Class: 2025
Vivian López Núñez
Vivian López Núñez is a leading judicial figure in Paraguay, recognized for her contributions to legal modernization and gender equality. With more than 28 years in the judiciary, she is known as a trailblazer in the implementation of Paraguay's first electronic docketing system, revolutionizing case management and judicial transparency. A passionate advocate for women's rights, Vivian actively advises women legal professionals and advocates for gender-sensitive judicial reforms. Internationally, she has represented her country in global legal discussions, including engagements with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Paraguay Focal Point for workshops and conferences on the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Integrity and guidelines for judges' use of social…
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Sonam Kinga
Sonam Kinga is a scholar-practitioner of democracy. Having contested elections, served as a member of Parliament, and written about his experiences, he continues to study and analyze the political situation in Bhutan. Sonam served as a member of the National Council, Parliament of Bhutan for 10 years (2008-2018) after contesting elections during Bhutan’s historic transition to parliamentary democracy. In his first term, he served as deputy chairperson and, in his second term, as chairperson. His Majesty the King conferred upon him the honor of the Red Scarf in 2012 and the Gold Medal (National Order of Merit) in 2014. He is currently a member of the teaching faculty at the…
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Asa
Bukola Elemide, professionally known as Aṣa, is a versatile and dynamic multi-genre singer renowned for her captivating performances. With a unique blend of influences that transcend cultural boundaries, Aṣa has made a significant impact on the music scene. Her evocative voice and distinctive style have earned her recognition not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage. Influenced by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, King Sunny Adé, Diana Ross, Nina Simone, and Miriam Makeba, Aṣa's musical journey is marked by an eclectic fusion of genres, showcasing her ability to seamlessly navigate through diverse sounds. Her stage name Aṣa, pronounced “Asha,” is a…
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Mariam El Marakeshy
Mariam El Marakeshy is an award-winning filmmaker, multimedia storyteller, educator, researcher, and cultural specialist who works in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA. She is a former United Nations staff member. Mariam’s projects explore migration, culture, museums, environment, education, and media ethics. She has worked with National Geographic, ITN UK, USAID, the UN, and many NGOs. Her globally recognized works include films such as “Transit” and “Misafir A Guest” with unique storytelling from the Greek island of Lesvos and Istanbul, in addition to multimedia projects and impact media campaigns, which influence global discussions and solutions. Mariam has received numerous international awards, including the USA Social Impact Media…
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Akim Daouda
Akim Daouda is an investment and climate finance expert specializing in sustainability, infrastructure, and economic development. As the founder and CEO of Mwaana Inc., he leads efforts to secure land for conservation and drive ecological restoration in the Congo Basin. His work bridges finance, policy, and business to create economic opportunities rooted in environmental stewardship. Before launching Mwaana, Akim served as CEO of Gabon’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (FGIS), overseeing $1.8 billion in assets. He played a key role in integrating nature into finance, structuring Africa’s first $500 million debt-for-nature swap, and monetizing 90 million tons of carbon credits. His leadership extended across large-scale energy projects, banking, mining, and infrastructure investments,…
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Tamar Chugoshvili
Tamar Chugoshvili is a democracy advocate, lawyer, and public administration specialist with 20 years of experience advancing good governance, the rule of law, and gender equality. She served as First Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia (2016–2020), where she championed institutional reforms, strengthened parliamentary oversight, and led key gender equality initiatives. She also headed Georgia’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), chaired the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the U.S. Congress, and served as an ambassador for the Women Political Leaders Global Forum (WPL). A dedicated anti-corruption advocate, Tamar proposed a reform package to establish an Independent Anti-Corruption Mechanism in Parliament. Previously, as chair of the…
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Amna Baig
Amna Baig is a superintendent of police and a policy expert who stands among the mere 2% of women in Pakistan's police officer corps leadership. Throughout her career, she has focused on combating gender-based violence in a country ranked 145th out of 146 on the global gender gap index. Amna established Pakistan's first Gender Protection Unit, a 24/7 facility that handled over 1,000 cases within six months, improving access to essential services for vulnerable populations. Her policy work includes drafting investigation guidelines for the Anti-Rape Ordinance Committee as a member. At Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, Amna conducted research focusing on technology-facilitated violence against women (TFVAW), revealing how digital threats…
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