Our Candidates 2026

Zahra is a physician, Chevening Scholar, and health policy advocate advancing equitable healthcare in underserved and conflict-affected communities. At 15, she launched community-led initiatives to support internally displaced families affected by ISIS. Through fundraising campaigns, advocacy, and mobilising local networks, she helped connect underserved families in Baghdad with essential medical support and healthcare services. She now uses her experience in clinical medicine, research, and preventive health initiatives to bridge healthcare, policy, and systems-level change.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“I believe ESG matters because the greatest challenges we face, from health inequities to climate change, require collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. My work in medicine, global health, and health policy has shown me that meaningful innovation is not only about advancing science, but also about improving access, reducing disparities, and ensuring solutions are sustainable for both people and the planet. Whether developing more sustainable healthcare practices or strengthening health systems, I have seen that lasting impact comes from responsible leadership and a commitment to equity. To me, ESG is not simply a framework; it is a mindset that inspires us to innovate ethically, act with purpose, and create healthier, more resilient communities for future generations.”

Yesenia is a science activist committed to strengthening the bioeconomy through research and education. Her doctoral work develops eco-friendly alternatives to control phytopathogens in peanut crops. She plans to return to Bolivia after completing her PhD and dedicate her career to finding sustainable solutions to protect the country’s most valuable food crops. Beyond the lab, she tutors for Chicas Waskiri and Tu Beca Bolivia and serves as Bolivia’s National Director of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“For me, ESG is the bridge between science and real impact: generating knowledge isn’t enough, it must translate into solutions that protect the environment, strengthen communities, and promote responsible leadership. My doctoral research seeks sustainable solutions for food agriculture, a direct contribution to the environmental pillar. As National Director of IAAS Bolivia, I drive the internationalization and exchange of agricultural science students, strengthening global networks of training and collaboration. As Communications Coordinator at OWSD Argentina, I promote greater visibility and leadership for women scientists in developing countries. Being recognized as a Rising Star in ESG would validate that science done with purpose, from the laboratory to the scientific and student communities I champion, can drive measurable, sustainable change for the planet and for people, regardless of their origin.”

Virginia creates community-based cultural initiatives that strengthen Indigenous identity, women’s participation, and youth engagement in Nicaragua’s Caribbean region. Through her collective, Yapti Prana, and collaborative projects, she promotes cultural preservation as a tool for social inclusion, economic empowerment, and intergenerational learning. Her initiatives support Indigenous women through traditional handicrafts, textiles, gastronomy, and community workshops that create opportunities for cultural and economic engagement.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“Building inclusive networks, creating mentorship opportunities, and investing in local women leaders can transform communities and create lasting impact. When women support one another across cultures and borders, they exchange ideas, strengthen resilience, and inspire the next generation of changemakers. ESG is strongest when it reflects diverse experiences and perspectives. By recognizing and empowering women from all backgrounds, especially those working at the grassroots level, we create more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable societies for everyone.”

Victoria is a communications professional advancing community-driven solutions in water governance, climate resilience, public health, and civic accountability. She is the founder of the Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament, a youth-led platform empowering young people to participate in environmental governance by addressing pollution and environmental degradation. She plans to scale the Kisumu WASH Infohub into a data and accountability platform that can support evidence-based advocacy and citizen participation across East Africa.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“As a young woman working at the intersection of water, climate, and community development, I have seen firsthand that women are powerful drivers of ESG hence to inspire more women in ESG, we must make leadership visible by celebrating women who are creating change in their communities and showing that their voices matter in shaping sustainable futures.

We must also invest in platforms that connect women across generations, sectors, and geographies, enabling them to share knowledge, mentor one another, and access opportunities. When women are empowered with skills, networks, and a seat at the decision-making table, they bring innovative, inclusive, and lasting solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. The future of ESG depends on ensuring that more women are not only part of the conversation but are leading it.”

After a late ADHD diagnosis, Vicky founded The Eureka Project to support neurodivergent girls who have been historically overlooked. She authored and designed a comprehensive toolkit that has reached over 100,000 teachers and up to 1 million students. She has presented at neurodiversity conferences at Stanford and, after finishing school, she plans to pursue a psychology degree. Her goal is to engage in community-centered entrepreneurship, creating services that improve the lives of disabled individuals.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG means everything, especially as a young person. To me, ESG is a framework of hope, a hope for the future we are inheriting; it is a testament to our strife towards a better world, whether through environmental, social or governmental change. Not only that, ESG shows young people that stakes in ESG sectors matter, hence inspiring us to consider an interest or career in these areas, which I believe is more important now than ever.”

Valy is an ecologist delivering data-driven solutions to improve waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable urban systems as the co-founder and CEO of Econox. Since 2019, she has managed the Plastic Free Laos Label, a flagship initiative that reduces single-use plastic consumption within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Her influence extends into the legislative sphere through her collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, spearheading national guidelines for ‘Plastic Free Offices’ and waste banks.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“To invest in women is to invest in a sustainable world. Women are playing important roles in various areas in the development, as well as ESG. Highlighting women who are driving ground-level change, whether in circular economy startups, conservation fieldwork, or policy advisory, shows that everyone is capable of taking part in leading and it requires partnership from all sectors to succeed. Inspiration only goes so far without access. We need dedicated spaces where women in ESG can share their points of view, technical insights, navigate complex policy frameworks, and exchange practical tools, turning shared passion into actions. When we champion women, we build more resilient communities and a truly inclusive future for all.”

Thanya’s career has merged academic leadership and research on sustainability and resilience. In 2020, she contributed to a project examining plastic pollution on Sri Lankan beaches. She is now completing a PhD at the University of Huddersfield on stakeholder engagement for managing corporate climate risks. She worked on Huddersfield’s CCA-DRR initiative, part of an international research training network designed to strengthen climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Since 2018, she has also lectured in Accounting at the University of Ruhuna.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“There was no single defining moment, but rather a gradual realisation shaped by my upbringing and academic journey. Growing up in Sri Lanka with Buddhist values and with both my parents working as agricultural academics, I developed an early appreciation for nature, compassion for others, and the importance of fairness and responsible governance. These values later shaped my academic interests in corporate governance and sustainability.

A defining shift came during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, when I began exploring how businesses respond to environmental and societal challenges and realised the important role they can play in shaping sustainable futures. This inspired me to pursue doctoral research on corporate climate adaptation, examining how companies and their stakeholders can engage to manage climate risks. Seeing how climate change affects businesses, its dependents, and ecosystems has strengthened my commitment to an ESG career that bridges research, education, and practice to create meaningful impact.”

Tawonga is an agripreneur and environmental advocate driving innovation at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, the circular economy, and community development. At SeedBiz, she has built a model that addresses two critical challenges – poor organic waste management and the high cost of agricultural inputs – by transforming waste into affordable livestock feed and organic fertiliser to support over 300 farmers. Her work building resilient food systems has been recognised with a 2026 Global Citizen Prize and She Leads African Food Futures Fellowship.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG-related career?
“My journey into ESG began on a poultry farm, not in a boardroom. As I struggled with rising feed costs, I also saw tonnes of organic waste being discarded every day. I couldn’t ignore the contradiction, we had one problem harming farmers and another harming the environment, yet both could be solved together. Discovering Black Soldier Fly technology changed everything. It showed me that organic waste could be transformed into sustainable livestock feed and organic fertilizer, reducing waste while making farming more affordable and resilient. That moment reshaped my purpose. I realized entrepreneurship could be a force for environmental restoration, food security, and inclusive economic growth. Today, through SeedBiz, I am building a circular agriculture business that proves sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, creating opportunities for farmers, women, and young people across Africa.”

Tatiana is a legal professional, education entrepreneur, and public policy advocate working across the UK and Ukraine. As a leader within Ukraine’s Youth Councils, she contributes to international cooperation, youth engagement, digital transformation, and policy development initiatives. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Education 4U LTD, supporting students and families to access higher education opportunities. Alongside her educational work, she provides legal and practical guidance to Ukrainian and vulnerable communities navigating immigration, public services, education, and institutional systems.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because long-term progress is impossible without responsible leadership, social inclusion and accountable governance. It is not simply a reporting framework; it is a practical way to ensure that economic growth creates value for people, communities and future generations. Through my work in education, law and youth policy, I have seen how access to opportunity, ethical decision-making and meaningful participation can transform lives. ESG encourages organisations to look beyond short-term results and consider their wider impact on society and the environment. For me, its greatest value lies in connecting ambition with responsibility — helping businesses and institutions become more resilient, transparent and inclusive while contributing to sustainable development.”

Soraiya leads digital transformation across 4C Group hotels, streamlining operations and enhancing guest experiences. She drives sustainable strategy adoption, fosters an environmentally responsible culture, and integrates renewable energy solutions into operations. Beyond the organisation, Soraiya is an active contributor to hospitality’s wider sustainability conversation, and she has partnered with the University of Surrey to create opportunities for students to share knowledge and apply their learning in practice.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“We can inspire and connect more women by creating a community where they feel recognised, supported and encouraged to learn from one another across sectors, disciplines and stages of their careers. Honest peer networks can help women share experiences, build confidence and see how sustainability and positive impact can become part of their own leadership journey.

This is not only about encouraging more women into dedicated ESG roles. It is also about showing that ESG can sit at the heart of any leadership position, whether in finance, operations, development, technology or people.

Through greater visibility, meaningful project ownership, mentoring, speaking opportunities and active sponsorship, we can help more women influence the decisions that shape businesses and society. By celebrating women who are already leading with purpose, we can inspire others to see ESG not as an additional responsibility, but as a core part of effective leadership.”

Shreeya is a climate technology leader moving climate technology from concept to implementation and driving industrial decarbonisation across hard-to-abate sectors, including cement, steel, and power. With experience spanning sustainable finance, ESG research, and carbon capture, she is committed to ensuring ESG is science-based, transparent, and accountable. Shreeya is an international speaker, published researcher, and advocate advancing practical, science-based climate solutions through industry, policy, and innovation.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“I don’t think anyone falls in love with the letters E, S and G. I certainly didn’t. I fell in love with a question: Can we build prosperity without leaving someone else to pay the price?

That question followed me everywhere, from standing in coal mines and industrial plants to sitting in boardrooms discussing billion-dollar decisions. I realised every business leaves footprints. Some become jobs, forests and stronger communities. Others become pollution, distrust and problems that our children inherit. For me, ESG isn’t about reporting. It’s about deciding what kind of footprint we want to leave.”

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“We need to stop inspiring women only through stories of success and start connecting them to opportunities while they’re still building their careers.
In ESG, we often say we want more women leaders. But the truth is, many organisations are still hesitant to put young women on factory floors, mine sites, manufacturing units or high-impact technical projects. Then, ten years later, we wonder why there aren’t enough women in leadership.

If we genuinely want to inspire more women, the answer isn’t another panel discussion. It’s mentorship, sponsorship and, most importantly, trust. Give women difficult assignments early. Let them make decisions. Let them fail. That’s how leaders are created. You can’t keep asking where the women leaders are if you’re unwilling to create them.”

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“I don’t think there was one dramatic moment where I woke up and thought, “I’m going to work in ESG.” Like most graduates, I was focused on building a career, becoming financially independent and making my family proud. However, everything changed when I started working on the ground, in coal mines, manufacturing plants and industries that power our economy.

That’s where I realised the biggest environmental conversations aren’t happening on social media. They’re happening in boardrooms deciding billion-dollar investment. During my work on mine restoration, one thought stayed with me: Can development and responsibility grow together, or do we always have to choose one over the other?

Since then, whether I’ve worked on decarbonising industries, carbon markets, ESG or climate-tech innovation, I’ve been chasing the same answer, that growth shouldn’t come at the cost of people or the planet”

Rosamaría leads UNDP’s Insurance & Risk Finance Facility in Mexico, designing inclusive financial protection mechanisms that reach 6M+ vulnerable people across Latin America. She pioneers gender-responsive insurance and climate adaptive social protection, ensuring that gender, biodiversity, and climate resilience become standard tenets of insurance products. As co-founder of Incubadora Míticas, she has been instrumental in training 2,400+ leaders, building a mentorship network of women, and embedding gender-responsive policies in large companies.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“I entered law with a mission: transform lives through the public sector and development. Halfway through, I made an unconventional choice and joined a private company. It felt like stepping away from my values. Then came the defining moment: I led a gender case and implemented water management measures during a severe drought crisis affecting our operations and the population in two regions where we operated. I watched those decisions ripple across the company’s plants, communities, and supply chains in real time. I realized the private sector has the power and urgency to scale change that public institutions alone cannot. That experience shifted everything as it showed me that lasting transformation requires all sectors working together. It’s one of the reasons I co-founded Incubadora MÃticas and chose to work with companies like AB InBev. ESG isn’t about choosing between sectors. It’s the intersection where sectors converge to create systemic change.”

Rebecca is a lawyer, Local Government Councillor, and founder of The Politeia Democracy Network, an initiative dedicated to making legal and political education accessible, practical, and relevant to everyday citizens. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to inclusive governance and elevating underrepresented voices in decision-making. Rebecca promotes transparency, accountability, and community engagement, supporting dialogue between citizens and leadership and empowering communities to shape democratic processes.

Nirina is a No-Code and AI expert leveraging automation to fight corruption and promote transparency in Madagascar. In 2024, she campaigned as a legislative candidate in her district, the youngest candidate and only woman to run. The aftermath of the election, which included deep-seated corruption, civil unrest, and ultimately a coup d’état, strengthened her resolve to bridge the gap between innovative technology and ethical governance to empower women and strengthen emerging democracies.

Sandrine is an environmental engineer dedicated to community-centered climate action. At Green Space Academy, she has led initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, environmental leadership, and waste management. She served as Global Center on Adaptation CEO’s Youth Advisor in 2025, contributing to youth engagement in discussions linked to COP30 processes and global adaptation priorities. This year, Sandrine founded EcoYouth Policy Lab to bridge the gap in climate responses between local governance systems and young people.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“Growing up in Njimnkang, a remote rural community in the North-West region of Cameroon, was the defining moment that shaped my career. water scarcity, energy unavailability, and a changing climate was never an abstract concept to me; it was part of everyday life. I walked long distances to fetch water because our community faced persistent water scarcity, studied by candlelight due to the absence of grid electricity, and watched how environmental challenges limited opportunities for the entire communities. These experiences made me realize that environmental issues are deeply connected to equity, livelihoods, and human dignity, inspiring me to study Environmental Engineering and have continued to shape my work in climate adaptation, environmental governance, and youth leadership. Today, whether I am supporting youth policy engagement, contributing to global adaptation discussions, or working with communities, I remain driven by the belief that sustainable development must be both environmentally sound and socially just.”

Mirriam is a recognised thought leader in ESG advocacy and capacity building across the financial sector in Africa. At ZEP-RE, she has embedded climate and sustainability considerations into enterprise risk management and advanced insurance solutions that support resilience for over 1 million farmers. Her volunteer work, mentoring girls and young women through the Global Give Back Circle and supporting students from her rural community in Kenya, has been recognised with a Princess Diana Award. She is a former Rhodes Scholar.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because it helps organisations create long-term value while managing risks that affect people, the environment, and business performance. Strong environmental practices improve resource efficiency, social responsibility strengthens trust with employees and communities, and good governance promotes ethical decision-making and accountability. Together, these factors enhance resilience, attract investors and customers, support compliance, and encourage sustainable growth. In a world facing climate change, inequality, and evolving stakeholder expectations, ESG is not just about doing the right thing, it is about making smarter, future-focused decisions that benefit both businesses and society.”

A recognised leader in the climate and social impact space, Mirabella has raised more than $56 million USD for meaningful causes in philanthropic, federal, and corporate funding over the course of her career. She previously managed the Energy programme at Carbon Tracker and currently leads on growing ClientEarth’s income across Asia and Oceania through business development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, she is an awardee of the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund and founded Women of Colour in Consulting at the LSE.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“I am from the Philippines, which sits in the Pacific Typhoon Belt. I grew up experiencing frequent brownouts and have watched Filipinos repeatedly rebuild critical infrastructure and normalise wading through waters to carry on with daily life. My career path has always been mission driven. But after my family’s home had been ravaged and reconstructed for the second time in two years, I knew I wanted to dedicate my time to meaningfully addressing the climate crisis. There are myriad ways to create positive impact. ESG sets a standard for stakeholders to consider the environmental and ethical impact of their investments. Beyond the boardroom, local communities bear the weight of these decisions and it’s imperative to consider this and have representation at all levels.”

Marleen is a sustainability and change professional at Royal Schiphol Group, where she embeds circular and zero-waste principles. Through people-driven change programmes, including Circular & Zero Emission Construction and the Green Ambassadors network, she is turning ESG ambitions into everyday practice. As a board member of Young Schiphol and a member of the editorial board of Sustainability Dialogues, she further contributes to knowledge sharing and reflection within the ESG field.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because it is about creating a healthy and balanced future. Health is a precondition for life. Balance is a precondition for a long-lasting life. To me, ESG is about both. We often think of success as growth, but growth without balance rarely lasts. The same is true for businesses, societies and the planet. When people are exhausted, ecosystems depleted or trust eroded, the foundations of prosperity begin to weaken.

ESG invites us to rethink how we live, work and make decisions. Healthy organisations depend on a healthy planet, communities and governance. When these foundations are strong and balanced, people and businesses are better able to thrive.

ESG helps us look beyond short-term results and make choices that create lasting value. What motivates me is helping people make sustainability easier and turn intention into action. Ultimately, ESG is about building a healthier, more balanced future for everyone.”

A former personal finance journalist, Marianna has helped drive policy debates and improve financial education. Her campaigns highlighting the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s finances led to improved support for women returning from maternity leave and fairer parental leave rules. Her work also influenced Government plans to introduce financial education into the primary curriculum. Marianna now works at Fidelity International, leading campaigns to improve access to investing and pensions, particularly for underserved groups.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“Visible role models are crucial. The more we see powerful women leading successful careers and impactful work in ESG, the more it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Community is key too. We need more touchpoints where we can share ideas, challenges, and solutions and motivate each other to continue having a positive impact on the world.”

Maggie has empowered over 3,000 women and youth in Malawi through capacity-building training, self-confidence workshops, and mentorship as part of the GLAYMA Youth And Women Empowerment Community Based Organization. About 40% of participants have experienced a noticeable rise in their income from the skills gained from her programmes. Maggie’s work has contributed to job creation, especially among women and youth, and has created sustainable opportunities for community transformation and economic independence.

Jennyfer is Founder and President of Iniciando Desde Cero, a civil association focused on social reintegration, supporting incarcerated women, and providing care for children living in or connected to the prison system in Quintana Roo. The organisation has provided early child care, created playrooms, and generated job opportunities. Earlier this year, Jennyfer co-led a legislative initiative to guarantee comprehensive healthcare for incarcerated women during pregnancy, setting a precedent in the protection of the rights of women and children in prison settings.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“My path into ESG began with Lupita Valentan, the woman who started it all. She simply walked into a prison one day to talk with women deprived of their freedom, and discovered a child living behind those walls, a discovery that moved her to gather a small group of friends who began bringing food to children living in prison with their incarcerated mothers. That act of compassion became Fundacian Desde Cero. When Lupita passed away during the pandemic, one of her greatest wishes was to see the foundation formally established but it remained unfulfilled. I chose to carry her legacy forward, formalising the organisation and expanding it: opening Quintana Roo’s first prison-system ludoteca and building job-training and certification programs for reinsertion. Continuing what Lupita started, with dignity and purpose, is what turned a personal tribute into my ESG career.”

Karida authored one of Indonesia’s first corporate climate transition plans and led the country’s first blended-finance deal in sustainable transport, accelerating Indonesia’s transition away from fossil-fuel transport. In a country where coal remains dominant and the gap between climate ambition and corporate action is wide, she is translating carbon neutrality from an aspiration into operational reality. With experience working across consulting, climate tech, and corporate ESG, Karida is turning global climate standards into emerging market action.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“We can inspire and connect women by putting them in rooms where the decisions are actually financial, not just rooms about sustainability. Early in my career, ESG conversations happened alongside the business, rarely inside it, and I noticed the women around me were disproportionately kept in the former. What changed things for me was technical depth: GHG accounting, carbon pricing, transition finance, skills that earn a seat at the table regardless of who’s counting seats. I’d like to see more mentorship built around that same principle, pairing junior women in ESG not just with senior sustainability leaders, but with the CFOs, treasurers, and dealmakers whose language ultimately decides whether climate commitments become real. Representation in ESG shouldn’t mean more women writing reports. It should mean more women structuring the deals.”

After rebuilding her life in Turkey following displacement from Syria, Jin founded Peace Therapist, a social enterprise that improves access to mental health and psychosocial support. Under her leadership, the organisation has supported more than 70,000 individuals across 26+ countries and built a multilingual network of over 150 psychologists providing services in Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, and English. Through technology, inclusion, and peacebuilding, she works to strengthen wellbeing and belonging – believing sustainable peace begins with inner peace.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“To me, ESG is about creating the conditions for people, communities, and the planet to thrive together. Every global challenge from conflict and displacement to inequality, climate change, and AI is ultimately shaped by human decisions. Through Peace Therapist, I have learned that sustainable change begins by strengthening people from within. Mental health, dignity, inclusion, and trust are not separate from ESG; they are essential foundations for resilient societies, responsible leadership, and lasting impact. Technology and innovation can accelerate progress, but only when guided by empathy, ethics, and human rights. I believe the future of ESG is not only about measuring environmental, social, and governance outcomes, it is about building systems where every person has the opportunity to heal, contribute, and reach their potential. Because there can be no lasting sustainability, and no lasting peace, without inner peace.”

Jazmín is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Fundación BoaPaz, an organisation focused on regenerative territorial development, inclusion, and community resilience. Its flagship initiative, the ESS Chorotega Life Zone, is based in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone and connects local people to training, markets, and investment so they can build sustainable livelihoods without being displaced by outside development. She has received national and international recognition, including being named a One Young World Ambassador.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because it addresses the root causes of inequality rather than its symptoms. I grew up in a family led by resilient women; single mothers who faced poverty, domestic violence, and little access to formal education. Their strength taught me that people are rarely limited by their potential, but often by the opportunities available to them. That perspective shaped my belief that environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic development must advance together. Through BoaPaz Foundation, I have seen how investing in women, education, entrepreneurship, and biodiversity creates lasting change. ESG is not simply a framework for organizations; it is a way to ensure that development benefits both people and the planet, leaving no one behind.”

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“We inspire more women by showing that ESG is not reserved for experts or executives—it is already part of what millions of women do every day. Women lead families, protect natural resources, strengthen communities, and create opportunities, often without recognizing their own impact. We must expand access to education, mentorship, and international networks, especially for women in rural and underserved communities. Representation also matters. When young women see leaders who have overcome barriers similar to their own, they begin to believe that their voices matter. My goal is to build spaces where women collaborate instead of compete, share knowledge across generations and cultures, and recognize that collective leadership creates stronger and more sustainable communities.”

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“My inspiration came from my own family. I was raised by generations of strong women who, despite facing poverty, domestic violence, and limited educational opportunities, never gave up on creating a better future for their children. Watching their resilience made me question why talent and determination were so often constrained by social and economic barriers. As I began working with vulnerable communities, I realized that these challenges were deeply connected to environmental sustainability and local economic development. That understanding led me to co-found BoaPaz Foundation and later develop the ESS Chorotega Life Zone initiative, where conservation, entrepreneurship, education, and community wellbeing are integrated into one vision. Since then, my purpose has been to help ensure that where someone starts in life does not determine how far they can go.”

Isabel is the co-founder and CEO of NanoFreeze, a deep-tech startup transforming refrigeration into an energy-efficient industry and bringing cold chain access to rural businesses through applied and patented bio-nanotechnology. Recognised by MIT Technology Review as Inventor of the Year, she has led global partnerships and raised over $1.5M to scale NanoFreeze solutions across Mexico and Colombia. Through her leadership, NanoFreeze is successfully addressing one of the most energy-intensive and polluting sectors globally.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“At NanoFreeze, ESG isn’t a corporate checklist; it is the fundamental architecture of our business. Environmentally, we tackle climate change by decarbonising the energy-heavy refrigeration sector. Rather than simply replacing toxic gas coolants, we retrofit existing units to seamlessly combine passive and active refrigeration, utilizing bio-nanotechnology to cut cooling energy consumption by up to 50%. Socially, as a proud women-led team in deep tech, our cold chain solutions empower rural farmers, retail business owners, eliminate agricultural food waste, and safeguard food and beverage when power is off. Governance-wise, we embed strict accountability into our operations, deploying smart technology that actively measures and transparently tracks CO2 reductions for our partners. ESG matters because the future of global cooling cannot come at the expense of a warming planet. True innovation must protect perishable resources while uplifting communities and building circular, sustainable infrastructure from the ground up.”

Trained as a civil engineer, Anniek worked as an Impact and ESG Officer before co-founding MyHives, a safety tech company built to ensure the people who feel most unsafe can share their experience without fear of exposure. Winner of the CSU Innovation Award 2026, MyHives uses data that is anonymised, aggregated, and grounded in real lived experience, moving the burden of evidence away from those already carrying it. Anniek’s goal is to use the evidence MyHives generates to drive policy change and corporate accountability standards, ensuring safety for all.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“When I was in engineering, mostly with men, I read Invisible Women, and that opened my eyes. I was being trained to solve problems with data, and half the data was missing. The lived experience of women, of people who don’t move through the world the way the average engineer does, wasn’t being counted. Nowhere is that gap sharper than in safety. Our systems measure crimes, complaints, incidents. What escalates. They miss everything people quietly adapt around before escalation: the route changed, the shift declined, the concern never voiced. And because the data starts at the point of harm, so does the response. Emergency systems are reactive by design.

That’s shaped everything since: ESG due diligence at Invest International, building MyHives with my co-founder Nelson, my TEDx on safety as infrastructure. Because everyone gets better in a safe society, and we can’t get there on incomplete data or reactive systems.”

Gabriela is a food engineer whose early career highlights included co-developing a line of Bolivian craft beers and founding her own dried fruits business. She then decided to enter the food bank network to tackle the visible cost of food waste. From starting at Bolivia’s premier food bank as a food safety volunteer, she is now Administrative Director and Vice President, building a measurable and transparent ESG system that has rescued over 2,500 tonnes of food, reached 45,400 people, and avoided an estimated 6,000 tCO₂eq in emissions.

As Co-founder of Kiasili Farm, Fiona has built a mission-driven enterprise focused on repositioning indigenous crops, particularly sorghum, as viable climate-smart solutions for the future of African agriculture. The organisation has supported over 130 farming households and planted over 2,600 indigenous trees and crops, contributing to environmental restoration. Her work empowering smallholder farmers has earned recognition from the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, and AGRA’s Value4Her Initiative.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“We let women occupy decision making roles, empower them to be competent and recognize their work. Our communities grow when women grow!”

An award-winning pharmacist, global health innovator, and social impact entrepreneur, Favour has dedicated her career to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to authentic, affordable medicine. She is the founder of JunnieGreen Pharmacy, which has served over 150,000 patients through blockchain-authenticated drug supply chains, solar-powered mobile pharmacy units, and AI-powered USSD telemedicine. A Mastercard Foundation Fellow, she is transforming last-mile healthcare across Nigeria’s most underserved communities.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“Women rarely see themselves in ESG because ESG rarely starts where they are; in markets, clinics, and communities they already lead. At JunnieGreen Pharmacy, I have watched women health volunteers become our strongest Culture-Trust Officials, not because we recruited for “ESG,” but because we built environmental and social impact into everyday work: solar-powered pharmacy units, community-led health financing, transparent governance. That’s the shift I believe in; stop treating ESG as a specialist credential and start treating it as leadership already happening in overlooked places.

To inspire more women, we need visible pathways: mentorship from global women already doing this work, funding structures that don’t require a finance pedigree to access, and platforms like Women of the Future Organisation that put women’s values and workforce expertise at the centre of decision-making, not the sidelines. Representation isn’t invited. It’s built, deliberately, starting now (and from us the listees).”

Fatima develops AI-driven medical technologies for chronic diseases with a strong focus on early diagnosis, predictive medicine, and accessible medical technologies. She has created AI-powered systems for cardiovascular disease and stroke detection, a biochip and artificial pancreas initiative for intelligent insulin and glucagon regulation, and a smart ring for non-invasive glucose monitoring and prediction. The holder of multiple patents, Fatima leads projects focused on accessible, ethical, and impactful healthcare solutions with global social impact. 

Ezinne is an international development advocate blending technical expertise with strategic partnerships and visionary storytelling. At PwC she delivered novel ESG and family business projects, and her insights on climate innovation have informed the World Bank’s ‘Connect4Climate’ platform’s community of 500 partner organisations from 83 countries. As Director at the Institute for Global Negotiation in Zurich she is part of the leadership team for the Negotiating for Climate Action Project, a high-impact green entrepreneurship initiative across eight African countries.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because it is the bridge between climate ambition and real opportunity. In lower and middle-income countries, the green transition is not just about reducing emissions, it is about creating dignified work for women and youth who are often excluded from traditional labour markets. A recent report from Boston Consulting Group and UK aid-funded FSD Africa shows that by 2030, Africa’s green economy alone could generate at least 3.3 million direct jobs. That’s proof that sustainability is both an environmental and social engine.

I’ve seen this firsthand in Lagos, where young women transformed recycling initiatives into thriving businesses, showing that climate action can be a pathway to independence and dignity. In my work with the Institute for Global Negotiation and the World Bank’s Innovate4Climate, I’ve witnessed how spotlighting young innovators drives global engagement and inspires others to act. ESG matters because it makes climate justice inseparable from economic justice.”

Estefania is reframing sustainable finance in Latin America. At Santander, she is aligning climate and social priorities with commercial growth, regulatory frameworks, and global sustainability commitments. She has scaled Santander’s sustainable finance business by 159% year-over-year and structured the first Silver Loan in Mexico, pioneering innovative financing solutions tied to social inclusion and demographic transition. Across her career, she has originated and executed more than 100 sustainable finance transactions. 

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“Growing up in Mexico, I was always drawn to environmental and social issues, specially creating more opportunities for women. I just didn’t know there was a career where I could bring all those passions together.

When I started my career in banking, my goal was to become an investment or corporate banker, and I did. But when I had the opportunity to join a newly created Sustainable Finance team, everything changed.

I realised that finance wasn’t just about transactions, it was about deciding what kind of future we invest in. I realised it was a powerful tool to create environmental and social impact at scale. I saw how financing could accelerate climate solutions, support more businesses in becoming more sustainable and inclusive, and improve people’s lives.

Since then, I have dedicated my career to ESG. That’s the career I chose, and the one I want to keep building.”

A disaster management and climate resilience expert, Nitika has designed disaster assessments, facilitated practical preparedness drills, and strengthened public awareness. Trained as a Gold Medalist in Disaster Management, she chose early in her career to work at the frontline where vulnerable communities experience the harshest consequences of climate shocks, unsafe development, and institutional unpreparedness. Her leadership is driving climate-conscious governance and ensuring communities are safer.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“The defining moment came when I saw disasters erase years of development in just a few hours, with the greatest burden falling on those least responsible for the risks. Working with flood-affected communities, schools, women, children, persons with disabilities, and local institutions showed me that resilience is built long before a disaster strikes. I realized that environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and accountable governance are not separate priorities, they are inseparable foundations of resilient development. That understanding shaped my career. Today, I work to embed these principles into public policy, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and community capacity building, helping institutions make informed decisions while empowering communities to become active partners in resilience. For me, ESG is about creating systems that protect people, strengthen governance, and safeguard our planet, ensuring that resilience is inclusive, sustainable, and leaves no one behind.”

Eain is a researcher and inventor working to make biochar practical, affordable, and beneficial for smallholder farmers across Southeast Asia. At KaseChar, she leads a farmer-centred venture using mobile biochar production, digital tools, and AI-enabled monitoring, reporting, and verification to transform agricultural waste into potential carbon-credit opportunities and income for farmers. She is also a sustainability creator at Sasin School of Management where she is building an ESG pathway from research to farmers, classrooms, and climate-tech ventures.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“The defining moment came when I saw agricultural residues being openly burned in farming communities. What looked like waste was actually a missed opportunity: a source of pollution, lost farmer income, declining soil health, and untapped climate value.

That experience inspired me to explore how agricultural waste could be transformed into practical ESG solutions. Through my research, I engaged 150 farmers in Thailand and developed KaseChar, an approach connecting biochar, digital tools, rural livelihoods, and carbon-market opportunities. The work led to two peer-reviewed publications, and my thesis received First Prize in the 2026 ADB’s Japan Scholarship Program Thesis of the Year Award.

That moment shaped my career. It showed me that ESG is not only about reporting or targets. It is about turning overlooked problems into measurable environmental, social, and economic value and ensuring that local communities are active partners in the transition.”

Roseline is a social impact leader expanding educational access and inclusion for girls and underserved communities. She founded the Roseline Initiative to promote confidence and educational advancement among young people. Through school outreaches, mentorship programmes, advocacy campaigns, competitions, and leadership initiatives, she has directly impacted 1,000+ girls across Nigeria. Roseline holds a PhD in French Literature with a concentration in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and previously worked as an interpreter with the African Union.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“We inspire more women in ESG by making the field visible, accessible, and collaborative. Visibility matters because you cannot aspire to what you never see. We need to celebrate women leading in sustainability, governance, research, policy, business, and social impact while creating mentorship networks that connect emerging professionals with those already driving change.

Connection also requires inclusion. Opportunities, knowledge, and conversations should reach women across different sectors, countries, and career stages, not just those already in ESG spaces. We strengthen both individual careers and collective impact by building communities that encourage learning, collaboration, and shared leadership.

When women are equipped with the right networks, resources, and confidence to lead, ESG becomes more innovative, equitable, and effective. Empowering women in ESG goes beyond increasing representation; it means ensuring their perspectives, expertise, and leadership help shape more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable solutions.”

Natasha is a rural health physician and public health leader in the Philippines, leading programmes addressing tuberculosis, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, leprosy, and WASH. She has improved disease detection and expanded screening, while developing digital health tools and youth-focused HIV education initiatives. Her work spans clinical training and systems-level leadership, integrating service delivery, public health programming, and digital innovation to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations and advance equitable healthcare.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“Inheriting rising HIV and TB cases with no predecessor or blueprint was the defining turning point of my career. As the youngest program manager for a city of 200,000, I faced a crucial question from my team: “What are we going to do?” My answer was simple: If no system exists, I will build one.

I launched our Social Hygiene Clinic, reframed sex education, and cold-emailed global allies. We partnered with the UNDP for youth leadership and are co-developing an educational game with the UNFPA. Beyond tripling HIV screenings, I co-authored citywide disaster plans to tackle environmental health risks.

That experience proved that ESG is about bridging social well-being, environmental disaster readiness, and governance into resilient systems that protect vulnerable communities.”

At the School of Information Technology at Monash University Malaysia, Mirza is focused on turning AI-driven energy research into practical solutions for sustainable buildings and climate action. Her research encompasses hybrid electrical–thermal storage, reinforcement learning, digital twins, renewable-energy integration, and net-zero planning. Through various campus-wide projects, she is positioning Monash as a living laboratory and regional hub for AI-enabled sustainability innovation. Mirza was part of a finalist team in the EY AI & Data Challenge 2026.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“Growing up, I experienced firsthand how extreme heat, flooding, and changing weather can disrupt everyday life. Those experiences made me realise that climate change is not an abstract problem, it affects people’s health, livelihoods, and opportunities. They also made me question how we use our energy and natural resources, and how we could do better.

That perspective inspired my PhD, where I focused on using artificial intelligence to optimise thermal energy storage in commercial buildings. Energy storage is a critical enabler of the clean energy transition because it allows renewable energy to be stored and used when it is needed most, reducing waste, lowering emissions, and improving energy resilience. What began as an engineering challenge became a much larger mission: developing AI-driven solutions that help buildings operate more sustainably. Today, that purpose continues to guide my research at the intersection of AI, energy, and climate action.”

Lydie is an award-winning doctor and social entrepreneur building equitable pathways through media and medicine. As the co-founder of Boldly Ambitious, a UK-charting media platform and podcast, she is addressing the invisible gatekeeping that shapes who feels entitled to pursue ambition, leadership, and visibility. She also co-founded Journey2Med, supporting aspiring medical students from underrepresented backgrounds to access careers in healthcare, tackling structural barriers around exposure, confidence, and belonging.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“As a first-generation immigrant, doctor and founder, I’ve experienced how talent alone isn’t enough. The biggest barriers are often invisible: not knowing what’s possible, lacking networks or never seeing someone like you in the room.

That’s why I believe inspiring women starts with making opportunity visible. We need to move beyond representation alone and create spaces where women can access practical knowledge, mentors, honest conversations and communities that open doors rather than simply celebrate success.

Through Boldly Ambitious, we’ve seen that when women feel informed, connected and supported, confidence follows. ESG has an opportunity to build more inclusive leadership by ensuring women from every background aren’t just invited into the conversation but are equipped to shape it.”

Susan is an entrepreneur, digital strategist, and the founder of Mercado La Terminal Online, a high-impact startup that is revolutionising agricultural trade in Central America. By bringing produce from rural areas directly to end consumers, she spearheaded the digital transformation of one of Guatemala’s most traditional and informal sectors. She maintains a steadfast commitment to fair trade, fostering economic inclusion for small-scale farmers, and drastically reducing food waste. Susan recently won first place in El Gran Pitch 2025.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG criteria are fundamental because they redefine the true meaning of business success. Focusing solely on short-term financial profitability is no longer enough; today, the most robust companies are those that understand that caring for the environment and upholding human dignity is the only way to ensure genuine long-term growth. Integrating these principles allows us to build more efficient models, mitigate risks, and connect authentically with an increasingly conscious consumer.

Ultimately, ESG criteria transform companies into true engines of positive change. They demonstrate that technology and commerce can be harnessed to address our communities’ most pressing issues, proving that doing good and building a thriving business are not mutually exclusive paths, but rather the perfect combination for transforming realities.”

How can inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“Inspiring more women in the ESG space requires highlighting their stories and turning them into relatable role models. By showing how technology, fair trade, and environmental impact transform real communities, we demonstrate that sustainable leadership begins with local action and holds a place on the global agenda. To connect them, we must build borderless networks of collaboration and mentorship where knowledge is shared openly. By creating supportive communities that open doors to business opportunities and foster mutual learning, we ensure that no woman leads alone— multiplying our impact and driving change toward a more inclusive future.”

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“The turning point came when I witnessed firsthand the harsh reality facing our farmers in Guatemala: top-quality crops sold at unfair prices and tons of food going to waste due to a lack of technology. I realized that charity was not enough; we needed a business model that intrinsically integrated environmental and social impact. That contrast inspired me to found Mercado La Terminal Online. Adopting these criteria is not merely an academic choice, but a vital necessity for transforming an archaic supply chain into an automated ecosystem of fair trade and zero waste. My career took a decisive turn when I confirmed that technology, when aligned with purpose, is the most powerful engine for bringing dignity to communities.”

Azza is a climate leader turning complex climate commitments into systemlevel solutions with measurable impact. She represented Egypt at UNFCCC COP27–COP29 and UNEP processes and has played a key role in strengthening climate governance in the country. At Bupa, Azza drives ESG strategy, Net Zero delivery, and climate risk integration, embedding sustainability into governance, risk, and operations. Her unique blend of policy, diplomacy, and healthcare expertise enables her to turn ambition into scalable, real-world delivery.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“For me, ESG is the bridge between commitment and delivery, connecting boardrooms, ministries and negotiation rooms to drive meaningful, measurable impact.”

An emerging deep-tech entrepreneurial leader, Xiaochu is turning one of the hidden challenges of the electric-vehicle revolution into a climate and resource opportunity by recovering lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper from spent end-of-life lithium-ion batteries for reuse in new battery production. By turning hazardous waste into a valuable resource, her work reduces environmental harm, supports responsible supply chains, and helps the clean-energy transition become safer, more circular, and more resilient.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“To me, ESG means using science and innovation to create lasting value for society as well as the economy. I have always been committed to translating scientific research into technologies that deliver real-world impact. As the transition to clean energy accelerates, it is not enough to develop new technologies. We must also ensure that the critical minerals underpinning this transition are sourced, recovered, and refined sustainably. This has led me to develop an electricity-driven technology that enables cleaner, more sustainable recovery and refining of critical minerals. Taking this technology from fundamental research towards commercialisation has strengthened my conviction that success should be measured not only by scientific excellence, but also by the positive impact it creates for people, industry, and the planet.”

At Cellcraft, Clarisse is making cultivated meat commercially viable through AI-driven bioprocess control. Using research pursued during an MPhil in Engineering at Cambridge, she is lowering the production costs, energy, and waste of cultivated meat production, while enabling manufacturers and farmers to produce sustainable protein locally. Under her leadership, the company has raised over £4.5M. Clarisse is also lead author of the Automation and AI chapter in the field’s first textbook and the founder of IRIS, a trust-first AI fundraising platform.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“With the scale of the challenges we face today, from global warming to biodiversity loss and food insecurity, I believe every founder should be an impact founder. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to emissions, land use and ecosystem destruction, yet alternatives such as cultivated meat remain too expensive to scale. At Cellcraft, we use AI to reduce biomanufacturing costs and help make cultivated meat commercially viable. ESG should not be a reporting exercise or something added once a company becomes successful. It should shape what we choose to build in the first place. Founders have an extraordinary ability to direct talent, technology and capital, and with that comes a responsibility to build companies whose success also makes the world better.”

Christella is a physician, humanitarian leader, and advocate for women’s and widows’ rights. She founded Eveil des Veuves to develop health initiatives and economic empowerment strategies for widows, a particularly vulnerable group in Haiti, and advocated for widows at the UN in Geneva last year. She was a member of the United People Global Sustainability leadership class of 2026 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology, and aims to become an international expert in public health and gender.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“I think, ESG criteria are an indicator of human resilience. As a physician and founder of Eveil des veuves in Haiti, I see firsthand that a community’s health depends on social equity, governance and the environment. In Haiti, widows are excluded not only from healthcare and housing but also from decisions that affect their lives. The ESG challenge is to protect the most vulnerable by urging decision makers to move beyond short-term thinking. Social equity must become a strategic priority, not an adjustment variable.”

At 22, Anya founded the environmental measurement platform Foodsteps, now used by Sainsbury’s, Greencore, Compass Group, KFC, and Accor Hotels to decarbonise their products. Her work is changing what large companies actually buy, cook, and serve, creating measurable, auditable reductions across some of the world’s largest food supply chains. A Forbes 30 Under 30 2026 honouree and one of 10 Reuters Future Leaders in Climate, Anya also co-founded Youngwilders, a non-profit accelerating youth-led nature restoration in the UK.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“The defining moment that inspired me to pursue my career was discovering that the food system is responsible for 25-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is the leading cause of the loss of nature. Food should be about sustaining and nourishing life, not destroying it, so it’s vital that we turn the current system on its head as soon as possible.

The defining moment that inspired me to pursue my career was discovering that the food system is responsible for 25-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is the leading cause of the loss of nature. Food should be about sustaining and nourishing life, not destroying it, so it’s vital that we turn the current system on its head as soon as possible.”

Since the age of 10, Anoushka has advocated to eliminate structural barriers to education and opportunity for girls. She has since reached over 1 million individuals through campaigns, community initiatives, and digital engagement. As the founder of Girllytical, she designs cohort-based programmes that enable sustained engagement, skills development, and pathways into education and leadership ecosystems. Her approach is designed to succeed in low-resource and low-bandwidth environments, overcoming the obstacles of digital exclusion.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because it reminds us that true progress is measured not only by economic growth, but by the well-being of people and the planet. It encourages organisations to create long-term value through ethical leadership, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion. In my work, I have seen how investing in girls’ education, climate action, and youth leadership creates ripple effects that strengthen communities for generations. ESG is not simply a framework for compliance, it is a commitment to building systems that are more equitable, resilient, and sustainable. When businesses, governments, and civil society embed these principles into decision-making, they can drive meaningful change at scale and leave a lasting positive impact for future generations.”

Ankita is a technology professional with expertise in digital transformation, customer engagement, and community building. At ASML, she leads digital platform rollouts across key markets, drives customer engagement strategies, and spearheads new product introduction initiatives aligned with the EU Cyber Resilience Act. She played a key role in growing the Next ASML community to 6,000+ young professionals. Alongside her corporate career, Ankita co-founded iBUILT, a community of 1,000+ professionals empowering international leaders in the Eindhoven region.

How can we inspire and connect more women in ESG?
“I think we often focus on getting more women into ESG, but we should equally focus on helping them build meaningful connections once they’ve chosen the path of ESG. Some of the best opportunities come through conversations, mentorship, and strong professional networks.

We need to create more spaces where women from different sectors like technology, policy, sustainability, finance, and entrepreneurship can learn from each other and collaborate. ESG is inherently interdisciplinary, and that’s why diverse perspectives will create the most impact.

Personally, I’ve seen how bringing people together around shared ideas can spark collaborations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It’s not just about representation; it’s about creating communities where women feel empowered to lead, share their expertise, and inspire the next generation.

When we connect women across industries and generations, we don’t just strengthen ESG, we build a stronger ecosystem for innovation and long-term impact.”

Angela is an environmental biotechnology engineer focused on biodegradable biomaterials, the circular economy, and science education. She is currently working with cacao, quinoa, and barley producers to recycle waste and create biological inks for 3D printers. In 2024, she was awarded the Enrique García Leadership Prize for developing environmental solutions with global impact. She is the founder of the Club de Investigación Microbiológica, sharing knowledge about environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship with the public.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“There was one moment that completely changed the way I understood science: discovering that an invisible world of fungi and bacteria can regenerate ecosystems, transform agricultural waste into valuable resources and provide sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. I realized that science isn’t only about generating knowledge, but about improving people’s lives while protecting our planet. Since then, I have dedicated my career to environmental biotechnology, convinced that innovation and nature can work together to build a more sustainable future. Today, I develop biotechnological solutions that promote circular economy and the sustainable use of agricultural residues.

Beyond research, I firmly believe that knowledge only has real value when it is shared. My greatest purpose is to democratize science and inspire more girls and young people especially in Ecuador to believe they, too, can change the world through STEAM.”

Originally from Reunion Island, Alexandra is dedicated to ensuring technological transformation is human-centred and socially responsible. At SAP Research & Innovation, she leads a global hub where Fortune 500 organisations co-create responsible AI and robotics solutions. Her doctoral research at Paris-Saclay University applies behavioural science and neuroscience to understand how trust is built between institutions, technologies, and people. She is the founder of Relational Intelligence Works and a board member of French Tech Berlin.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG matters because the future should not be built only by those with the most resources, but with those who will live in it. Growing up on Reunion Island, far from major innovation ecosystems, taught me that inequality is not only about income or opportunity: it is also about dreams, representation, trust, and who gets to shape tomorrow.

As artificial intelligence transforms every industry, I believe we are entering a new era where relational intelligence will determine whether technology unites or divides us. Working at the heart of emerging technologies (with SAP Research & Innovation), and through my doctoral research, I focus on one question: how people and organisations build trust through uncertainty, so that technology expands human agency and human potential rather than eroding them.

ESG is the compass that helps innovation create lasting value: for business, for society, and for future generations.”

Aeint is a Cambridge MBA graduate and sustainable food tech entrepreneur. She is the founder of Forward Food Tech Myanmar, the first Burmese-language digital platform dedicated to sustainable food systems education. By sharing information on the environmental consequences of animal agriculture and its alternatives, the platform supports communities in Myanmar to capture the opportunities of a shifting food economy. A former jewellery entrepreneur, she also consults for cell-based meat startups in the US.

Why does ESG matter in your view?
“ESG became real to me the moment I adopted stray cats and bunnies and witnessed animal sentience up close, their curiosity, the affection and the capacity to suffer. It reoriented everything. The current food system drives emissions, strains biodiversity, and distributes nutrition unequally and it also causes immeasurable animal suffering that rarely appears in any ESG framework. The good news is we now have the tools, data and the tech to build a system that generates prosperity, convenience and nutrition. I would like to play my role in directing resources towards that near future with a strong belief that we can nourish the world without compromising the only home we have.”

Abbie has built her career around accessibility, representation, and social impact within the entertainment industry. In 2019, she founded Dazey Talent to support underrepresented performers and creatives. It now represents talent across the UK and internationally, with inclusion, care, and accessibility as its core values. Abbie also became one of the first trained Access Coordinators in the UK, supporting productions to create accessible working environments for disabled talent and crew. She continues to work as a writer, producer, speaker, and mentor, championing a more inclusive future. 

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue an ESG related career?
“I am a disabled woman who dreamed of working in the entertainment industry from a young age. As I pursued that ambition, I quickly realised that my greatest challenge wasn’t my cerebral palsy, but the barriers created by an industry that was not designed to be accessible or inclusive.

That realisation became the defining moment that shaped my career. I understood that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. No one should face additional barriers because of their identity, background or lived experience.

This inspired me to found a diversity-led talent agency championing underrepresented talent when I was 23. For me, ESG’s social pillar is about creating meaningful change: challenging barriers, building inclusive systems and ensuring people from all backgrounds have genuine access to opportunities. Through my work, I aim to help create a more equitable industry where diverse voices can thrive.”