Class of 2025 Bios

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 impact women's socio-political participation. She has advised on developing two strategic international initiatives to address TFVAW: the National Democratic Institute's rapid online support assistance mechanism for women facing digital violence, and pirth.org, an innovative trust and safety platform enabling independent reporting of online threats.

Amna currently leads the development of Pakistan's National Framework on Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. She has shared insights on technology-based threats to women at international forums including Thomson Reuters during the UN General Assembly, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Aspen Institute. She is an Eisenhower Fellow, a Heinrich Böll Fellow, and holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London.

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 Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association and head of the Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary, she played a key role in Georgia’s anti-corruption and judicial reforms. As Assistant to the Prime Minister (2013–2014), she led the development of Georgia’s first National Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan.

As a global governance expert, Tamar co-authored Indicators for Democratic Parliaments, a global tool for parliamentary development, and contributed to the 2022 Global Parliamentary Report for the Inter-Parliamentary Union. She has also conducted research for NDI, UNDP, and others.

She holds master’s degrees from Harvard Kennedy School and Tbilisi State University and has received awards including 50 Alumni for 50 Years (2024) and USAID’s Outstanding Contribution to Gender Initiatives (2019).

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, where he worked closely with governments and the private sector.

Akim began his career at HSBC and Commerzbank before moving into sovereign investment. He serves on advisory boards for global climate finance initiatives, including the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative. He is an INSEAD Distinguished Fellow, a former Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, and holds degrees from Concordia University, Skema Business School, and Westminster University.

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 Award, UN IOM Global Migration Film Award in Switzerland, International Environmental Media Award in Canada, London City Film Award in the UK, and Romania Cultural Media Award. Mariam is a recognized fellow of New America, Columbia University, and other prestigious programs.

As an educator and cultural specialist, Mariam teaches students and professionals, with her works included in global education programs. She is an author of the EU Ethical Media Guidelines “Report Diversity!” and has worked with the Netherlands Platform of International Education. Mariam developed the “SuperDiverse Gamekit,” a set of innovative games designed to build inclusive environments for migrant children and multicultural learning spaces. She works with museums to design immersive storytelling and educational experiences for community participation and is the author of a publication on the concept of multiculturalism within museum spaces. 

Mariam’s expertise includes academic research on World Cultures in Germany. She is a UN-accredited intercultural facilitator working on global cultural understanding programs.

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 Yoruba phrase for “hawk.”

In 2007, her first platinum-selling, self-titled album Aṣa was released; it sold over 400,000 copies and won her the prestigious French Constantin Award in 2008. Her second album, Beautiful Imperfection, in collaboration with French producer and arranger Benjamin Constant, was released in 2010 and went platinum in 2011. Her fifth and latest studio album, titled V, was released in 2022 and features Nigerian artists Wizkid, The Cavemen and Ghanaian artist Amaarae, among others.

Beyond her voice, Aṣa is celebrated for her thought-provoking lyrics about universal themes such as love, identity, and social issues. Her lyrical depth and authenticity resonate with fans, establishing her as a compelling storyteller through her music.

As a Paris-born Nigerian artist, Aṣa’s contribution to music extends beyond borders, breaking new ground and inspiring a global audience. With each song, she continues to push artistic boundaries and create a musical legacy that transcends cultural confines.

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 Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS). In addition, Sonam delivers talks to thousands of youths who undergo youth development training programs known as De-suung and Gaylsung. He is also a visiting research scholar at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Japan.

He was earlier chairperson of Druk Gyalpo’s Institute, chairperson of De-suung Skilling Program, visiting research fellow at the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE) in Tokyo, and researcher at The Centre for Bhutan Studies.

His research interests focus on Bhutanese history, politics, culture, foreign relations, and oral literature. His works include Changes in Bhutanese Social Structure (2002), Polity Kingship and Democracy (2009), Democratic Transition in Bhutan (2019), and Missions from Dharmarajas to Gorkharajas: Bhutan-Nepal Relations since the 17th Century (2024) which were published by IDE, Bhutan’s Ministry of Education, Routledge and RIGSS respectively.

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 media. In addition, she is dedicated to the Paraguayan Judges Association, where she serves as Secretary General fighting for judicial independence, as well as organizing ongoing academic trainings for her peers.

Through her work, Vivian continues to shape the future of legal technology and gender justice.

Trinh Nguyen is a strategic development leader and the first Vietnamese country director of TRAFFIC International in Vietnam, where she manages a multi-million-dollar portfolio of wildlife trade and conservation projects. A pioneer in behavioral change approaches, she revolutionized conservation efforts through the innovative Chi initiative, which addresses the complex cultural and social dynamics driving wildlife consumption in Southeast Asia.

Prior to her current role, Trinh served as TRAFFIC's senior program manager, where she established groundbreaking partnerships with Vietnam's National Assembly and helped strengthen the country's wildlife protection legislation. Her work has resulted in one of the region's strongest legal frameworks for wildlife conservation, combining enforcement measures with evidence-based behavioral science approaches.

Earlier in her career, Trinh directed marketing at KOTO, a social enterprise supporting vulnerable youth, including trafficking survivors. This experience shaped her holistic approach to sustainable change, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic barriers while honoring local cultural contexts.

A graduate of The City College of New York with a degree in media communications and an MBA from Andrews University, Trinh brings 18 years of experience in driving transformative change through rights-based approaches and community-led initiatives. Her expertise spans program strategy, partnership development, and policy advocacy, with a particular focus on creating lasting impact through culturally resonant solutions.

Garo Paylan is a visiting scholar with the Europe Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His research focuses on the South Caucasus and Türkiye.

Garo is a former member of the Turkish Parliament and a prominent human rights activist. He served in the Turkish Parliament for two terms as a representative of Istanbul (2015-2018) and later Diyarbakir (2018-2023). Garo is one of the leading advocates for minority rights in Türkiye. He has been a frequent commentator on politics and economy for Turkish and international media organizations. Garo has also been a vocal advocate for normalization between Türkiye and Armenia, as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. During both of his terms in the Turkish parliament, he served on the Budget Committee, where he worked on income inequality and the peace dividend in Türkiye’s relations with neighbors.

Carlos Quintero is a lawyer, community organizer, and public policy strategist with extensive experience spanning government institutions, private companies, and grassroots movements throughout Mexico, the U.S., and Latin America. His work has focused on justice reform, digital and financial inclusion, and community empowerment — driving systemic change through policy and collective action.

Carlos recently spearheaded public policy efforts in fintech and digital access, serving as public policy director at leading technology firms. Previously, as legal counsel to the president of Mexico, he designed and negotiated the approval of Everyday Justice, the country’s most significant legal and constitutional access-to-justice reform in decades. He also founded "Ensamble" and "¡Sí Se Puede!," grassroots initiatives that empower communities to organize and build collective power.

Carlos is interested in exploring the intersection of environmental sustainability, theology, and philosophy — examining how people and communities define justice, responsibility, and collective action in times of crisis.

With a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a law degree from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), Carlos is looking to advance just and inclusive policies together with and for the benefit of our most vulnerable communities and the environment that we all depend on to survive and thrive.

Mohammed Rezwan is the founder and executive director of Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, an award-winning organization that transforms the lives of communities in Bangladesh’s flood-prone regions through innovative design and sustainable solutions. An architect by training, Rezwan has spent over two decades developing solar-powered floating schools — mobile classrooms that ensure children’s education remains uninterrupted, even during seasonal floods. These schools are a symbol of resilience, providing not only education but also healthcare, vocational training, and food security, proving that ingenious and community-driven solutions can thrive in the face of climate challenges.

Rezwan’s floating farms (duck, fish, and vegetables), clinics, and training centers are part of an integrated development approach to climate vulnerability. This initiative empowers communities with tools for present-time climate adaptation and economic independence while also preparing them for intense and frequent flood events. His solutions combine local knowledge with cutting-edge designs, creating a sustainable system that has benefitted over 800,000 people in Bangladesh and has been replicated in eight countries across Asia and Africa.

Recognized internationally for his pioneering work, Rezwan has received numerous accolades, including awards from the United Nations. His initiatives have been featured in global media outlets like the Washington Post, The Independent, and Euronews and exhibited by prestigious institutions like the Cooper-Hewitt and Smithsonian Design Museum.

Rezwan continues to lead efforts in climate resilience, education equity, and sustainable innovation. His mission is to inspire change on a global scale by showing how local solutions, such as floating schools and community centers, can tackle global challenges.

Rhea See is the co-founder and CEO of She Loves Tech, the world’s largest tech startup competition and accelerator dedicated to women tech entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, She Loves Tech grew from a single-country initiative to a global platform spanning 80 countries, building a robust pipeline of 15,000 women-led tech startups across 110 nations. Her work has led to more than $600 million in funding raised post-competition. By 2030, she aims to mobilize $1 billion in capital for women entrepreneurs worldwide.

Rhea is redefining the global investment landscape by directing capital toward meaningful innovations. She extends her influence as an investor and venture advisor with Kaya Founders and other venture capital funds, and serves as a member of the Walmart Innovation Council, focusing on gender-lens investing and bridging startup ecosystems across borders. A respected ecosystem-builder, she advises global leaders — including the UN, governments, and Fortune 500 companies — on diversity, innovation, and investment strategies.

Rhea is recognized internationally as a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow, and a member of UN Women’s 30 for 2030 network, driving gender equality and digital inclusion across Asia-Pacific. She is also a United Nations EQUALS Partner, championing gender-equitable investment in tech globally. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including being a two-time honoree on Tatler’s Gen.T List, and inclusion among Singapore’s 100 Women in Tech. Through her work, Rhea is leveraging the power of tech and diversity to shape a future where everyone can thrive.

Stav Shaffir is a social entrepreneur, a former member of Parliament, and a global leader in democracy and transparency. At 27, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the Israeli Parliament after leading Israel’s largest social movement for social justice. In the Knesset, she transformed political culture, introducing new standards of transparency, public participation, and activism into a rigid system. As chair of the Transparency Committee, she exposed corruption and reformed budget oversight, later leading the OECD’s global parliamentary committee on transparency and anti-corruption. A relentless advocate for democracy and peace, Stav played a pivotal role in uniting pro-democracy forces during Israel’s political crisis, pushing for cross-partisan collaboration to safeguard democracy.

Today, she leads the Ministry of the Future, an organization that expands political imagination through bold storytelling and visionary policy ideas. She also founded Shira Academy, a pioneering academic program for young adults with autism and special needs, and leads research on the future of democracy and state budgets at Reichman University.

Stav has been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, named one of Apolitical’s most promising future political leaders, and featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, among many other publications. A regular political commentator, she speaks and writes on democracy, security, and the two-state solution. She also hosts the podcast It Could Be, where she engages with leading experts on the future of politics, society, and innovation.

Mathias Wikström is a renowned Sweden-based sustainability business leader and creative strategist who aims to drive innovation and simplify complex communication. Together with Johan Pihl, he founded Doconomy, a company that provides financial services with climate consciousness, and spearheaded globally awarded projects at the forefront of finance, sustainability and human rights.

He has received an Executive MBA with honors from Stockholm School of Economics, specializing on leading innovation, and is an IMAGINE Leader as well as a member of The Explorers Club.

A highly decorated creative, Mathias has won multiple Grand Prix at Cannes Lions and has served as jury president for innovation at Eurobest, among other prestigious award juries. He is a sought-after speaker at industry summits in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Latin America, as well as with the United Nations and UNFCCC. 

Wei Xing is the founder of China Fact Check, the first independent fact-checking program in China. He built a network of online volunteers to be able to operate in a challenging media environment. Wei also promotes media literacy among the Chinese public through training, workshops, speeches, and media interviews. He published The Fact-Checking Handbook, the first of its kind in simplified Chinese.

As a media entrepreneur, he co-founded Pear Video, China's first short-form news video platform in 2016 and has served as deputy editor-in-chief since then. Prior to that, he founded Sixth Tone, a must-read publication for China watchers around the world for its unique, critical, on-the-ground China reporting. He also co-founded The Paper in 2014, a pioneer in the digital transformation of the Chinese media industry, which earned a reputation in its early days for its vigorous political coverage and diverse opinion pieces.

Wei started his journalism career in 2001 as a reporter for Youth Daily and has covered international news at Oriental Morning Post for many years.

Mikhail Zygar is a journalist, historian, and best-selling author, known for his work on Russian politics, propaganda, and authoritarianism. He was the founding editor-in-chief of TV Rain (Dozhd), Russia’s only independent news television channel, which became a critical voice against state censorship until he was forced into exile.

Zygar is the author of several internationally acclaimed books, including "All the Kremlin’s Men," a best-seller that provides an insider’s account of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle; "The Empire Must Die," a deeply researched narrative on the fall of the Russian Empire and the revolutionary forces of the early 20th century; and "War and Punishment," which was named one of The New Yorker’s best nonfiction books of 2023. His books have been translated into multiple languages and are widely used in academic and journalistic discussions on Russia.

Zygar is a leading commentator on Russian affairs, regularly contributing op-eds to The New York Times, Time Magazine, Vanity Fair, Foreign Affairs, and The Washington Post. He is also a frequent guest on CNN, providing expert analysis on Russia and global politics. In 2018, he was a TED Fellow and delivered a TED Talk on history, propaganda, and disinformation.

He has lectured at leading universities, including Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Georgetown, and Stanford. In 2024, he taught at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, and in 2025, at Columbia University.