About Us | Women Rising

Meet the Team

We have a dedicated team of staff and consultants.

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Andrea M. Bertone

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.

Francophone Africa Representative

Daniel Tagali

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

I have done extensive work to help bring corporations, governments and organizations to the same table to co-create effective programming that build professional skills, businesses and jobs. I'm committed to access, equity and inclusion, knowing how to ensure that women's, youth's and people with disabilities' voices are front and center.

East Africa Representative

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 centers on designing and implementing evidence-based advocacy strategies, strengthening governance frameworks, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. I have led impactful engagements with governments, development partners, and regional institutions—including the African Union, Africa CDC, and USAID’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)—to influence inclusive policies and institutional reforms. As Board Chair of the National AIDS Control Council (NACC), I spearheaded high-level advocacy initiatives that improved public health governance, strengthened institutional accountability, and fostered multi-stakeholder collaboration.

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). My passion for mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building continues to drive sustainable, rights-based development solutions that promote equity and transparency.