiqa has shaped global climate policy by advancing Loss and Damage finance, championing Indigenous and future generations’ rights, and advising the UN Secretary-General. Her advocacy helped secure youth representation in international negotiations and influenced just transition frameworks. She bridges legal expertise with frontline justice to drive equitable, peoplecentered climate action worldwide.

FATOU JENG

CLIMATE ADVISOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL & FOUNDER OF CLEAN EARTH GAMBIA

For Mom and Baby Foundation

Bio

Fatou Jeng has 10 years’ experience as a gender and climate professional. She is the founder of Clean Earth Gambia and former Climate Advisor to the UN Secretary-General. She currently sits on the United Nations Early Warning for All Initiative Advisory Panel with the goal of protecting everyone with early warning systems by 2027.

Impact

Fatou founded Clean Earth Gambia, one of the country’s largest youth-led environmental NGOs, engaging over 5,000 young Gambians in climate action and leading initiatives that planted more than 35,000 trees across Gambia. Her organization hosted the first National Children and Youth Conference on Climate Change in 2024 in partnership with UNICEF Gambia and the Gambian government, providing a platform for dialogue between participants and policymakers. The conference adopted the National Children and Youth Engagement Strategy on Climate Change, developed in consultation with over 500 young people.

NAOMI KLEIN

AUTHOR, PROFESSOR OF CLIMATE JUSTICE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA & CO-DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE

Speetar

Bio

Naomi Klein is a Canadian author, journalist, and activist known for her critiques of corporate globalization, capitalism, and climate change. She is an award-winning journalist, columnist, and public intellectual. Her influential books, including «No Logo», «The Shock Doctrine», and «This Changes Everything», examine the intersection of economic policies, environmental crises, and social justice, making her a prominent voice in progressive movements.

Impact

Naomi Klein’s work has shaped global activism, inspiring movements against corporate exploitation and climate inaction. Her critiques of neoliberalism have influenced policymakers, grassroots organizations, and academics. Through her research and advocacy, she has helped redefine debates on economic justice and environmental responsibility, pushing for systemic change in political and corporate spheres.

CAMILLE ETIENNE

ACTIVIST

Women in Africa

Bio

Camille Etienne is a prominent French activist known for her work across a range of environmental issues. She is effectively combining strong strategic thinking, huge grassroots mobilization capacity, deputy and minister lobbyism and media presence. She is also highly active on social media and on YouTube, where she leads the collective “Avant L’Orage”, which aims to merge arts and ecology to expand awareness, specifically in the youth.

Impact

Camille has spent the past year fighting against PFAS, harmful pollutants impacting health and the environment. She raised awareness through media, connected with employee syndicates for legal protection, and co-created the documentary «Toxic Bodies», which opened the «Green Week» at Cannes. Now in the UK, she is working globally to make this issue a European priority.

CÉCILE BELIOT-ZIND

CEO OF BEL GROUP

Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy

Bio

Cécile Beliot-Zind joined BEL in 2019 as Deputy CEO in charge of Strategy, WW Markets and Growth, after 17 years at Danone. Becoming CEO in May 22, she now leads BEL transformation to become a leader in healthy snacking in dairy, fruit and plant-based - and its sustainable and responsible growth model

Impact

At Bel, family-owned company, Cécile Beliot-Zind has driven a strategic model balancing profitability and sustainability, expanding brand offerings across dairy, fruit, and plant-based categories. She led international growth across North America, Asia, Europe, and MENA regions, securing a leadership position in healthy snacking through innovation, diversification, and a strong commitment to responsible business practices.

ELENA DOMS

CEO OF +EARTH+

Rappler

Bio

Elena Doms is a CEO of an award-winning nature tech +EARTH+ and LinkedIn Top Voice. Born in the Arctic, Elena witnessed climate change firsthand. Previously a Director at Mastercard, Elena now focuses on restoring soils with plants and turning biomass into carbon-negative construction materials.

Impact

Her mission is to lead the world’s largest nature-based soil cleanup initiative. Her work has reached millions, raising awareness about the vital importance of healthy soils. She has spearheaded some of the first successful PFAS cleanup projects globally and launched a digital platform with AI models for soil regeneration, using near realtime land data to produce carbon-negative materials.