FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 7, 2025
WFN MOBILIZES $375,000 TO POWER GLOBAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
Exclusive initiative includes year-long peer learning experience, grants
San Francisco, CA – The Women’s Funding Network (WFN) is proud to announce the inaugural members of its Global Leadership Forum (GLF)—an exclusive initiative designed to amplify the voices and accelerate the impact of global leaders advancing gender and social justice.
The GLF was created to support and spotlight exceptional women driving change in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and across borders. Members of this invitation-only cohort receive a personal leadership grant as well as access to virtual and in-person peer collaboration and global networking opportunities. The Forum serves as a platform to sustain and expand their influence while accelerating progress on the issues that matter most.
“The Global Leadership Forum embodies our commitment to investing in the visionary leaders who are not only shaping their communities but also shifting global conversations,” said Elizabeth Barajas-Román, President & CEO of Women’s Funding Network. “Through shared learning, visibility, and connection to resources, we are building a powerful foundation for long-term systems change.”
The five inaugural members of the Global Leadership Forum are:
- Dr. Stellah Bosire, Executive Director, Africa Center for Health Systems and Gender Justice
- Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Executive Director, Our Equity
- Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, Founder and President, Kakenya’s Dream
- Lilly Singh, Founder, Unicorn Island Fund
- S. Mona Sinha, Global Executive Director, Equality Now
The GLF yearlong experience includes:
- Masterclasses led by global experts, offering deep dives into topics such as managing global teams and navigating complex political and legal environments in their regions.
- Salons designed as intimate, funder-facing gatherings where each member can present their work, build curiosity, and cultivate sustained engagement around their vision and case for support.
Spotlight at Feminist Funded 2025 and 40th Anniversary Gala
GLF members will also be featured at Feminist Funded 2025, WFN’s biennial global conference taking place September 10–11, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with a pre-conference Policy Day of Action on September 9. The conference brings together hundreds of global funders, movement leaders, and advocates to explore bold ideas and catalyze new investments in gender justice. A key highlight of the convening will be WFN’s 40th Anniversary Gala, held the evening of September 10 at the Salamander Washington DC. During the event, attendees will experience:
Fireside Chat: Global Vision Forward
A powerful conversation with four Global Leadership Forum members—Dr. Stellah Bosire, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, and S. Mona Sinha—exploring bold strategies for mobilizing philanthropic capital into grassroots movements and advancing inclusive leadership for the next generation.
To learn more or register for Feminist Funded 2025, visit: www.feministfunded.org
About Women’s Funding Network
The Women’s Funding Network is the world’s largest alliance of women’s funds and gender justice foundations, representing over 120 members across 14 countries. Together, we mobilize $1.4 billion annually to increase the power of women, girls, and gender-expansive people to create a more just, equitable, and safer world for all.
Photos and Bios available on request.
Media Contact: Chantal Bonitto
Director of Philanthropy
cbonitto@womensfundingnetwork.org | 415 267-9061