Meet the Team

Co-Founders and Co-CEOs

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Andrea M. Bertone, PhD

I have 25 years' experience leading programs on global women's economic and political empowerment. With a doctorate in human trafficking and deep knowledge in how to support women's safeguarding, access to inclusive health, and education, I have partnered with women, men and all people in 30+ countries to ensure that empowerment programs uplift and cause no harm.

I have vast experience as a dynamic educator as an adjunct professor at George Washington University. I have also delivered hundreds of trainings around the world on gender equality, social inclusion and women's empowerment and use active listening, appreciative inquiry and emotionally intelligent curriculum to help teams build lasting results. 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' 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 been a development project leader since 1999, and my work in stakeholder engagement extends to the areas of economic development, child and maternal health, conflict management and peace building. I have been an advocate for girls’ education, women's economic empowerment, and gender mainstreaming in 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 state-level 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.