Lisa Ellis, JD, Interim CEO
Lisa Ellis has over 20 years of experience as an Executive working to strengthen human rights and social and environmental justice around the world. She has lived and worked in sub-Saharan Africa for eight years, as well as in the Middle East, South Asia, and South-East Asia. She recently concluded an assignment as Interim Chief […]
Tanvi Girotra, Chief of Coalition
Tanvi Girotra is the Chief of Coalition at Every Woman, overseeing coalition strategy, engagement and capacity-building activities. A Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award recipient, Tanvi served as an advisor, trainer, and coach to social impact organizations and mission-oriented leaders across the globe before joining the Every Woman team. At the age of 19, she founded the […]
Saraphina Ambale, Communications Specialist
Saraphina Ambale is the creative genius behind Every Woman’s social media channels — writing, posting, analyzing. She is a certified human rights consultant known for her commitment to gender equality and community development. She is the founder of Eagle Wings Organization and co-founder of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) Lab in Kenya. With over five […]
Farida Bena, PhD, Director of Diplomacy
As Director of Diplomacy, Farida Bena oversees all diplomatic activities. She has over 25 years of experience in humanitarian and development aid, human rights, and migration, with a special focus on delivering effective policy and advocacy strategies. Among her previous roles, Farida worked for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and held senior positions […]
Diane Vissoh, Diplomacy Analyst
Diane helps keep our diplomacy efforts running smoothly, managing the complexities of drafting and executing strategic plans, overseeing extensive coordination efforts, and ensuring policy alignment with international standards. Born in France, raised in Madagascar and South India, Diane’s interest in diplomacy and international relations began early. Her professional journey began as a Parliamentary Assistant to […]
Amjad Chatila, Diplomacy Coordinator
Amjad keeps the diplomacy department moving smoothly, coordinating global efforts with the Director of Diplomacy. He brings over eight years of experience in governmental, non-governmental, and legal institutions to the role, as well as a robust background in legal affairs, public relations, and diplomacy. Prior to joining Every Woman, Amjad served as an executive secretary […]
Michelle Hamilton, Communications Manager
Michelle manages all things communications, working with the team and coalition members on social media campaigns, newsletters, op-eds, articles, reports, profiles, and more. She is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Let Your Mind Run. For over a decade, she worked as a journalist reporting on health, running, and women’s rights. Her work […]
Zainab Ali Khan, Cofounder and Deputy Director – Global Coalition
Zainab works closely with the coalition, managing committees and programs, including the Emerging Leaders Council, the Mentorship Program, and the Every Woman Fellowship. She is a Gender Specialist with nearly 20 years of experience in development and corporate sectors. She has served as a documentation specialist for a USAID-funded Gender Equity Program and as a […]
Keisha Walters, Manager, Advancement & Partnerships
Keisha keeps our leadership team focused on mission-related goals and manages events to raise awareness and engage support. She began working with nonprofits in 1998 in the areas of women’s rights, healthcare, and reproductive choices. In 2002, Keisha transitioned to the corporate world, acquiring over 18 years of experience in event logistics, and project and […]
Akefa Raza, Director of Global Operations
Akefa is the organizational expert behind all operations at Every Woman. She has been with the organization since 2019 and oversees EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) integration and implementation; operational management and coordination, compliance delivery and management and financial management. She works closely with the CEO and Board of Directors’ Finance Committee, which meets monthly, as […]
Lisa Shannon, MPA, HonPhD, Cofounder and CEO Emerita
Lisa is a women’s rights activist and author who has worked in women’s rights since 1991. Her first job out of college was in domestic violence shelters in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Prior to co-founding Every Woman, Lisa conducted field research on gender in India, Russia, Somalia, Iraq, Guatemala, Kenya, and Congo. She founded […]