OUR PROGRAM

OUR PROGRAM

Monday, 20th January
Catalysing Systems Change Through Collaborative Action

12:00 – 1:00 PM • Impact Investing for Life Flourishing
Private Launch of Impact Investing for Life Flourishing by Chavalit Fredrik Tsao, Chairman of IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group (formerly Tsao Pao Chee). This exclusive event offers a deep dive into Tsao’s vision for harnessing impact investing to achieve both financial returns and meaningful societal transformation. Gain unique insights into aligning investment strategies with social impact to drive sustainable, long-term change.

Speakers:
• Chavalit Frederik Tsao, Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Private session. By invitation only

1:30 – 2:00 pm • Welcome to the Social Innovation House
Join Gaby Arenas de Meneses and Frederik Galtung, Co-Chief Facilitators of Catalyst Now, as they welcome attendees and present an overview of the Social Innovation House program. Together they will share insights about social innovation, the upcoming sessions and opportunities for collaboration during this transformative gathering.

Speakers:
• Gaby Arenas de Meneses, Co-Chief Facilitator, Catalyst Now
• Fredrik Galtung, Co-Chief Facilitator, Catalyst Now

Presented by Catalyst Now

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

2:00 – 3:00 PM • The Future of Social Innovation: Unleashing Collective Impact Through High-Impact Ecosystems
Experience powerful insights from cross-sector collaborations, regional ecosystems, and local high-impact ecosystem leaders as they share their journeys in forging robust multi-sector alliances. These pioneering voices will reveal how strategic partnerships have enhanced their social innovation projects and fostered enduring community transformation. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, discover how collaborative ecosystems can unlock new possibilities for sustainable social transformation and maximize collective impact.

Speakers:
• Andrea Escobar, Co-Chair, Latin America Avanza
• Faiz Kamaludin, Co-Chair, ASEAN Rising
• Jackie Maalouf, Co-Chair, MENA Manarah
• Luvuyo Rani, Executive Director, Africa Forward

 Moderator:
• Cheryl Dorsey, President, Echoing Green

Presented by Echoing Green

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

4:00 – 5:00 pm • Catalyzing Change: Next-Generation Funding Models
Explore groundbreaking approaches to social innovation funding as we examine emerging financial models that are reshaping how we support social change. This dynamic session will showcase innovative funding mechanisms, from blended finance to impact investing, that are unlocking large new pools of capital for social entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations. Join leading investors and practitioners to discover how next-generation funding models are breaking down traditional barriers and accelerating sustainable social impact.

Speakers:
• His Excellency Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, UAE
• Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder of ReNew
• Chavalit Frederik Tsao, Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)
• Dr. Wies Sechrabi, Chief Executive Officer, Re:Wild Foundation

Moderator:
• Brian Gallagher, Founding Partner, Abundance Circle

 Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

5:30 – 6:30 pm • Cities as Learning Labs: Building Innovation Ecosystems
This session will examine how cities can become dynamic hubs of education, innovation, and social cohesion, empowering residents to thrive personally and professionally. Speakers will discuss successful examples of learning cities that prioritize accessible education, community engagement, and sustainable development, all aimed at creating inclusive societies where individuals can reach their full potential and contribute to collective well-being.

Speakers:
• Carolina Deik, First Lady and Social Manager of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá
• Maria José Rubio, Co-Founder, Compromiso Bogotá
• Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for Eurointegration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
• Tyler Samstag, Executive Director, Remake Learning – Pittsburgh Ecosystem

Moderator:
• José Correa, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Startup & Co

Presented by Catalyst Now

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

7:00 – 8:00 pm • We Don’t Do Charity Documentary & Discussion
Join us for a screening of We Don’t Do Charity Documentary & Discussion. This compelling documentary by Alan Braithwaite and Republica Media challenges traditional aid narratives. The film highlights how social entrepreneurs and grassroots NGOs in the Global South are rejecting ‘white saviorism’ in favor of locally-led, sustainable development. The session includes a 30-minute screening followed by a panel discussion on local leadership, sustainable development, and transforming aid systems.

Speakers:
• Alan Braitwhite, Founder, ISEDT
• Nicola Banks, Professor, Global Development University of Manchester Global Development Institute, and CoFounder,
  One World Together
• Claire Barnhoorn, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Solvoz
• David Campbell, Producer and Director, Republica Media

Moderator:
• Amanda Campbell, Director, Republica Media

Presented by Catalyst Now and Republica Media

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

Tuesday, 21st January
Empowering Social Innovation: Community Voices, Data and AI in Action

7:30 – 9:00 am • Cultivating Well-being for Transformative Impact Facilitated by Octave Institute (Meditation Session) Start your day with a transformative session where mindfulness meets social innovation. Octave Institute leaders will guide participants through powerful grounding and meditation practices designed specifically for changemakers. Learn practical techniques to enhance your well-being, sustain your impact, and deepen your capacity for systems change.

Facilitator:
• Susanna Eduini

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

9:30 – 10:30 am • Learning Ecosystems: Transforming Education for Social Innovation and Human Flourishing
Transforming Education for Social Innovation and Human Flourishing Discover how learning ecosystems are transforming education by connecting diverse stakeholders and fostering environments where social innovation can thrive. Explore innovative approaches that blend traditional education with real-world problem-solving, creating pathways for human flourishing and sustainable societal transformation.

Speakers:
• Luis Camargo, Founder and Director, Opepa

Moderator:
• Ross Hall, Education Portfolio Lead, Fondation Botnar

Presented by Catalyst Now

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

11:00 – 12:00 pm • How regenerative agriculture can unlock the next generation of farmers
This interactive session will bring together agriculture leaders in the field of agriculture, from leading companies, NGOs and farmers’ organizations to discuss the role of regenerative agriculture in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the world’s food supply.

Private session. By invitation only

12:30 – 1:30 pm • Data Convergence & SDGs financing: The Future of Impact Investing
Explore how data convergence is revolutionizing the way we track, measure, and finance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discover innovative data frameworks and financing mechanisms that are accelerating impact investing and driving sustainable change to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Learn from industry leaders about cutting-edge approaches that connect data-driven insights with investment decisions to maximize social and environmental impact.

Speakers:
• Prof. Dr. Niels Bosma, Professor Law, Economics and Governance Utrecht University School of Economics
• Dr. Brigitte Mohn, Member of the Executive Board, Bertelsmann Foundation
• Daniel Nowack, Head of the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, World Economic Forum
• Ajaita Shah, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Markets

Moderator:
• Matthew Bishop, Member of the Board and Founder, Social Progress Imperative

Presented by Bertelsmann Foundation

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

2:00 – 2:40 pm • The Wisdom Economy: Unleashing Longevity’s Potential
Join pioneering social innovators who are transforming how we approach aging, longevity, and intergenerational connection. This dynamic session reveals breakthrough solutions that are creating new opportunities for meaningful engagement, economic participation, and social contribution across all life stages.

Speakers:
• Jackie Maalouf, Vice President, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Founder and President, DiaLeb
• Ricardo Neves, Co-Chair, Catalyst 50+ Chapter
• Mary Ann Tsao, Chairwoman, Tsao Foundation

Presented by Catalyst Now

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

3:00 – 3:45 PM • Building Bridges: Social Innovation for Refugee & Migrant Integration
Explore transformative approaches that are revolutionizing how refugees and migrants integrate into new communities through inclusive, dignity-centered solutions. This session showcases innovative models that celebrate cultural diversity while creating sustainable pathways for newcomers to thrive.

Speakers:
• Camila Batista, Chief Operating Officer, Migraflix
• Olga Diakova, Co-Founder, Impact Force
• Lala Lovera, Co-Founder and Director, Comparte por una Vida

Moderator:
Manoj Panjwani, Governing Council Member, Catalyst Now

Presented by Catalyst Now

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

4:00 – 5:00 pm • Schwab Awards Live from the Social Innovation House
Join us for the first part of the Schwab Awards, live from the Social Innovation House, where we will celebrate transformative leaders driving systemic change.

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

5:30 – 6:30 PM • Climate and Regeneration
At the root of society’s challenges lies the pollution of the mind—fragmented thoughts, divided priorities, and disconnection from self. Addressing this requires a dual approach: an inner journey of self-cultivation to embody the wholeness of spirit, body, and mind, and an external commitment to collaboration for unified transformation. This session explores how mindfulness, self-awareness, and collective action can tackle societal challenges.

Speakers:
• Kirsten Dunlop, CEO, Climate-KIC
• Poman Lo, Vice Chairman, Regal Group
• Chavalit Frederik Tsao, Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) √

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

7:00 – 8:00 pm • Transformative Business Models: Harnessing AI for Social Innovation
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reshape business models and drive transformative change. This session explores how AI can serve as a catalyst to reimagine traditional paradigms, enabling businesses to build collective communities and foster meaningful collaboration. By integrating AI into strategies that prioritize shared values and purpose, organizations can align innovation with societal needs.

Speakers:
• Luana Genot, President and Executive Director, Instituto Identidades do Brasil
• Dr. James Ong, Author of the book AI for Humanity: Building a Sustainable AI for the Future
• Amit Pradhan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rainfall
• Chavalit Frederik Tsao, Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)
• Dena Trujillo, Chief Executive Officer, Crisis Text Line

Moderator:
• Kamilah Sanders, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Than Equal

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

Wednesday, 22nd January
Mental Health & Well-being Day

7:30 – 8:45 am • Public Innovation in Mental Health: Global Solutions Showcase
Join us for the launch of our groundbreaking report showcasing innovative public sector solutions transforming mental health care delivery and accessibility worldwide. Explore successful initiatives and scalable approaches revolutionizing mental health support systems, featuring insights from pioneering leaders across the globe.

Speakers:
• Su Balasubramanian,  International Development and Clinical Mental Health Professional
• Daisy Rosales, Co-founder and Executive Director, Brio

Moderator:
• Gaby Arenas de Meneses, Co-Chief Facilitator, Catalyst Now

Presented by Catalyst Now

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

10:00 – 10:45 AM • Rewriting the Narrative on Men’s Mental Health: A Conversation with Patrick J. Kennedy & Shawn Lesser
Keynote: Unlocking $10 Billion in New Capital by 2030 for Mental Health: The Launch of the REAL Mental Health Fund of Funds (in formation) by Shawn Lesser

Shawn Lesser will present THE REAL’s vision for engaging family offices, foundations, and institutional investors to expand the global mental health ecosystem. Drawing on 30 years of finance experience and his role as a pioneer in impact investing, Shawn will outline strategies to attract significant new capital to the mental health space.

In an inspiring fireside chat, Former U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy and Shawn Lesser will explore how vulnerability and courage can break stigma around men’s mental health. They will share personal stories, discuss the transformative power of openness, and highlight the importance of early intervention, brain health research, and policy reform to create systemic change.

 Speakers:
• Patrick J. Kennedy, Co-Founder, The Kennedy Forum and Former U.S. Congressman
• Shawn Lesser, Founder, The REAL Mental Health Foundation

Moderator:
• Elisha London, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Prospira Global

Presented by The REAL and Convergence Partners

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

11:00 – 12:00 pm • Education and AI as a Catalyst for Social Innovation
Education is more than knowledge acquisition—it’s a tool for harmonizing our inner selves with the world around us. This session explores how education fosters collaboration, personal growth, and collective flourishing. By nurturing the co-creative spark that empowers communities, education becomes a shared journey where everyone plays a vital role.

Speakers:
• Omid Aschari, Senior Advisor, UNGC
• Alfredo Giron, Head of the World Economic Forum’s Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action.
• Seok Hui, Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA)
• Chavalit Frederik Tsao, Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

12:10 – 1:10 pm • Mind Matters: Innovating for Brain & Mental Health – Sessions with Global Leaders at the Cutting Edge of Brain & Mental Health Innovation
Join industry leaders and experts as they present evidence-based approaches and pioneering solutions that redefine care in these critical areas, offering hope and improved quality of life for diverse patient populations.

Speakers:
• Patrice Cristofini, Chief Executive Officer, Regenlife
• Matthias Gutknecht, Chief Executive Officer, Swiss DTx
• Dr. Laura Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Brainscape Medical
• Dr. Chris Rehse, Chief Executive Officer Neotiv

Moderator:
• Daniel Koppelkamm, Founder, Convergence Partners

Presented by The REAL & Convergence Partners

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

1:30 – 3:00 pm • Meditation Session: Cultivating Well-being for Transformative Impact Facilitated by Octave Institute
Start your afternoon with a transformative session where mindfulness meets social innovation. Octave Institute leaders will guide participants through powerful grounding and meditation practices designed specifically for changemakers.

Facilitator:
• Susanna Eduini

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

3:15 – 3:55 pm • Innovate to Elevate: Shaping the Future of Global Youth Mental Health
This dynamic session explores the most innovative ways youth mental health is being approached today. Grounded in the voices of young people, it highlights cutting-edge approaches to effectively addressing youth mental health care, including enhanced support within schools, peer-driven support models, and the success of dedicated youth crisis lines.

Speakers:
• Sabrina Gracias, Chief Executive Officer, Ortus Foundation;
• Katherine Hay, Chief Executive Officer, Kids Help Phone;
• Todd Khozein, Chief Executive Officer, Second Muse

 Moderator:
• Vooha Saha, Mantra Mental Health

Presented by The REAL & Convergence Partners

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

4:05 – 4:45 pm • AI & Digital Tech Breakthroughs in Mental & Brain Health Innovation: Merging Brain Science, AI, and Digital Innovation
Explore how neurotechnology is transforming mental health care by personalizing treatment, enhancing brain function, and addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Discover evidence-based approaches such as neuromodulation, digital therapeutics, and AI-driven crisis support. Join us to see how these innovations are shaping the future of mental health.

Speakers:
• Erwin Böttinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Wyss Center
• Adam Hanina, Chief Executive Officer, Dandelion Science
• Margaret Meagher, Chief Impact Officer, Crisis Text Line

 Moderator:
• Pascal Joncour, Partner, Convergence Partners

Presented by The REAL & Convergence Partners

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

4:55 – 5:25 pm • Brain Capital, Psychedelics & Human Flourishing: The Links Between Brain Health Improvement, Plant Medicine & Living on Purpose & How This Leads to Economic & Human Prosperity
This session explores the powerful connections between brain health, plant medicines, and purpose, revealing how they drive human flourishing and economic growth. Experts will unpack the concept of Brain Capital, emphasizing the role of mental well-being and cognitive performance in shaping the future economy. Learn how psychedelics and plant medicines, combined with living with purpose, can enhance resilience, unlock creativity, fuel innovation, and help address trauma—laying the foundation for healthier individuals and more prosperous societies.

Speakers:
• Dr. Harris Eyre, Co-Lead of the Brain Capital Alliance & Senior Fellow at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
• Tadeusz Hawrot, Founder & Executive Director, PAREA
• Geoff Moore, Founder, Pinned2Purpose

Moderator:
• Frederic Destrebecq, Head of European Brain Council

Presented by The REAL & Convergence Partners

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

5:35 – 6:15 pm • Global Wisdom: Transformative Mental Health Innovations from the Global South and Indigenous Cultures
This session shines a spotlight on the transformative mental health approaches emerging from the Global South and Indigenous cultures—innovations rooted in community, resilience, and cultural wisdom. These cost-effective, evidence-based models offer valuable lessons for the Global North, addressing mental health challenges with sustainable solutions that prioritize accessibility and equity.

Speakers:
• Mindahi Bastida, Director, Original Nations Program of The Fountain & Otomi-Toltec Caretaker
• Anastasiya Kulygin, Co-Founder, AguilaCondor Foundation
• Samhita Kumar, Senior Associate Director, The Carter Center

Moderator:
• Jennifer Wu-Schwab, Global Wellbeing Expert & Podcast Host

Presented by The REAL & Convergence Partners

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

6:25 – 7:00 pm • Strategic Leadership to Support Mental Health Ecosystems in Business: Driving Impact & Cultures of Care in the Workplace & Beyond
Discover practical strategies for aligning workplace mental health initiatives with broader business objectives, building a culture of care that resonates throughout the organization and beyond. Learn how leadership in mental health can transform internal operations, external partnerships, and customer relationships for lasting impact.

Speakers:
• Elisha London, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Prospira
• Oliver Nevel, Chief Executive Officer, W Talent

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

Thursday, 23rd January
Social Innovation: Addressing the Complex Issues

7:30 – 8:45 am • Harnessing Social Procurement for Sustainable Impact
Discover how strategic social procurement is creating pathways for sustainable development and community empowerment. Learn from experts how leveraging purchasing power drives positive social impact, builds inclusive supply chains, and fosters long-term social value.

Speakers:
• Mark Gersava, Founder, Reuse Revam
• Shiv Kumar, Founding Director, Catalyst Group
• Alexandra van der Ploeg, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), SAP

Presented by SAP

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

9:00 – 10:00 am • Living Soils, Living Systems: The Future of Food
Explore how regenerative agriculture and living soil systems are revolutionizing the future of food production and environmental sustainability. Join pioneering farmers, scientists, and innovators as they share transformative approaches to building resilient food systems that nourish both people and the planet.

Speakers:
• Matthias Berninger, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability, Bayer Foundation
• Luis Camargo, Founder and Director, Opepa
• Juan Ignacio Gerardi, Founder, Bioconexión
• Rose Goslinga, Co-Founder and President, PULA
• Christian Schaub, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Food Brewer

Co-Presented by Bayer Foundation and Food Brewer

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

10:30 – 11:30 am • The Evolving Role of the CEO: Driving Value in 2025 and beyond
Explore how the role of the multinational CEO has evolved amid political polarization, geopolitical risk, and technological change. This session, grounded in research, will examine how CEOs can deliver value and integrate societal impact in today’s challenging landscape.

Speakers:
• Jim O’Leary, Global President and North American CEO, Weber Shandwick

Moderator:
• Stephanie Mehta, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Content Officer, Mansueto Ventures

Presented by Weber Shandwick

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

2:00 – 3:00 pm • Future Proofing Youth
This panel explores systemic approaches to equipping youth with skills, mindset, and opportunities to thrive. Focusing on entrepreneurship and employability, it examines how collaborative ecosystems unlock youth potential and drive inclusive growth.

Speakers:
• Tatiana Houndjo, Global Shaper from Cotonou Hub
• Margaret Meagher, Chief Impact Officer, Crisis Text Line
• Zimkhitha Peter, Chief Executive Officer, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy
• Alnefaie Rakan Turki, General Manager of Research & Innovation, Arweqah

Moderator:
• Nontobeko Mabizela, Chief Executive Officer, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Presented by Crisis Text Line, Allan Orbis Foundation and Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

3:30 – 4:15 pm • Launch of the European Social Enterprise Monitor 2023-2024 Report
Join the launch of the European Social Enterprise Monitor 2023-2024 Report, a collaboration across 31 European countries, national social networks, and universities. This biennial report explores the challenges and needs of social enterprises, focusing on public sector support and private sector engagement through social finance and procurement. The report contributes to the WEF and Schwab Foundation’s 2024 insights and will be launched at the Social Innovation House in Davos.

Moderator:
• Neven Marinovic, President, Euclid Network.

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

4:30 – 5:30 pm • Creating Shared Value: What Corporations and Social Entrepreneurs Can Teach Each Other
This dynamic session explores the powerful intersection of corporate innovation and social entrepreneurship, highlighting strategies to bridge communication gaps and align risk assessments for high-impact investments. Industry leaders and pioneering social entrepreneurs will share proven approaches for integrating inclusive practices into corporate frameworks, driving both sustainable growth and measurable social impact. Learn how successful partnerships between corporations and social enterprises are creating new models for scalable, purpose-driven business solutions.

Speakers:
• Ahmed Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Foundation
• Gaurav Gupta, Global Managing Partner, Dalberg.
• Akshay Saxena, Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Avanti Fellows.

Presented by Emirates Foundation, powered by Dalberg

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

6:00 – 7:00 pm • Generations of Change: Family Businesses Driving Social Innovation
Discover how family businesses are leveraging their unique strengths and multi-generational perspectives to address pressing social and environmental challenges. Join next-generation leaders as they share innovative strategies for transforming family enterprises into powerful catalysts for sustainable impact. Learn how these business leaders are reimagining legacy companies to drive positive change while maintaining long-term value creation across generations.

Speakers:
• Jorge Bermúdez, Co-Founder, Bivien
• Chavalit Frederik Tsao, Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Meditation Session: Cultivating Well-being for Transformative Impact Facilitated by Octave Institute
End your day with a transformative session where mindfulness meets social innovation. Octave Institute leaders will guide participants through powerful grounding and meditation practices designed specifically for changemakers.

Facilitator:
• Susanna Eduini

Presented by TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Registration for this session is required. Please register here to attend

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

Ahmed Al Shamsi
Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Foundation

Ahmed Al Shamsi is Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Foundation, an organization championing volunteerism and corporate citizenship, while also serving as the Director of National Experts Program at the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Previously, he was the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council from 2017 to early 2019 and the first United Arab Emirates United Nations Youth Ambassador.

Gaby Arenas de Meneses
Co-Chief Facilitator, Catalyst Now

Gaby Arenas de Meneses is a pioneering social innovator and entrepreneurial leader with over 15 years of experience catalyzing systemic change. As founder of the TAAP Foundation, she has transformed over 4.7 million lives globally through groundbreaking initiatives in education, peacebuilding, and social innovation. Her work has earned prestigious international recognition, including appointments as Rotary Peace Fellow (2021) and Ashoka Fellow (2014). She was named Social Woman of the Year by She Is Foundation (2020) and served as UN Ambassador for the «Network for Peace» in Latin America.

Gaby has co-founded transformative global initiatives including Catalyst 2030, The Weaving Lab, Colombia Cuida a Colombia, and NetEdu. She holds a Master’s in Development Communications from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and specialized in Peace Studies at Chulalongkorn University. Her expertise in fostering cross-sector collaborations has established her as a thought leader in systems change. Currently, as Co-Chief Facilitator at Catalyst Now, she leads an international team across six continents, promoting innovative solutions for complex social challenges and building bridges between sectors to create lasting global impact.

Su Balasubramanian
International Development and Clinical Mental Health Professional

Su Balasubramanian is an international development and clinical mental health professional with over 20 years of experience in applying human-centered design, social behavior change, and commercial marketing approaches for social impact across global health, gender, and the consumer sectors. Her work spans HIV, gender-based violence, sexual/reproductive health, and mental health/psychosocial support, with roles including strategy consulting, psychotherapy, and leadership in high-impact programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Currently, Su is a psychotherapist supporting clients experiencing trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges and is also a senior strategy consultant and facilitator supporting organizations in the international development sector. She is passionate about integrating mental health into global programming. Su holds an MSW from Columbia University, an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Duke University, and a BSE in Computer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

Nicola Banks
Professor, Global Development University of Manchester Global Development Institute, and Co-Founder, One World Together

Increasingly uncomfortable with researching development NGOs in a fundamentally flawed system, Niki set to work designing a radical new system of giving, free of the inequalities facing the broader charity sector. Working at the University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute she saw the potential of her passionate and committed students in making this a success. 

She describes the not-for-profit as “One World Together” supports communities across the globe. We provide long-term funding that our partners can spend how they want,when they want. Our unrestricted funding model shifts the power to local organisations. We trust that our partners are best-placed to respond to challenges in their areas.”

Claire Barnhoorn
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Solvoz

A lifelong humanitarian, dedicated to implementing authentic systems change, Claire worked with MSF for many years as well as in field offices for leading humanitarian organizations and describes herself as an energetic organisational millipede.

 Her passion for data driven technology to enable a more efficient and sustainable procurement system led her to create Solvoz, a unique open access portal to bring together local suppliers with purchasers from across the globe, increasing markets in low and middle income countries.

With her signature drive and determination she has built Solvoz into an award winning platform,  transforming procurement across the humanitarian, health and aid supply chains across the world.

Camila Batista
COO of Migraflix

Camila Batista is a Brazilian social entrepreneur and the COO of Migraflix, a social enterprise focused on advancing the social and economic inclusion of migrants and refugees across Latin America. She also serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for MYCP, the official platform for youth engagement in intergovernmental processes and at the United Nations. Camila is a fellow of the BMW Foundation, Opportunity Collaboration, and CERC Migration and Integration. She was honored as one of the “150 Voices of Tomorrow” by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

Matthias Berninger
Executive Vice President Public Affairs, Sustainability & Safety, Bayer AG

Christian Schaub is the Co-Founder and CEO of Food Brewer, a pioneering food tech company headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland. Previously, he was the Co-Founder and CEO of Redvax, a biotech startup acquired by a U.S. pharmaceutical company in 2015. He also served as Chairman of Redbiotec, further showcasing his leadership in the biotech sector.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Christian is an active angel investor and startup coach, committed to mentoring the next generation of innovators. An engineer by training, he holds an M.Sc. from ETH Zurich. Christian Schaub brings a unique blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing technology in food, health, and beyond.

Jeroo Billimoria
Founder of One Family Foundation and Catalyst Now

Jeroo Billimoria is the founder of several award-winning NGOs and has over twenty years of experience in running systems change organizations. She is a Skoll awardee, an Ashoka Fellow, and a Schwab Fellow. Among her organizations are Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI) and Aflatoun International. CYFI has built a global network to drive financial inclusion and Economic Citizenship Education for young people in 160+ countries, while Aflatoun has reached over 1 million children in 100 countries with social and financial education. Jeroo also founded Childline India and Child Helpline International, protecting children in 181 countries with over 160 million calls responded to. She now leads One Family Foundation, which incubates social innovations and applies systems change to scale organizations. In June 2019, One Family Foundation launched Catalyst Now.

Alan Braitwhite
Founder, ISEDT

Alan Braithwaite was a highly-respected management and logistics guru before turning his attention and energy to humanitarian issues. He and wife Pat undertook a journey across India in a 3-wheeled Morgan where he first came across the work of Goonj, an innovative and hugely successful NGO. He is an active member of both his local and Catalyst Now communities, and is co-chair of the Disasters Group alongside Meenakshi Gupta, co-founder of Goonj.

Alan was responsible for funding ‘We Don’t Do Charity’ which he describes as his legacy.

Luis Alberto Camargo
Founder and Director of the Organisation for Environmental Education and Protection (OpEPA)

Luis Alberto Camargo is a global leader in social, educational, and environmental innovation, focused on regenerative education, food systems, and community resilience. As Founder and Director of the Organisation for Environmental Education and Protection (OpEPA), he has empowered hundreds of thousands of youth and educators to reconnect with nature. Luis serves as a Governing Council Member and Latin America Co-chair for Catalyst Now, promoting regenerative agriculture and conscious food systems. He is also the South America Vice Chair for the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication and co-leader of initiatives like Colombia Regenerativa and the Regenerative Communities Network.

Recognized globally, Luis has received honors such as the 2023 Richard Louv Prize, the 2011 WISE Award, and recognition as a WEF Young Global Leader, Ashoka, and Salzburg Fellow.

Amanda Campbell
Director, Republica Media

Amanda Campbell is a social impact storyteller, film marker and content creator. A former journalist, magazine editor and author, she produced ‘We Don’t Do Charity’ in 2024 and is now working on pre-production for the next documentary examining the inequity of climate change impact. A Catalyst Now member since 2020, she is a passionate advocate of collective global responsibility.

David Campbell
Producer and Director, Republica Media

David Campbell is a writer and filmmaker originally from the north of Ireland. His latest documentary ‘We Don’t Do Charity’ won a Sunrise award at the Berlin Film Festival. He is adamant that the best documentaries raise questions without preaching, and tell stories with strong characters. “You are never going to change anyone’s view of the world with facts and information – you have to inspire people and create meaning through great storytelling.”

Mauricio Campos
Founder of CamposSuarez

Mauricio’s journey as a transformative leader spans over 20 years, encompassing healthcare, technology, leadership development, and innovation across more than 40 countries. With a background as an engineer, MBA, and certified Integral™ (ICF PCC) and Systemic Senior Team Coach, he integrates inner development with business strategy through cultural transformation. After holding pivotal roles in large global corporations, Mauricio now collaborates with organizations and supports leaders as an independent coach and transformation catalyst. His dedication to organizational and leadership transformation fuels his drive to elevate awareness and create a better world. Deeply committed to fostering the sustainability shift needed to address humanity’s most pressing challenges, Mauricio supports companies globally from his base in Switzerland. As a father of two and a long-time yoga and mindfulness practitioner, he aims to help leaders and organizations embrace change, expand their purpose, enhance well-being, and drive personal and systemic transformation in a rapidly evolving world.

Carolina Deik
First Lady and Social Manager of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá

Carolina Deik is an accomplished attorney and legal scholar with extensive academic and professional credentials. She holds an LL.M. from Harvard Law School and a Ph.D. from a joint program between the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and Universidad Externado de Colombia. As the founder and director of Deik Acostamadiedo Abogados, she leads a law firm specializing in public and private law with a strategic problem-solving approach.

Her academic contributions include teaching positions at several prestigious Colombian universities, including Universidad Javeriana, Los Andes, Santo Tomás, and Externado. She has authored multiple books on administrative law and government contracting, establishing herself as an authority in these fields.

Currently serving as First Lady of Bogotá (2024-2027), Diana is committed to fostering a more equitable, just, and prosperous city. Her vision focuses on creating lasting transformative change and building a safer, more dignified future for all of Bogotá’s residents.

Olga Diakova
Co-Founder, Impact Force

Olga Diakova is the co-founder of Impact Force, a pioneering Ukrainian women-led non-profit driving social behavioral change and fostering economic opportunities. Impact Force’s flagship programs include «Restart Mindset,» the «Impact Business Accelerator,» «Innovators in Energy Efficiency for Ukraine,» and the women’s online academy «Dream and Achieve.» A social innovator and business leader, Olga has a 20-year legacy in organizations like How Women Lead, Slow Food Ukraine, and the David Lynch Foundation’s Ukrainian Chapter. She graduated with distinction from the KMBS School of Strategic Architecture in 2024, focusing on national ecosystem projects, and completed leadership programs at the Aspen Institute Kyiv and the Swedish Institute. Her accolades include the Ukrainian-French Queen Anne Award, «Honor of the Nation.» With a Master’s in Cybernetics from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Olga is dedicated to empowering women, advancing mental well-being, and advocating for sustainable food systems. Her visionary leadership inspires positive transformation and social impact globally.

José Correa
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Startup & Co

José Correa Pernas is a prominent professional in the field of sustainability and entrepreneurship in Spain. He is the founder of Sustainable Startup & Co, an organization that promotes sustainable development processes within Spain’s socio-economic ecosystem, leveraging a community of entrepreneurs to accelerate change effectively.

Additionally, Correa Pernas has held significant roles in integrating the 2030 Agenda into local entities. He has collaborated as an advisor for the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), bringing his expertise to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the municipal level.

His participation in sustainability events and symposiums is noteworthy. For instance, during the «I Simposio Ecoisla Gran Canaria 2030,» he contributed to the discussion on the 2030 Agenda at a national level, sharing his insights on sustainable development strategies.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, Correa Pernas served as the director of the Móstoles Impact Entrepreneurship Booster (Mieb), an initiative by the Móstoles City Council aimed at transforming the south of Madrid into a hub for scalable startups, fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs and local companies.

His career reflects an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and business development, positioning him as a significant figure in these fields in Spain.

Cheryl L. Dorsey
President of Echoing Green

Cheryl L. Dorsey is the president of Echoing Green, a nonprofit supporting emerging social entrepreneurs. She became the first Echoing Green Fellow to lead the organization in 2002. Cheryl is also a social innovator, founding The Family Van, a mobile health unit in Boston, through her 1992 Echoing Green Fellowship. She has served as a White House Fellow in two presidential administrations and held roles at the U.S. Department of Labor. Cheryl serves on boards including The Bridgespan Group and the Skoll Foundation. She holds a medical degree from Harvard Medical School, a master’s in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a bachelor’s from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges. Cheryl advocates for racial justice and equity in philanthropy, co-authoring the 2020 report «Racial Equity and Philanthropy.» She has received numerous awards, including the Pfizer Roerig History of Medicine Award and Robert Kennedy Distinguished Public Service Award. In 2019, she was named a Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Thought Leader.

Susana Eduini
Breathwork Master Trainer

Susanna is a Breathwork Master Trainer with over 30 years of experience and a professional coach specializing in Executive Development, Career Development, and Self-Actualization Coaching. She has a proven track record in the wellness, training, and coaching industry, working with an international clientele. As an author and TEDx speaker, her work blends ancient and modern approaches, integrating breathwork, coaching, neuroscience, myth, folk tales, and anthropology to help individuals shape their lives. Susanna holds a certification in Neuro-Semantics and has co-authored three best-selling books on vegan lifestyle and raw food in Italy. Inspired by Abraham Maslow’s quote «Impossible means you haven’t found the solution yet,» she combines success stories, decades of research, and her personal experiences in the USA, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia. Her goal is to help people become more motivated, passionate, and successful with a renewed sense of purpose and personal excellence.

Dr. Elftheria Egel
Board Member, One Planet Education Networks

An experienced entrepreneur, scholar, and startup advisor, dedicated to unlocking the power of inner growth for outer change.I have spent the past decade navigating the intersection of entrepreneurship and academia. As a visionary thinker and master architect of ideas, I specialise in challenging assumptions, fostering innovative perspectives, and pushing the limits of possibility. My academic work is centered on social sustainability, fuelled by a deep passion for uncovering how social conditioning influences meaning-making processes that can constrain human potential and growth.

Brian Gallagher
Founding Partner, Abundance Circle

Brian Gallagher is the Founder and CEO of Leargas Group, focusing on social capital, digital technology, racial justice, equity, and impact investing. He co-founded the Abundance Circle, which created a multi-sector approach to impact investing, using systems thinking, conscious capital, and a biomimicry lens. Gallagher also co-founded Donorful, a company that connects philanthropy with results-driven non-profits through a trusted network of local United Ways and Community Foundations.

Gallagher served as CEO of United Way Worldwide for 19 years, transforming the organization into the world’s largest privately supported non-profit. He established new membership standards and shifted United Way’s mission from fundraising to measurable community impact. Under his leadership, United Way expanded to 40 countries globally.

Gallagher has shared his expertise with organizations like the World Economic Forum, OECD, United Nations, Harvard Business School, and Yale School of Management.

Fredrik Galtung
Co-Chief Facilitator Catalyst Now

Fredrik Galtung is a leader in international development with over two decades of experience transforming governance, accountability, and community empowerment. As Founder and CEO of TrueFootprint, he pioneers innovative approaches to regenerative agriculture by centering community agencies and facilitating collaborations between project developers and global food businesses.

His groundbreaking work at TrueFootprint combines community-driven development with cutting-edge technology, generating trusted consumer insights from over 100 million users across 60 markets. A founding member of Transparency International, Fredrik also co-founded Integrity Action, which has revolutionized bottom-up monitoring of development projects, impacting over 3.4 million people through partnerships with governments, corporations, and development agencies.

Recognized as an Ashoka Fellow, Fredrik’s expertise extends to academia and capacity building, where he has trained hundreds of social entrepreneurs and government officials in integrity reforms leadership. Currently, as Catalyst Now, Co-Chief Facilitator, he continues to pioneer approaches that bridge community empowerment, technological innovation, and sustainable development, establishing new paradigms for accountability and social impact in global markets.

Juan Ignacio Gerardi
Bioconexión

Juan Ignacio Gerardi es un innovador social, emprendedor y promotor de prácticas regenerativas en el ámbito de la producción y el desarrollo comunitario. Fundador de BIOCONEXION, donde trabaja en resignificar el rol del agricultor en la sociedad, junto a comunidades originarias y destacados chefs, promueve sistemas más sostenibles y justos en toda la cadena de valor alimentaria.

Ha liderado iniciativas de alto impacto como Guardianes de Semillas y ha colaborado con figuras de la gastronomía mundial en proyectos que integran sostenibilidad, tradición y creatividad. Con una experiencia diversa que incluye el desarrollo de productos innovadores y la gestión estratégica en empresas, Juan Ignacio ha impulsado cambios significativos en la relación entre la producción agrícola, la industria de la hospitalidad y el consumidor final. 

Con una visión que combina estrategia, innovación y valores humanos, Juan Ignacio busca inspirar a otros a repensar la manera en que nos conectamos con los alimentos, el medio ambiente y las comunidades.

Rose Goslinga
President of PULA

Rose Goslinga is the President of Pula, a company transforming agricultural insurance by scaling climate insurance for smallholder farmers in 23 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Since 2015, Pula has insured over 5 million farmers through partnerships with governments, input providers, and lenders.

With an MSc in Political Economy of Development and a BSc in Business and Economics, Rose has 15 years of experience in agriculture and insurance. She is a Rainer Arnhold Fellow, a TED speaker, and has received several awards, including the Financial Times/IFC Award for Sustainable Finance and InsureTech 3.0. Rose is recognized for her innovative work in scaling insurance solutions for smallholder farmers facing climate risks.

Gaurav Gupta
Global Managing Partner, Dalberg

Gaurav is the Global Managing Partner of Dalberg Advisors, leading its direction and global strategy. He advises major philanthropies, supports corporations in aligning with global development goals. He previously led Dalberg’s Climate and MEL practices. Outside Dalberg, he serves on the board of Educate Girls. Gaurav holds degrees from Oxford (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) and Yale (Development Economics).

Ross Hall
Education Portfolio Lead, Fondation Botnar

Ross is Lead of the Education Portfolio for Fondation Botnar, modelling a system change architecture that ensures every child is developing holistically and communities are learning to thrive together. This builds on his groundbreaking work in Ghana and Colombia with the Jacobs Foundation.

Ross is passionate about weaving multi-stakeholder collaborations that transform education systems so that the development of wisdom becomes the central purpose. In this way, he hopes to see a world in which whole communities are becoming equipped and inclined to care for themselves, each other, and the planet. Ross is a co-founder of The Weaving Lab, a global community who are aiming to advance ‘weaving’ as a leadership practice and profession that is essential for collaborative system change. Ross incubated The Weaving Lab while leading Ashoka’s global education strategy for 5 years.

Before that, he designed the Learner Guide & Better World Programmes with Camfed, empowering 500,000 young people across Zimbabwe and Tanzania to be well and do well. This extended the Education for Economic and Social Development project that he conceived while leading Pearson’s international qualifications business, using it to evaluate the effectiveness of education systems internationally. Before joining Pearson, Ross spent 15 years designing and launching 20 businesses on 5 continents.

Badr Jafar
Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, UAE

Badr Jafar is the CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum, the first independent petroleum company in the Middle East. He also chairs Gulftainer, the largest privately-owned container port operator, and Pearl Petroleum, the largest natural gas producer in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As COP28 Special Representative for Business and Philanthropy, he chaired the inaugural COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, raising $7 billion for climate action.

Badr is active in humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, serving on boards like the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing and the UNESCO International Commission on Education. He founded the Pearl Initiative to promote transparency and accountability in the Gulf and is the Founding Patron of the Centre for Strategic Philanthropy at Cambridge. Badr holds a Master’s in Engineering from Cambridge and a Business Degree from the Cambridge Judge Business School.

Faiz Kamaludin
Founder of AstroX

Dr. Faiz Kamaludin is a social innovator and advocate for transformative change, blending over 30 years of experience in aviation with a passion for empowering communities. As Co-Chair of Catalyst Now ASEAN and Malaysian chapter and founder of initiatives like AstroX and Spacevio, he champions collaborative solutions to global challenges through education, innovation, and sustainability. With a PhD in Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, Dr. Faiz’s work focuses on fostering equitable ecosystems and driving progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning him recognition for his impactful contributions to social change.

Lala Lovera
Co-Founder and Director, Comparte por una Vida

Lala Lovera brings over 20 years of experience in the social sector, focusing on the well-being of children, youth, and families across Latin America. A fellow of Acumen Colombia 2024, she has been recognized by USAID Colombia for her expertise in designing gender-focused projects aligned with SDG 5: Gender Equality. Honored as a «2022 Emerging Leader» by the Tällberg Foundation, Lala serves on nonprofit boards in Colombia, the US, and Europe. As co-founder of Fundación Comparte and Closing the Gap Foundation, she led the award-winning «Quédate en la Escuela» model to reduce school dropout rates among migrant children. Lala has also managed programs at Fundación Casa de la Madre y el Niño in Bogotá, focusing on adoption and family reunification.

A Venezuelan migrant in Colombia for over 15 years, Lala holds degrees in Education and Social Management. Her current work focuses on building inclusive networks and addressing inequality gaps in migrant and host communities, with plans to expand her model across Latin America.

Jackie Maalouf
Vice President, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Founder and President, DiaLeb

Dr. Jackie K. Maalouf is the Co-Chair of MENA and founder of the Lebanon Chapter at Catalyst Now, serving on the Catalyst Governing Council since 2022. She is Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for 2023-2025 and president of DiaLeb, Lebanon’s National Diabetes Organization, which she co-founded in 2011. Dr. Maalouf is dedicated to promoting sustainable health, organizing awareness campaigns, and developing programs for those living with diabetes. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Relations & Communications from the University of Corllins, Virginia, USA. An educator at the American University of Beirut and AUCE, Dr. Maalouf is a passionate advocate for social innovation. Fluent in four languages, she excels in fostering global communication and collaboration. Guided by the principle “Being the Change,” she has earned multiple awards for her dedication to empowering communities and driving positive social change.

Stephanie Mehta
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Content Officer, Mansueto Ventures

Stephanie Mehta is chief executive officer and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures, publisher of Inc. and Fast Company. She previously served as editor-in-chief of Fast Company, where she oversaw digital, print, and live journalism. Under her leadership Fast Company was a National Magazine Award finalist in design for three years in a row, and the title added two new annual conferences. She has worked as a writer and editor at Vanity Fair, Bloomberg Media, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal.

Ricardo Neves
Co-Founder of the 50+ Chapter

Ricardo Neves is a social entrepreneur and consultant specializing in Strategy, Communication, and Social Marketing. An Ashoka Fellow from Brazil’s first cohort, he has been a long-time advocate for innovative solutions to social challenges. Based in Berlin since 2020, he joined Catalyst Now, co-founding the 50plus Chapter and serving as Co-Chair of the Europe Chapter. He runs Lifelong, a consultancy helping pension funds and insurance companies navigate demographic shifts and longevity challenges.

An engineer by training and a communicator by passion, Neves holds degrees in Electronic Engineering, an MSc in Production Engineering, and a Diploma in Advanced Studies in Communication Sciences. As an author, he has published nine books on innovation and systemic transformation, including The New Longevity: Reinventing Retirement (2024).

Vaishali Nigam Sinha
Co-founder of ReNew

Vaishali Nigam Sinha is the Co-founder of ReNew, a leading NASDAQ-listed decarbonization solutions company. She has positioned ReNew as a global ESG leader, advancing Net-Zero goals and impactful ESG strategies. As the Founding Chair of the ReNew Foundation, she spearheads the ReNew India Initiative, positively impacting over a million lives in India.

Vaishali serves as Co-Chair of the B20 Finance and Infrastructure Task Force under G20 Brazil and is an active member of the World Economic Forum’s South Asia Regional Action Group, CEO Climate Leaders Alliance, and the 1 Trillion Trees Initiative. She chairs the South Asia Women in Energy (SAWIE) and sits on boards like the UN Global Compact Network India and Columbia University’s SIPA Advisory Board.

A sought-after speaker at global forums, Vaishali writes extensively on sustainability, energy transition, and gender equality. She co-edited the T20 compendium Pathways to Equality and has received accolades such as Fortune India’s ‘50 Most Powerful Women’ (2024) and Edie’s ‘Sustainability Leader of the Year’ (2024). Vaishali holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Columbia University and completed the Owners and Presidents Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Jim O’Leary
Global President and North American CEO, Weber Shandwick

Jim O’Leary advises CEOs on how to navigate complex challenges at the intersection of business, society, culture and policy. As CEO of The Weber Shandwick Collective, North America, and Global President, he has oversight of all major global markets including EMEA, APAC and LATAM.b Prior to joining Weber in 2023, O’Leary spent 15 years at Edelman, where he served in a number of U.S. and global leadership roles with escalating responsibility, including U.S. Chief Operating Officer, Global Chair of Impact & ESG, and Corporate Affairs Practice Chair.  O’Leary is a longtime counselor to CEOs and their boards in business-critical situations. His clients have included Walgreens, McDonald’s, McKinsey & Company, PayPal, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Bombardier, and Raytheon. 

 Prior to joining Edelman, Jim served as a communications leader and on-the-record spokesperson for Honeywell. He has been recognized in PRWeek’s Dashboard 25 as one of the industry’s most innovative professionals and was previously named to PRWeek’s «40 Under 40».

Amit Pradhan
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rainfall

Amit is a visionary founder, investor, and speaker committed to leveraging frontier technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Quantum computing to address global challenges and create lasting positive impact. As the Founder and CEO of Rainfall, he leads the development of Self Sovereign AI, an approach that prioritizes user privacy, empowerment, and economic benefits, fundamentally rethinking how technology can enhance lives.

Through JetVentures, Amit invests in startups using exponential technologies to drive inclusion, create access, and solve pressing problems, with a focus on empowering vulnerable and disconnected populations. As the former President of the Silicon Valley Blockchain Society, he championed responsible innovation in the decentralized ecosystem and its convergence with AI.

He serves on the boards of organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council and the BMW Mobility Council and is a mentor to founders worldwide. Amit’s work centers on sustainable progress, inclusion, and creating a net positive impact for humanity.

Shanti Raghavan
Co-Founder, EnAble India

Shanti’s lived experience with her brother becoming blind at the age of 15 resulted in starting EnAble India 25 years ago. She has pioneered livelihoods of people with disabilities across 21 disability types. This has resulted in a shift in narratives about persons with disability as valuable members of society, active citizens, taxpayers, change makers and nation builders. Her organization EnAble India has impacted 500,000 stakeholders across 28 states in India and more than 42 countries including Mauritius, Chile, Ethiopia. Enable India has helped businesses and governments through scalable models, frameworks, products and platforms She now works for systems change at population scale and is using DPI to unlock a new economy centered around disability giving rise to economic growth and job creation. She calls this “purple economy” purple being color for disability. She has also pioneered the IncludAbility Quotient(TM) which enables leaders to maximize value across their teams.

 Shanti was identified by Business Today as one of the Most Powerful Women in Business in 2017. She has done her MS in Computer Science and has corporate experience in companies such as AT&T, Bell Labs, ADP, CyberCash, GE Aircraft Engines. Her mantra is “I see me in you” and sees value in every human!

Luvuyo Rani
Founder and CEO of Silulo Ulutho Technologies

Luvuyo Rani is a South African social entrepreneur and business leader, founder and CEO of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, a company established in 2004 to provide technology-driven solutions and education to underserved communities. The company bridges the digital divide through digital training, mobile solutions, and tech-based services, empowering individuals and small businesses in marginalized areas.

Under Rani’s leadership, Silulo Ulutho Technologies has made significant strides in promoting digital literacy and entrepreneurship. In 2024, he became Executive Director of Africa Forward, a pan-African movement supporting social enterprises across the continent. Rani is committed to advancing Africa’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem, addressing challenges like poverty, unemployment, and inequality through innovative business models. His leadership is driving innovation, economic inclusion, and a sustainable future for Africa.

Daisy Rosales
Founder and Executive Director, Brio

Daisy Rosales is a social entrepreneur dedicated to expanding dignity and agency through mental health. She is the founder of Brio, an international nonprofit that partners with civil society leaders to design mental health programs that strengthen psychological flexibility at scale. Since 2018, Brio’s initiatives have directly helped 134,000 people in Latin America, Asia, and the United States, and are on track to benefiting 5 million people by 2030 through government partnership.

Daisy writes and speaks about global mental health innovation, and co-chairs the Mental Health Collaboration at Catalyst Now. She is an Acumen Fellow, One Young World Ambassador, and Yale Entrepreneurial Fellow. Her work has been published in Poets and Quants and Stanford Social Innovation Review. She holds a BA cum laude from Harvard and an MBA from Yale.

Maria José Rubio
Co-Founder, Compromiso Bogotá

Maria Jose Rubio de Hart has dedicated over 30 years to addressing inequity and fostering systemic change. Her career spans microfinance, education, and collaborative networks. She led impactful initiatives in microfinance, including directing a foundation, spearheading Colombia’s UN International Year of Microcredit (2005), and confounding Redesarrollo. Later, at Fundación Carulla-aeioTU, she built partnerships with organizations like the LEGO Foundation and Grand Challenges and advocated for Colombia’s Early Childhood Development Law (2016).

In 2020, Maria Jose co-founded Colombia Cares for Colombia (CCC) and Toynovo. CCC drives collective action over individualism and incubates initiatives like Compromiso Bogotá together with Compromiso Valle, Skoll Foundation and USAID. Toynovo, a B Corp, recognized by Uplink (WEF), promotes learning and positive relationships through play.

Maria Jose’s work continues to promote equity through connection, action, and systemic solutions; she is currently focused on Compromiso Bogotá, fostering networks of collective leadership to create opportunities for underserved communities in collaboration with businesspeople, social organizations and the city of Bogotá.

Kamilah Sanders
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Than Equal

Kamilah Sanders is an award-winning Global Strategist and Ecosystem Weaver with over 25 years of experience in marketing and executive leadership. She is the CEO of Greater Than Equal, an action-driven think tank helping leaders maximize their impact through self-awareness and strategic action. As an advisor and ecosystem builder, Kamilah specializes in helping leaders realize their vision for impact by facilitating large-scale projects and curating events that redefine the future of global collaboration connecting diverse networks, shifting power dynamics, and accelerating social innovation.

Kamilah is the visionary behind HauteLink, which leverages technology to build interconnected ecosystems and drive future-focused innovation. As a prominent voice in technology, sustainability, and leadership, she co-hosts AI for Creatives podcast and hosts Fashion Futurist, which explores the intersections of humanity and technology while serving as an innovation-driven communication platform drawing on emerging technology to future proof social impact.

As a member of the Governing Council for Catalyst Now, she facilitates collaborations that accelerate social innovation and equity-driven change. Known for her ability to navigate complex systems, Kamilah’s mission is to connect disparate groups and amplify the voices of marginalized communities for real world impact.

Christian Schaub
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Food Brewer

Christian Schaub is the Co-Founder and CEO of Food Brewer, a pioneering food tech company headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland. Previously, he was the Co-Founder and CEO of Redvax, a biotech startup acquired by a U.S. pharmaceutical company in 2015. He also served as Chairman of Redbiotec, further showcasing his leadership in the biotech sector.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Christian is an active angel investor and startup coach, committed to mentoring the next generation of innovators. An engineer by training, he holds an M.Sc. from ETH Zurich. Christian Schaub brings a unique blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing technology in food, health, and beyond.

Chavalit Frederik Tsao
Chairman, TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)

Chavalit Frederick Tsao is the fourth-generation steward of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee), a family business with over 120 years of history. After studying at the University of Michigan, he joined the family business at age 20 and became chairman at 37. In 1995, he founded the East West Cultural Development Centre to explore global sustainability challenges, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to foster leadership. He transformed TPC into a purpose-led, well-being-focused organization, aiming to create both wealth and positive impact. Chavalit oversees three nonprofits: The No. 17 Foundation, Restore Nature Foundation, and OCTAVE Institute, all working to restore nature and relationships. Through TPC, he leads initiatives to create value for the flourishing of life, integrating sustainability and social responsibility into business practices. He remains dedicated to TPC’s mission of balancing economic success with societal and environmental well-being.

Mary Ann Tsao
Chairwoman, Tsao Foundation

Mary Ann Tsao is the founder of the Tsao Foundation, dedicated to promoting longevity and ageing in place in Singapore. A pioneer in ageing initiatives since 1993, she was named by the UN as one of ‘The Healthy Ageing 50’ in 2022. The Tsao Foundation provides integrated medical and psycho-social care for older people, with programs like ComSA (Community for Successful Ageing), launched in 2013. Mary Ann transitioned from a pediatrician in the U.S. to public health, impacting systems change to improve care accessibility. Born in 1955, her family fled Shanghai for Hong Kong, where her father built a business. Inspired by her aunt, economist Linda Tsao Yang, she advocates for women’s empowerment. Mary Ann’s research led to the Hua Mei Mobile Clinic (1993) and Hua Mei Seniors Clinic (1996), models for healthy ageing. Her work has earned awards like Singapore’s Public Service Star and recognition from WHO and HelpAge.

Alexandra van der Ploeg
Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), SAP

Alexandra van der Ploeg is SAP’s Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In this capacity, she is entrusted with shaping the strategic direction of SAP’s CSR initiatives, aimed at fulfilling the company’s overarching purpose of «helping the world run better and improving people’s lives.» She does this through strategic partnerships and programs that yield both sustainable social impact and long-term business value. Alexandra also manages corporate giving, employee engagement, and the development of multi-stakeholder partnerships, an area for which she has a special affinity.

Joining SAP in 1999, Alexandra initially took on a role in SAP Switzerland, focusing on management development. Over the next decade, she transitioned through various managerial roles within the Human Resources department. In 2010, she moved to the CSR organization and has since been responsible for developing and managing multiple global CSR programs. These include establishing an infrastructure for social business in Haiti and creating various pro-bono consulting programs, such as the SAP Social Sabbatical Portfolio.

Beyond her role at SAP, Alexandra co-chairs the Corporate Leadership Council of WEF’s Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship. She holds an MBA from Henley Business School in Great Britain.