This is the second article in my series of People to follow from One Young World 2025. You can view my first article here
This article will focus on delegates at One Young World who have founded their own company, are One Young World staff, or are One Young World coordinating ambassadors.
If you prefer, you can view a video summary of the article here:
Title: Co-Founder & President at Queer Safe Spaces, Inc. | Women@Dior UNESCO Mentee 2025-2026 | International Fellow at U.S Department of State | Top 1% Finalist at Facebook Community Accelerator Program
Based in: Manila, Philippines
Expertise: Journalism
Aden is the Co-Founder and President of Queer Safe Spaces, Inc., a leading organisation based in the Philippines that advocates for safe, inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ community. She is also a Women@Dior UNESCO Mentee for 2025-2026, an International Fellow at the U.S. Department of State, and a Top 1% Finalist in the Facebook Community Accelerator Program. Aden is a prominent queer-content creator and advocate known for actively debunking misconceptions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIESC). Under her leadership, Queer Safe Spaces has become a vital platform championing LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and safe spaces in the Philippines.
Aden’s work includes public speaking, social media activism, and community building to raise awareness and promote equality. She emphasises that Pride Month is not only a celebration but also a protest and a call for continued advocacy and change. Together with co-founder Tina Boado, Roanne fosters a lifelong commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy through Queer Safe Spaces, which works to protect and empower queer individuals across the region.
Title: Co-founder of Live Love Beirut
Based in: Paris, France
Expertise: Climate Change
Mathias is the co-founder of Live Love Beirut, a social enterprise based in France that focuses on addressing the waste crisis in Lebanon through innovative, community-driven solutions. In response to Lebanon’s severe waste management challenges starting in 2015, Mathias helped establish Live Love Recycle, an application and service designed to make recycling more accessible and efficient. The initiative allows Beirut residents to recycle their waste conveniently via the app or through community recycling stores, helping to reduce waste piling in the streets and create safer, more sustainable urban environments.
Beyond recycling, Live Love Recycle now also focuses on transforming organic waste into green energy through anaerobic digestion, advancing circular economy models. Mathias Charles’ work exemplifies a commitment to climate change mitigation by promoting sustainable waste management and empowering communities to engage actively in environmental protection.
Title: Indigenous people advocate
Based in: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Expertise: Empowering Indigenous leaders
Lucrecia is an Indigenous people advocate based in Guatemala who is deeply committed to empowering Indigenous leaders, particularly Indigenous women. She is known for founding Kemok, a social entrepreneurship initiative that provides Indigenous women in rural areas with a platform to showcase their craft and creativity, fostering economic opportunities and community empowerment. Chiquin Chitay is also engaged in broader efforts to promote indigenous rights and participation through initiatives that connect culture, sustainability, and leadership development.
She is currently pursuing an engineering degree at San Carlos University in Guatemala and has been recognised for her leadership and commitment to Indigenous empowerment, including receiving awards such as the PLURAL+ youth award.
Enrico is the Mayor of El Recuenco, a small municipality located in the province of Guadalajara, within the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. El Recuenco is situated on a high plateau averaging 1,200 metres above sea level, surrounded by natural landscapes including pine and oak forests, valleys, and historic ruins. The municipality is known for its rural setting, historic vestiges dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, and a small population of around 64 inhabitants as of 2024.
Also known as the Tik-Tok mayor, Enrico is engaged in leading the local administration and governance of this small community, addressing the challenges typical of rural municipalities, such as population decline and maintaining local services. His political role involves managing municipal resources, supporting cultural and environmental preservation, and working to sustain the quality of life for the residents of El Recuenco.
Title: Champion for Indigenous Leaders & Youth
Based in: Montreal, Canada
Expertise: Indigenous People
Lance Copegog is a prominent Indigenous leader and youth advocate from Canada, specifically affiliated with the Beausoleil First Nation. He has served as Deputy Youth Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation and has been active in various influential roles, including membership in the Ontario Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities, the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples’ Council, and as Youth Representative for the Anishinabek Nation (Union of Ontario Indians) for the southeastern region of Ontario. Lance has been recognised across Canada for his political acumen, communication skills, and ability to build relationships that advance Indigenous youth leadership and governance.
His leadership journey began in 2016 when he helped establish the Beausoleil First Nation Youth Council. He played a vital role in developing key policy documents and managed portfolios related to administration, political, and intergovernmental affairs.
Lance has consistently engaged with federal and provincial governments to improve relations with municipalities and promote the promise of truth and reconciliation.
Title: Principal Chief Executive Officer of ASKCARE FEMTECH
Based in: Dakar, Senegal
Expertise: Healthcare
Aissatou is the Principal Chief Executive Officer of ASKCARE FEMTECH, a Senegal-based femtech company dedicated to improving access to healthcare, especially in rural areas. ASKCARE focuses on developing and distributing rapid diagnostic tests and proximity health solutions that enable early detection of diseases such as cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of death among women globally but highly curable if detected early. Aissatou, who is also a medical biologist, has been instrumental in innovating healthcare tools like a 3-in-1 device combining rapid HPV testing, digital colposcopy, and thermo-ablation to allow diagnosis and immediate treatment of precancerous lesions in low-resource settings.
Under her leadership, ASKCARE FEMTECH has partnered with health ministries in countries like Rwanda and Mali to integrate these technologies into national cancer prevention programs.
Aissatou is recognised for bridging biomedical research, innovation, and public health policy, advocating for women’s voices in healthcare design and policy development.
Aissatou is recognised for bridging biomedical research, innovation, and public health policy, advocating for women’s voices in healthcare design and policy development.
Title: Managing Ambassador of OYW2025
Based in: London, UK
Expertise: Sustainability in the banking sector
Rishi is the Managing Ambassador of OYW2025, based in the UK, with expertise in sustainability within the banking sector. He is currently the Sustainability Director at bp, where he focuses on advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and driving sustainable practices across energy investments. Rishi initially joined bp as a geologist and transitioned into strategy and sustainability roles, working on energy transition projects, climate governance, and supporting emerging markets to build greener, low-carbon economies.
His work involves shaping policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks to enhance climate governance and facilitate the disclosure and management of climate-related risks. Rishi actively leads the OYW2025 global program, mobilising young ambassadors to address urgent climate and sustainability challenges.
Title: CEO of Waymaker and Founder of Kippa
Based in: San Francisco, California, USA
Expertise: Financial management
Kennedy is the CEO of Waymaker and the founder of Kippa, a financial management platform designed to empower small and medium-sized African businesses. Based in San Francisco, California, USA, he launched Kippa in 2021 to provide African SMEs with simple, digital tools to manage their finances profitably and sustainably. Kippa offers an all-in-one financial management operating system that supports businesses in building credible and government-approved operations.
Kennedy is known for leading TikTok’s expansion into Africa and has received recognition, including Forbes 30 under 30 in Finance. His focus is on creating technology that fits the specific needs of African businesses, encouraging rapid growth and wider access to financial services such as payments, credit, and e-commerce. Under his leadership, Kippa raised over $11 million in pre-seed funding and remains committed to addressing the financial management challenges faced by African entrepreneurs.
Title: Founder of Cripple Media
Based in: Austin, Texas, USA
Expertise: Empowerment of people with disabilities
Emily is the founder and editor-in-chief of Cripple Media, the first media company run by and for young disabled people, aiming to empower and place them in leadership roles in media. Founded when she was just 15, Cripple Media began as a magazine and has now transitioned into a full media company with a focus on shifting how young disabled people are represented, telling authentic stories by disabled individuals themselves. The platform also offers consulting services to brands and companies for a better understanding and inclusion of the disability community.
Emily, a journalist and disability rights advocate, has been featured in major media outlets like the New York Times and works to train and support young disabled creatives. Her work advocates for the social model of disability, which focuses on removing societal barriers rather than “fixing” disabled individuals. Cripple Media emphasises disability as a source of strength and identity, providing a space that is both authentic and trendy for young disabled people.
Title: CEO of The Hear Foundation
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, US
Expertise: Civil rights advocate, author, and nonprofit leader c
Leon Ford is a civil rights advocate, author, and nonprofit leader committed to building safer, more connected communities. In 2012, he was shot five times by a Pittsburgh police officer during a case of mistaken identity, leaving him paralyzed. Since then, he has transformed that experience into sustained work focused on dialogue, public safety reform, youth engagement, and community healing.
As Co-Founder and Director of External Affairs at The Hear Foundation, Ford leads national partnerships, strategic storytelling, and initiatives designed to bridge divides between law enforcement and the communities they serve. His memoir, An Unspeakable Hope, examines forgiveness, accountability, and the discipline required to turn pain into purpose.
Ford has executive-produced award-recognised documentary work addressing race and reconciliation, including Breaking Bread: A Conversation on Race in America, recognized by the Shorty Awards. His leadership has been acknowledged through honors including the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, Forbes 30 Under 30, The Root 100, Pittsburgh 40 Under 40, and the National Urban League Community Service Award.
At the One Young World Summit in Munich in 2025, Ford spoke during the Anti-Hate session, calling on global leaders to confront division with intentional compassion: “Hate is contagious, but so is love. Let’s be the generation that spreads love faster.”
Title: CEO of Aiming for the Future
Based in: Warsaw, Poland
Area of Expertise: Empowering people with disabilities
Jakub Gietka is an inspiring international disability inclusion leader living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disease diagnosed at birth in Poland. Despite a dire initial prognosis and limited state support, he built a multifaceted career spanning freelance web design, public sector roles, consulting at Roche, and policy research at the Institute of Finance. Holding degrees from the Warsaw School of Economics and Kozminski University, Jakub advanced through advocacy with SMA Europe, EURORDIS, and the ERN Youth Panel. In 2022, he founded the Aiming For The Future Foundation (Fundacja Celując w Przyszłość), which empowers disabled youth via practical aid like wheelchairs, the AstraZeneca-funded “10 Steps After Diagnosis” platform, and the “Talking Head” podcast.
As a 2025 AstraZeneca Lead2030 Challenge Winner ($50,000 grant), One Young World Ambassador, AstraZeneca Impact Fellow, and member of the BNP Paribas Youth Advisory Board and European Network on Independent Living (ENIL), Jakub drives systemic change. The Foundation’s pillars—inner peace, financial independence, and inclusion—have raised over 100k PLN, launched 15+ projects, and reached 5,000+ followers. He serves on Poland’s Ombudsman’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and envisions scaling post-diagnosis support, professional personal assistance certification, and pan-European partnerships for true equity.
Earlier this month, Jakub established a new foundation — the first one in Poland dedicated to supporting people who have Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic skin disease. It’s currently the first initiative of this kind not only in Poland but also in Central and Eastern Europe.
Title: Co-founder and Projects Manager at DOODA Solutions,
Based in: Beirut, Lebanon
Expertise: Climate Change
Sara is the Co-founder and Projects Manager at DOODA Solutions, a Lebanese women-led agri-tech startup that revolutionises agriculture by using advanced earthworm technology to convert organic waste into solid and liquid vermicompost. DOODA Solutions aims to provide sustainable, eco-friendly fertilisers that help farmers restore soil health, increase crop yields, and adapt to climate change impacts. The startup operates a 2,000 m² facility capable of producing 1,200 tons of solid vermicompost and 600,000 litres of liquid vermicompost annually, serving over 12,000 clients.
Sara’s role focuses on project management and expanding the reach of DOODA Solutions to support farmers in Lebanon and the broader MENA region. The company has gained international recognition, including being featured on Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 list and winning innovation awards worldwide. DOODA Solutions collaborates with farmers, cattle farms, and partners to recycle organic waste, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilisers, and promote regenerative agriculture practices.
Giselle is the founder and CEO of EqualReach, a UK-based social enterprise that connects the private sector with vetted teams of skilled tech talent from displaced communities. Inspired by her experiences documenting refugee journeys across Europe, she founded EqualReach to create dignified digital work opportunities for refugees and forcibly displaced people. The platform acts as an impact sourcing hub, facilitating project-based work, including AI training, full-stack web development, and marketing, tailored specifically to harness the potential of displaced professionals.
Giselle’s mission centres on bridging humanitarian and business needs by empowering displaced people to rebuild their lives through meaningful employment.
Under Giselle’s leadership, EqualReach has won several awards, including the Social Shifters x Amazon Award and the Santander X UK Startup Awards, highlighting its innovative approach to social impact sourcing. Giselle is passionate about creating inclusive job markets that recognise displaced talent, foster economic empowerment, and break invisible barriers to work.
Title: Founder & CEO of The Great Friendship Project
Based in: London, UK
Expertise: Mental Health
David is the founder and CEO of The Great Friendship Project, a UK-based initiative dedicated to combating the loneliness epidemic, particularly among young adults in their 20s and 30s. Launched in 2021 after David’s own experiences of loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project offers accessible, social, and low-cost or free events such as social walks, musical acoustic nights, silent discos, pub crawls, karaoke, and arts and crafts to help people build friendships and community connections.
The Great Friendship Project has grown rapidly, hosting over 300 events and amassing more than 45,000 members. It responds to the significant rise in loneliness among young people and the mental health impacts that chronic loneliness can cause, including depression and anxiety. David emphasises creating regular, intentional opportunities for social interaction that combat isolation both in-person and online, addressing the modern cultural shift toward digital communication. The initiative works closely with health organisations, charities, and social prescribers to reach those most in need and also campaigns for greater awareness and national conversations on loneliness.
Emidio is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Eoliann, a Turin-based climate-tech company using satellite data and artificial intelligence to model climate resilience and quantify the probability and impact of natural disasters for banks, insurers and infrastructure operators. Drawing on a background in management engineering and the application of AI to Industry 4.0, he helps design and deliver a digital platform that provides precise, real-time assessments of climate risk exposure across hazards such as floods, fires, heatwaves and extreme precipitation. Through this work, Emidio enables financial institutions and businesses to understand how climate change could affect their assets and portfolios, supporting better investment decisions and more resilient infrastructure.
Emidio’s expertise sits at the intersection of environmental intelligence, data science and product development, and he is recognised as part of a new generation of Italian entrepreneurs using technology to address the climate crisis.
At Eoliann, he focuses on turning complex Earth observation data and advanced climate models into actionable insights via user-centric tools that can be integrated into existing risk and planning processes. His broader mission is to ensure that the growing volume of environmental data produced by satellites is translated into practical solutions that reduce economic losses from extreme events and help accelerate an evidence-based climate transition.
Title: Founder of 30×30 Indonesia and Diverseas
Based in: Jakarta, Indonesia and Melbourne, Australia
Expertise: Climate Change,
Environmental and Conservation Change
Brigitta is the founder of 30×30 Indonesia, a volunteer-run movement based in Indonesia that engages communities to advance marine protected areas in Indonesia and supports the global goal of conserving at least 30% of land and sea by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. She launched the movement at 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a digital campaign, which has since grown into a nonprofit organisation focused on policy advocacy, environmental education, and coral reef restoration with local communities. She also founded Diverseas, an initiative that creates digital resources such as short films, e-learning modules, and virtual reality workshops, to educate people on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ocean Literacy Principles, and conservation leaders.
Brigitta has been recognised as a Generation17 Young Leader by the United Nations Development Program, connecting intergenerational communities through science, education, and storytelling aimed at ocean and climate advocacy. She is a passionate youth voice at international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and New York Climate Week, promoting urgent collective action on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development.
Title: Project Coordinator at GAIN
Based in: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Expertise: Youth and Adolescent Nutrition
Mehedi is the Project Coordinator at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, specialising in youth and adolescent nutrition. He leads impactful nutrition programs targeting young people, focusing on integrating nutrition education with food systems and climate action. Moreover, Mehedi introduced the Local Conference of Youth Bangladesh and the Scaling Up Nutrition Youth Network Bangladesh, advancing youth engagement in climate action and nutrition nationwide. Apart from his GAIN role, Mehedi also leads environmental and climate activism initiatives, notably through the youth-driven project Clime Plus, which promotes sustainable waste management and climate awareness in Bangladesh. His leadership in creating youth networks and mobilising young climate advocates has won recognition and strengthened community engagement on these critical issues.
Mehedi is also involved in advocacy and campaign work to advance youth participation in national nutrition and climate governance policies. He promotes cross-sectoral collaboration through youth forums and supports capacity building for leadership and digital engagement in sustainable development. His efforts highlight the importance of empowering young people as key agents for transforming food systems and environmental resilience in Bangladesh’s development trajectory.
Title: Specialist in the intersection of sexual and reproductive health (SRH)
Based in: Maryland, USA
Expertise: Public Health
Ogechi is a specialist in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) based Maryland, USA, with a strong focus on public health research, policy advocacy, and community engagement. She founded Girl Power Afrique, an organisation that empowers African women through education, health initiatives, and promotes informed decision-making regarding reproductive rights. Operating in 18 African countries, her work promotes access to contraception, sexual health education, and efforts to improve maternal health outcomes.
Ogechi has extensive experience working at the intersection of public health, SRH, and policy, advocating for increased contraceptive use and better reproductive healthcare frameworks across sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, which has one of the lowest contraceptive prevalence rates in the region. Her contributions also include supporting national and international public health efforts towards addressing chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and systemic health inequities. She is known for combining research, policy, and grassroots activities to advance sexual and reproductive health rights globally.
Title: Co-author of The Future Is Peace (coming April 2026), named one of the New York Times’ “Most Anticipated Books of the Year.”
Based in: Jerusalem, Israel
Expertise: Social entrepreneurship
Following the murder of his parents during the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, Maoz became a prominent international advocate for peace, calling for an end to violence and promoting radical forgiveness. Alongside peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah, he co-leads InterAct International, a nonprofit focusing on reconciliation and building a future based on equality.
A visionary social entrepreneur, Maoz co-founded several transformative initiatives, including the Jesus Trail, Abraham Hostels, and the Fauzi Azar Inn. His work has been honoured with the Franco-German Human Rights Prize and the Shared Living Award. A frequent commentator on global stages, he has spoken on Capitol Hill and at the European Parliament, and his writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Al Jazeera, and Haaretz.
Yvette is the founder and CEO of IRIBA Water Group, a Rwandan social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and climate-smart drinking water solutions to low-income communities and schools across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. Inspired by her personal experience moving from Kigali to a rural area where water scarcity was a daily struggle, Yvette developed the IRIBA Tap&Drink innovation, which employs rainwater harvesting systems connected to smart water ATMs that purify and dispense safe drinking water.
IRIBA Water Group’s services are climate-adaptive, helping to manage flood risks and improve water access sustainably. The use of reusable water containers makes the water 70% cheaper than bottled alternatives, making it affordable for poor communities. Youth aged 18 to 30, 85% of whom are women, operate the water ATMs through a franchise model, creating jobs and empowering women.
Since its founding in 2017, IRIBA has served over 300,000 people and has been recognised with several awards, including winning the 2022 African Youth Adaptation Solutions Challenge. Looking ahead, the business aims to expand its reach to 3 million people and scale its franchise model across countries, significantly contributing to climate resilience, health improvement, and local economic growth in the region.
Title: Program Coordinator at Women Journalists without Chains
Based in: Qatar
Expertise: Journalism
Aliya serves as the Program Coordinator at Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC), an independent non-governmental organisation based in Qatar dedicated to defending human rights and advancing freedom of opinion and expression across the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in 2005 by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman, WJWC has grown from a national initiative into a prominent regional organisation that empowers journalists, particularly women, by promoting press freedom, democracy, and civic engagement.
WJWC actively monitors and documents human rights violations, providing training and resources to journalists and activists working under challenging conditions. The organisation seeks to create a society grounded in justice, equal citizenship, and freedom of participation, with a focus on equipping emerging leaders with the skills to influence positive change.
Through partnerships with civil society and academia, WJWC fosters a culture of rights and free media, amplifying voices from conflict zones and marginalised communities to ensure that truth and accountability prevail.
Enissa is a Program Associate with UN Women in Ethiopia, specialising in female empowerment and gender equality. She works on initiatives focused on enhancing women’s participation in transitional justice processes, ensuring their voices are meaningfully included in policymaking. Enissa supports programmes aimed at ending violence against women and girls while promoting women’s leadership in peacebuilding and social development. She is also engaged in advocacy efforts to foster an inclusive society that upholds women’s rights as human rights, working in close collaboration with government bodies and civil society organisations.
Through her role, Enissa contributes to shaping national strategies that address gender-based violence and improve women’s access to justice and economic opportunities. Her work includes organising consultations and panels to bring attention to the impacts of conflict on women and to promote sustainable peace and security.
Title: CEO of CONCAT Tech
Based in: Beirut, Lebanon
Expertise: Refugee Empowerment
Laura Jardine Paterson, founder and CEO of CONCAT Tech based in Lebanon, champions digital inclusion by employing refugee and female developers to build award-winning software solutions. Bootstrapped since 2021, CONCAT has grown into a revenue-generating impact startup, training over 300 diverse talents amid regional conflicts, including navigating Lebanon’s 2024 escalations by relocating her team remotely. Nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30 and featured in the World Economic Forum, she advises on tech talent pipelines and mentors women entrepreneurs globally.
As a Z Zurich Foundation Scholar and OYW2025 Munich 2025 attendee, Laura reflected on the summit’s 2,200 changemakers, inspired by bootstrapped innovators from Afghanistan to Palestine, while highlighting funding gaps and conflicts like Gaza. In 2024, she launched CONCAT Recruit, a Middle East tech talent community fostering economic empowerment. A TEDx speaker and international mentor, she emphasises collaboration across borders for mental health, climate, and peace, urging action over aspiration.
Title: Taiwan’s first openly LGBTQ+ politician
Based in: Taipei City, Taiwan
Expertise: Politics
Huang is Taiwan’s first openly LGBTQ+ parliamentarian and the youngest member of the 11th Legislative Yuan. Elected at the age of 30, she made history as a member of the Democratic Progressive Party representing Kaohsiung’s sixth constituency. Noted for her progressive ideals and distinctive personal style—including pink hair highlights and a passion for cosplay—Huang is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and gender equality in Taiwan. Her election reflects the island’s broader social progress, including the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2019 and ongoing efforts to advance LGBTQ inclusion.
Despite the strides made in LGBTQ rights, Huang faces societal challenges, including potential discrimination and conservative backlash. She is committed to advancing issues such as enabling same-sex couples to have biological children through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Huang’s political journey highlights both the progress and continuing struggles for LGBTQ representation within Taiwanese society, balancing visibility of identity with a focus on policy change and equality.
Title: Founder of Strangers in The City
Based in: UK
Expertise: Combating the loneliness epidemic
Chanté is the founder of Strangers in The City, a UK-based event series dedicated to combating the loneliness epidemic by creating opportunities for people to connect and find their community. Launched in 2023, the initiative offers a range of social events across London designed to encourage new friendships through shared activities and experiences, from music nights to group walks. Chanté Joseph is an award-winning podcaster and culture journalist known for her work with Channel 4 and The Guardian, bringing her passion for storytelling and community building into this project. Her work addresses growing social isolation, particularly in urban settings, by fostering inclusive, welcoming environments where people can form meaningful connections.
Strangers in The City is part of Chanté’s broader commitment to cultural dialogue and mental well-being, leveraging her media experience and social insight to tackle loneliness as a public health issue. She combines her background in social policy with creative content production to inspire a sense of belonging, especially for those feeling disconnected in fast-paced city life.
Title: CEO of Afyakili
Based in: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Expertise: Promotes mental health in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Dr Dumazedier Kabasele is the president and leader of Afyakili, an organisation spearheading mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and support across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Through Afyakili, he drives programs for early intervention, counselling, and community training, often partnering with local churches, schools, and global events like One Young World.
Afyakili integrates mental health into primary care, addressing local challenges with cultural sensitivity and evidence-based approaches in Kinshasa and multiple provinces. Dr Kabasele’s vision positions mental health as a national priority, fostering resilience amid resource constraints.
As a trusted collaborator with government and international partners, Afyakili, under his guidance, promotes empathy, scientific care, and healthier communities throughout Central Africa.
Title: Entrepreneur |Multi Award-winning 5th Yr Medical Student | TEDx Speaker | Founder and Author of Skin For All | Podcast Cohost of Very Junior Doctors | Founder of Future Dr | OYW Social Media content creator
Based in: South of England
Expertise: Representation of women of colour in healthcare
Naabil Khan is a trailblazing fifth-year medical student at the University of Exeter, hailing from South London, and a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. She founded the nonprofit Skin For All in 2023, a website offering free resources on skin conditions across all skin tones to bridge educational gaps and promote equitable diagnosis, particularly for underrepresented groups. Additionally, Naabil runs the “Very Junior Doctors” podcast, demystifying medical training, and the “Future Dr” newsletter, which engages students in over 12 specialities.
At age 22, her efforts garnered the 2024 Racial Justice in Medicine Award from the American Medical Student Association—the first for a British student—plus the 2023 Rising Star in Healthcare Award and BMBS Citizenship honours. She has keynoted at TEDxNHS, BMA conferences, and RHO events, pushing for antiracist policies and decolonised curricula. Khan’s work aligns with DEI priorities, fostering inclusive medical practice globally.