Voices that Inspire A Program Supporting Young Women Dedicated to Making a Positive Impact

Camila is from Argentina and is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. At 23 years old, she has a track record of working with people in vulnerable situations in social and community-based organizations as well as in public institutions. Her passion for knowledge and social issues led her to write a piece for Debate Público (Public Debate) magazine in 2021 titled “La práctica pre-profesional en contexto pandemia” (Pre-professional practice in the context of the pandemic). 

Camila is currently the Executive Coordinator of Preservate, where she promotes access to comprehensive sexuality education for all ages. Her work contributes to a variety of approaches, including intervention. She also conducts research on state-sanctioned, social policy and crime control interventions as they have been aimed at youth between 2019 and 2023. This work is part of the Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Buenos Aires. 

María Solana (Sol) is from Argentina and has a degree in Political Science. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Latin American and European Political Studies at the University of Buenos Aires. Sol is currently a Team Coordinator and Project Manager. During 2022 and 2023, under the project Soñando Tucumán (Dreaming Tucumán) founded by Obama Scholar Inés Palacios, she worked on two high-impact projects: the creation of the “SAGAS” social enterprise with people in vulnerable situations and co-coordinated the implementation of 527 scholarships for people to learn programming. Additionally, Sol, in collaboration with the “Minkai” Foundation, has supported the educational trajectories of 17 low-income youth from the Palomino and Niogasta provinces. 

Sol has worked closely with public and private actors. For example, she has worked with EdTech startups such as “NotNini” which seeks to democratize the learning of programming. Sol and her team hope to create Potrero Digital in Tucumán- a digital trade school in vulnerable neighborhoods. She hopes to be part of the generation that makes Tucumán “a bridge and not a roof: a bridge to quality employment, a federal, connected, equitable province.” Sol is passionate about creating platforms for talented Tucumán youth to generate synergy and for Tucumán to be connected to the world. 

Gabrielle Arruda is a software engineer and has a degree in Science and Technology and Neuroscience from the Federal University of ABC in São Paulo, Brazil. At just 23 years old, Gabrielle has already received international recognition in mathematics and social entrepreneurship. She has also been selected to participate in various programs and institutions such as One Young World, the International Youth Summit in Pakistan, and the Crossroads Emerging Leaders Program at Harvard University. 

Gabrielle is passionate about inspiring other young women to get into STEM. She takes part in various activities to promote women’s STEM such as participating in exhibitions by women in mathematics, organizing conferences – such as the Latino Internet Issues Conference (YouthLACIGF) and the Brazil Conference – and with articles published in magazines such as Malala Foundation Magazine. Gabrielle currently works at the intersection of technological and public health. She is working on understanding how we, as a society, can help each other monitor, reduce and prevent the diseases that plague us. Gabrielle believes wellness is critical for social prosperity.  

Giovanna is a 21-year-old Brazilian leader. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from Minerva University and traveling the world. Giovanna wants to fall in love with and heal through the stories of women and girls. She is passionate about the arts, languages, genealogy, etiquette, books, and deep conversations. 

Giovanna has lived in four countries, including South Korea, Taiwan, India, and the United States, and has documented her travels on her YouTube channel. She is also a Women Deliver Young Leader and joined the Women Deliver Youth Planning Committee to organize the Youth Pre-Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2023. Moreover, at seventeen, Giovanna published a book titled “Adolê Sente” (Adolescent) in four countries.

Giovanna is a founding member of the Global Fund For Women’s Adolescent Girls Advisory Council, a partnership of girls who fight for gender justice with feminist philanthropy, and granted over one million USD to girl-led organizations. Her mission is to show the world what happens when we give money to girls. She also created a scholarship fund for adolescent girls in Latin America and is passionate about the arts, languages, genealogy, etiquette, books, and deep conversations. 

Lívia is a young activist from Northern Brazil who is passionate about supporting people through education. Since she was 12 years old she has been engaged in volunteer work and social projects. In 2020, she co-founded Levanta Jovem, an educational project focused on helping Amazonian youth develop leadership skills and build confidence to make a positive impact in their local communities. Through workshops, lectures, and mentorships, the project has reached over 500 people. The project trains youth in understanding themselves, emotional intelligence, and project development.  

In 2021, Lívia was chosen to represent the Amazon as an Ashoka Changemaker representing. And in 2022 she was the first Amazonian to be recognized as a Global Teen Leader. Lívia’s mission is to develop educational initiatives that increase Amazonian youth’s access to academic/extracurricular opportunities and become leaders in their communities. 

Melissa Simplicio, an Afro-Brazilian adolescent, defied the odds as a potential victim of teenage pregnancy and femicide in her favela-born environment. In 2019, she emerged as an advocate for girls’ rights and cross-cultural understanding, joining the United Nations Foundation and Women Deliver as a Teen Advisor and Young Leader. Since then, she has led international government meetings, interned at Argentina’s City Governments, and collaborated with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office and Commission on the Status of Women, working to eradicate gender-based violence and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.  

Melissa’s impactful initiatives include founding Cycle of Love during the pandemic, an initiative that has raised over U$10,000 in funding, transforming the lives of over 400,000 low-income individuals, and that has also amplified the voices of period poverty victims through a fully funded documentary. Melissa’s advocacy extends to legislative accomplishments, as she has authored menstrual-equity bills for Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, ensuring pads access and menstrual education through Brazil’s healthcare system. Her efforts have also assisted City Governments and NGOs implement menstrual equity and education programs that have impacted over 400,000 people. Beyond her remarkable social impact work, Melissa finds joy in literature, traveling, and dancing. 

Sabrina is an educator and socio-environmental activist, dedicated to the empowerment of Northeast Brazil. She created the blog @sanydapeste, when she started her engineering degree at the Federal University of Ceará, introducing her audience to sustainable leadership and well-being with her “activist gossip.” Sabrina received national awards for her work and has partnered with organizations such as Impacta Nordeste and Co.liga (Roberto Marinho Foundation and OEI). Moreover, she is currently head of Climate Change of UNICEF Brazil’s #tmjUNICEF program and member of the UNICEF LAC Youth Leadership Network. 

Sabrina created Ruma to empower others to combat xenophobia and climate change in her region. Ruma works to make international agendas and social impact markets accessible to young women and LGBTQIA+ peoples from vulnerable territories. The initiative has already placed 40 leaders from Brazil’s peripheries, settlements and indigenous communities in social businesses, public sectors, UN consultancies and international programs. With the support of Fortaleza’s public policies aimed at youth (in cooperation with the IDB and the Creative Cities Network – UNESCO), young women have stood out in the UN. 

Julieta is a Chilean activist and eco-feminist. She is currently pursuing a degree in Anthropology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Julieta is also the founder of the TREMENDAS movement, which is currently present in 20 countries.  

Julieta was a speaker at the Latin Women Economic Forum, a speaker at COP 25 in Madrid and COP 26 in Glasgow, and a panelist and key speaker at the Generation Equality Forum along with Hillary Clinton. In October 2022 she published her first book “No soy Julieta” (I am not Julieta) with Penguin Random House. The book discusses activism and raising one’s voice for causes that matter. Julieta does not let injustices keep her from taking action. She believes the world can improve and is focused on developing concrete and systemic solutions to address the climate crisis from a gender perspective. Additionally, she published a documentary titled Las Nubes de Paz (Clouds of Peace) which highlights the story of a young Chilean activist from Cabrero, Chile who fights to save her community from industrial pollution and single-crop farming. 

Jessica was born in Cartagena del Chairá, Caquetá, Colombia. She is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at the Northern Catholic University Foundation in Colombia. Jessica is passionate about Social Work, creating her own happiness and learning. 

Jessica’s social impact project, Juntos para Ayudar (Together to Help), was born out of her desire to help propel her community forward. Through the project, Jessica shares various communication pieces on social media networks to publicize and promote the consumption of local products, food safety and strengthen Cartagena del Chair’s own brand. Moreover, the project is addressing the following SDGs: two: Zero Hunger, eight: Promote Sustained, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economic Growth, Full and Productive Employment, and Decent Work for All, twelve: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, and seventeen: Partnerships to achieve the goals. 

Deily is from San Carlos, Costa Rica. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business at John Brown University in Arkansas, United States. Having lived most of her life in a small rural town, Deily’s quest for better educational opportunities led her to participate in government-sponsored programs that gave her the tools to become a leader in her community. Through environmental and health campaigns, she has had the opportunity to work with community leaders who have motivated her to continue working on social issues. Studying abroad has shaped her views on social inclusion and sustainable development. As an International Baccalaureate graduate, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Alumni Network, and a recipient of the Walton International Scholarship Program, her values have been shaped by respect and admiration for other cultures. She has developed a global mindset and communication skills that facilitate her role as an active volunteer in her home country. 

María Francini is from Costa Rica and is currently pursuing a degree at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica. She is very passionate about STEM (mostly aeronautics and aerospace). Her social impact project is focused on increasing STEM promotion and outreach to young girls between the ages of 9 and 12. María Francini is part of three groups that work on outreach, through workshops and trainings to various schools within the country. The workshops and trainings are not only impactful for the young girls attending them but also the volunteers leading them.  

María Francini’s projects have been showcased at an international level, attending IAC in Paris, France and SAE Aerodesing based in Queretaro, Mexico. She wants to use her achievements to motivate girls in STEM careers and follow their dreams. 

Angela is a talented Guatemalan who is currently pursuing a degree in Engineering at San Carols University in Guatemala. She is passionate about empowering women and girls in her community and has developed an extraordinary project called Kemok. Through Kemok, Angela empowers women and girls in the art of weaving, helping them to realize their dreams and aspirations. 

Angela has gained significant recognition for her work. She has received awards from several prestigious organizations such as the World Health Awards, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and prominent film festivals where her short films about the indigenous community have been featured. Angela’s commitment to representing her indigenous community and shedding light on their rich culture and heritage is truly commendable. By providing them with the necessary knowledge, training, and support, she makes it possible for these indigenous girls and women to improve their economic situation and empower themselves personally and professionally. Through Kemok, Angela not only preserves the traditional art of weaving but also fosters economic growth in her community. Angela’s unwavering determination to create a better future for her community is a testament to her remarkable character and her ability to make a lasting difference. 

Emily is 19 years old and has been passionate about the arts from a young age. At the age of 8 she began to feel pain in some parts of her body and in 2014 she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s own tissues and joints. After 9 years, she has learned to live with the condition and has learned to help others as others have helped her.  

Emily’s social impact project, Colectivo Cicatrices del Arte (Collective Art Scars) works to ensure safe working conditions and job equity for people with chronic illness. Moreover, through her artwork, Emily hopes to raise awareness for people living with chronic illnesses. 

Sofía is an innovator and entrepreneur. She graduated as a Systems Innovator from Francisco Marroquín University in Guatemala. She is also certified as a Scrum Master and AI Product Manager. Sofía is committed to contributing to the development of the Central American region, which is why she founded core-code.io, a technological talent accelerator.  

Sofía has been recognized for her work by Forbes, INCAE, and Win magazine. She is a member of Draper University, Latitud and Sigma Squared Fellows. Before jumping into the startup world, Sofía worked on innovation and learning augmentation at Draper University, Procter & Gamble, Pantaleón, Spectrum, and others. Sofía likes to think about love and intentionality in everything she does. 

Stephania lives in Guatemala City and is currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Nutrition at Mariano Gálvez University. She is passionate about learning, traveling, creating new ideas, and nutrition. Stephania’s social impact project, NUVI, which stands for nurturing lives, works to help children in her community facing malnutrition. She has experienced firsthand the problems that arise from poor nutrition and the impact it has on children’s physical and cognitive development. Stephania’s motto is “We have the power to empower.” That is why she wants to empower more people to join her project and create a greater impact, nurturing more lives. 

Aimee is a 22-year-old young woman from Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Guerrero, Mexico. She has a bachelor’s degree in Government and Public Management. Additionally, she is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Government and Public Management. Aimee enjoys working on human rights and women’s political participation. Aimee’s social impact project is focused on textile artisans in her state. Through her project, Aimee works to support the artisans and increase their recognition. She believes that the work local textile artisans do every day has not been valued and has even been misappropriated. 

In 2022 Aimee received an Academic Merit award. She also won second place for the best research paper in the 15th State Colloquium of the Autonomous University of Guerrero with the theme “Political Violence against Women in Mexico.” Additionally, Aimee has worked on law reform initiatives concerning mental health, political participation, and eradication of violence against women in the Guerrero Women’s Parliament in 2022 and 2023, and the youth parliament in 2022. 

Elizabeth (Ely) is a young stage creator from Mexico. She has a degree in Theater from Arts University. Ely’s research focuses on the body and the repercussions it has on our daily lives. To this end, her social impact project, La voz de nuestro cuerpo (Our Body’s Voice) focuses on bodily autonomy. The workshops are for women who want to use the body as a tool for liberation and autonomy. 

Besides being a teacher, Ely is also an actress, dancer, acrobat, writer, director, set designer, and cultural manager. She is passionate about the arts and movement. Her work has been highlighted inside and outside Mexico. Ely’s accolades include receiving first place for her choreography “Danza para el fin del mundo” (End of the World Dance), representing her state at the 2022 National Theater Exhibition’s Young Creators Program, and being selected to showcase her artworks in five states within Mexico. Additionally, she has led the organization of two state festivals and is currently the manager of an independent art space called “Hogar espejo, casa de arte” (Mirror home, art-house). 

Esthefania recently graduated from the Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM). She majored in Biotechnology Engineering with a focus on Food Innovation and Development. Esthefania is passionate about contributing to closing the gender gap in technology and changing the image of what an engineer or scientist looks like. She is the founder and president of WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) at her university’s Querétaro campus. Currently, Esthefania is working on the development of a digital platform aimed at fostering awareness regarding the achievements of women in the STEM sector across Latin America.  

Esthefania is also passionate about the food industry and its transition toward sustainability, particularly a fan of the rise of plant-based food alternatives. Moreover, she has experience in the development of plant-based alternatives for eggs within the bakery and confectionery industry. 

Maria Lizeth (Liz) is a Mayan woman originally from the community of Chunhuhub, Quintana Roo. She holds a degree in Humanities and is a human rights promoter who works for and from youth in the community. Through her social impact project, Síijil ti’ k’óoben – Nacer del fogón (Born from the stove), Liz works to strengthen adolescents and young women’s identity and leadership capacity through a comprehensive training process that involves the arts, community knowledge, and healing as a tool for resistance and resilience. Currently, Liz is a Project Coordinator at Mexico and Caribe Jóvenes, A.C. where she contributes to the formation of agents of change through long-term actions. 

Lize has participated in various formative programs such as the National Youth Camp “Youth Now! 2020 Adolescents and young people against gender violence in Mexico organized by the United Nations Population Fund of Mexico (UNFPA). Moreover, she is currently participating in the Advanced Training Course for Young Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Women led by the Simone de Beauvoir Leadership Institute. 

Paola (Pao) is a passionate and committed professional with a solid background in the field of social and community development. Throughout her career, she has played key roles in leading organizations, leaving a significant footprint in the field of community development. For example, Pao has worked for a long time at TECHO’s Mexico City office currently as Territorial Coordinator and previously as an Economic and Social Development Coordinator. At TECHO she has led the implementation of economic, social, and habitat development programs and projects, in addition to following up with community teams to ensure the execution of TECHO’s work model. 

In addition to her work experience, Pao has a solid academic background. She successfully completed high school and holds degrees as an Assistant Technician in Teaching English and Assistant Technician in Nutrition. With an innate passion for social development and an outstanding track record in leadership and project management, Pao continues to make a significant mark in the field of community development, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the positive transformation of communities. 

Cristina is a Panamanian woman with a Law and Political Science degree from the Santa María La Antigua Catholic University. She is passionate about human rights, inclusion and community service. Cristina believes firmly in the importance of women’s empowerment and education. To this end, she created the Nan Gana Program, which works to educate mothers in vulnerable situations in soft skills, study methodologies and technology, so that they can be mentors in their children’s learning process and acquire important skills for their own lives. Cristina has participated in several training courses in design and project, has led workshops geared towards minors deprived of their liberty and vulnerable adolescents, and has mentored many youths on their projects. 

Jackeline Maria is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Panama. Her trajectory as an agent of change and youth leader is wide. She stands out for her work in teaching art and culture workshops in indigenous communities. Jackeline is also a member of Rotaract Boquete and has been involved as a volunteer for educational and SDGs youth initiatives.  

Jackeline is a founding member and president of ReConectArte. An initiative that promotes the creation of safe spaces to work towards inclusion, social peace, and culture through workshops that optimize the interest in intercultural dialogue, values, and ethnic empowerment, using art and multiple intelligences as tools for positive change. Her passion and commitment to service are qualities that allow her to continue growing as a professional and cultivating her values. 

Leirys is a 23-year-old Afro-Panamanian woman and a native of Aguadulce, Cocle, Panama. She has a degree in Law and Political Science from the University of Panama. Additionally, Leirys is part of various organizations such as Odón Rasonero, Global Shapers, and Play in English. She is a social activist and co-founder of the Totuma project, which teaches children and young people how to create, develop and maintain home gardens to achieve food security. 

Milagros is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration at the Latin University of Panama and a bachelor’s degree in English at the National University of Panama. She is passionate about history, art, literature, feminism, and is committed to helping others. Milagros is also passionate about closing the gender equality gap. She is currently developing a project that focuses on raising awareness, education, advocacy and convenient access to menstrual hygiene products. Through the project, Milagros works to empower women and girls in her community, offering them tools to cope with menstrual poverty. 

Brenda is a young Peruvian activist with a Law degree from the Andean University of Cusco. From a very young age, she has been interested in volunteer work aimed at women’s empowerment, education, and human rights. Moreover, she has participated in more than 16 non-governmental organizations and student groups, generating impact at local and national levels. Currently, Brenda is part of Kusisqa and Global Shapers Cusco Hub, where she works on a community-based project, Yo Política (I Politics) aimed at promoting and strengthening women’s political participation within her country with an emphasis on young women. Brenda has represented the Cusco region on more than one occasion, collaborating with other young people from different cities in Peru to address the problems and needs of their regions. 

Brisa is pursuing a degree in Economics with a concentration on Public Policy at the University of the Pacific in Peru. She is the co-founder of ALIADAS, an organization that provides Peruvian teenage girls in vulnerable situations with the necessary tools to enhance their leadership, soft skills and professional opportunities.  

Brisa is passionate about contributing to closing the gender gap in her country and improving Peru’s public policy system. To this end, Brisa works, in collaboration with multilateral organizations and entities within the Peruvian government, to create investment-based projects and public policies. She is also part of Impacta – Jóvenes por la Gestión Pública (Impact- Youth for Public Management) and Hacedoras, where she promotes young talent and female participation in public policy and Peruvian and Latin American politics. 

Maricielo Chalco is a young leader pursuing an Environmental Engineering degree at the San Ignacio de Loyola University in Peru. Maricielo is an advocate for climate justice. To this end, she is currently a mentee at the Women4Climate Lima project and a board member at Ollas Sostenibles, a project that provides food, water, and energy security to Peru’s peripheral areas. Maricielo is also working on gender equality, participating in organizations such as Quinta Ola and Capee Girl Up, a youth organization working on gender justice dedicated to supporting, empowering, inspiring and connecting transformative leaders with a global network of change agents. 

Valeria is passionate about making a change in her community. Coming from a low-income background and being the first person in her family to attend college, she aspires to build a meaningful career in science and technology. In recent years, Valeria started a social project called Girls in STEM Lam, where she empowers girls through educational activities. The project has been supported by the KidsRights Foundation. 

Due to her track record as a leader, Valeria has been accepted into various leadership programs such as Global Citizen Year Academy, Latin America Leadership Academy, and Aspire Leaders (founded at Harvard University). She is a proactive and resilient young woman who is always looking to step out of her comfort zone while supporting the causes she cares about. Valeria has volunteered for Global Changemakers as part of their outreach team, Global Citizen before the Coldplay concert in Lima and Rise for the World for two consecutive years. She understands the power of opportunity and giving back to society motivates her.