Meet the Team

Co-Founders and Co-CEOs

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Andrea M. Bertone, PhD

I have 25 years of experience leading and advising programs on inclusive education, reproductive health, HIV prevention, care and treatment, gender-based violence, and women's political empowerment. With a doctorate in political science and extensive knowledge in supporting safeguarding and protection from human trafficking, I have worked closely people and local organizations in 30+ countries to ensure that empowerment programs uplift and cause no harm.

I have extensive experience as a dynamic educator, serving as an adjunct professor at George Washington University since 2008. I have also delivered hundreds of training sessions worldwide on gender equality, social inclusion, and women's empowerment. I have conducted gender and social inclusion analyses in a dozen countries, and have been published in peer-reviewed journals. I am well-versed in how to co-create successful, inclusive, and accessible empowerment programs.

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Elise Young

I have 25 years of experience working at the nexus of women’s and youth leadership development, economic advancement, and locally driven solutions. I have devoted my career to partnering with talented global women, men, youth, and people with disabilities - and their organizations, businesses and social enterprises - to help them actualize their vision and collectively advance sustainable economic growth and gender equality.

I am a master trainer and facilitator, who excels in building interactive and inspiring learning and co-creation experiences for organizational, government and business leaders around the world. Well trained in how to integrate high emotional intelligence and multi-cultural communication, I help a wide array of women, men and youth come together to strengthen their individual and collective leadership power.

Senior Leadership Team

Francophone Africa Representative

Daniel Tagali

I am a development economist with over 20 years' experience advancing sustainable programs in women's and youth's economic development throughout Francophone Africa . I excel in political, economic, and market analysis, program co-design, implementation, facilitation, monitoring and evaluation, and mutually respectful partnership development.

I have done extensive work to help bring corporations, governments and organizations to the same table to co-create effective programming that enables women and youth to build their entrepreneurial and professional skills, and launch and accelerate their businesses and social enterprises. I'm committed to access, equity, and inclusion, with deep experience working with both national and community organizations that help ensure that women's, youth's and people with disabilities' voices are front and center

East Africa Advisor

Angeline Siparo

I am a dedicated advocacy and policy expert with over 20 years of experience advancing governance reforms, human rights, and policy change across Africa. My work focuses on designing evidence-based advocacy strategies, strengthening governance systems, and amplifying women's and other marginalized voices. I have led engagements with governments, development partners, and regional institutions—including the African Union, Africa CDC, and USAID’s YALI—to influence inclusive policies and institutional reforms.

As Board Chair of the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), I led initiatives that improved public health governance and strengthened accountability.

I have led campaigns advancing gender equity, social justice, and access to quality healthcare, especially in the area of SRMNCAH (Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health).

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Nigeria Representative

Anna Madziga, PhD

I have 25+ years experience as a development project leader, with expertise in economic development, child and maternal health, conflict management, and peace building. I have advocated for girls’ education, women's economic empowerment, and gender mainstreaming throughout Nigeria. I have designed, evaluated and led girls’ education programs in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, and have worked to improve education and gender equity in IDP camps in Adamawa state, collaborating with the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, State Coordination Committee, and other key stakeholders.

I joined FHI 360 in 2018 as the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for USAID’s Addressing Education in North East Nigeria activity, overseeing all Education in Emergency (EiE) activities, managing technical staff, subcontractors, and grantees working in four camps.

Executive Assistant & Communications Specialist

Siyion Naisula

I have served as an executive and communications professional supporting leaders and teams across Africa and beyond. My work bridges organizational management, strategic communication, and community engagement — with a strong focus on empowering women, youth, and underrepresented groups.

I have supported leadership teams in planning and implementing impact-driven programs, coordinating multi-country projects, and strengthening brand communication through digital storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships.

At Women Rising, I manage executive coordination, communications strategy, and outreach across our global team — ensuring that our message of equity, wellness, and women's and youth empowerment reaches diverse audiences worldwide.