GLLI is inspiring the imagination of what authentic empowerment through community collaboration looks like with tech and entrepreneurial skill development equipping the next generation of leaders in the Eastern Cape! I love what you are doing and how you are doing the work with integrity, innovatively in how you center relationships, and with a spirit of playfulness to enjoy each step of the path towards your vision!

My regular donation is re-investment in education for potential women leaders including me.

An incredible organization of current and future leaders, Worthy cause!

I worked with MicroMentor and saw firsthand the incredible impact mentorship can make on the fortunes of a beginning business owner. It’s a remarkable program led by dedicated social change makers.

The power of the MicroMentor program to help entrepreneurs around the world is incredible.  As a mentor, helping others succeed is a rewarding.

I feel proud to help a student go to the best private engineering school in Argentina

Incredible mission and proven track record. So proud to be a part of this important work. Keep it up!

I gave because I am an older women who would have loved a space like this when I was younger trying to navigate life and motherhood. 

Rural Robotics Labs for Learners in South Africa’s Eastern Cape


Global Leading Light is a nonprofit organization working within underserved communities (townships and rural areas) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape to create opportunities for young people, especially girls and young women to reduce generational poverty through STEM and Entrepreneurship skills. 

We run focus on empowering children and youth with real-world digital skills through educational and economic empowerment programs:

**Coding, robotics and AI for rural schools: This program aims to** lay a strong foundation for children in STEM careers by nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.   The program teaches coding, The program is a transformative solution to the pressing issue of youth unemployment in South Africa, addressing the skills gap and cultivating interest in STEM fields. In collaboration with the department of education we provide a cost-effective hands-on coding, robotics and AI programs in under-resourced schools to children from low-income communities. Watch the following video about our school program: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwV50eZQfqE&feature=youtu.be

**Financial inclusion through IT repairs and entrepreneurship:**  Since 2018, our IT repairs and entrepreneurship program has trained over 100 young women, most of them single mothers—in mobile device repair and business development.

Global Leading Light Initiatives 

Wedu supports women leaders in Asia through mentorship, leadership development, and financial support. 

**Wedu** is a not-for-profit social enterprise on a mission to nurture the next generation of women leaders in Asia. Founded in 2012, Wedu was born out of a desire to address the vast gender leadership gap that persists globally—and is especially stark in Asia, where it is projected to take 189 years to reach full gender parity, compared to the global average of 131 years. Wedu envisions "a world where half of all leaders are women," and works toward this by removing barriers to leadership and enabling women to rise through access to community, capital, and capability.

**HISTORY AND MISSION**

Wedu began with a fundamental insight: that the barriers to women’s leadership are not solely external, but deeply internalized, often rooted in cultural, familial, and social expectations. Over more than a decade, Wedu has developed a community-centered model that supports women at various stages of their leadership journeys—whether they are just discovering their potential or advancing complex career or civic goals.

Wedu’s consolidated mission is to empower women leaders through:

- **Community:** A lifelong supportive network of mentors, allies, and peers.
- **Capital:** Innovative financing to access education and development.
- **Capability:** Programs that shift mindsets and transform limiting beliefs.

These pillars are grounded in Wedu’s Theory of Change, which outlines transformative pathways at the individual, collective, and systemic levels. Wedu believes that change starts with strengthening a woman’s sense of agency and identity, expands through communities of solidarity and mentorship, and ultimately transforms society through gender equity allies and inclusive leadership structures.

**PROGRAMMES**

Wedu’s approach is both high-touch and scalable, combining personalized mentorship with technology-enabled leadership learning.

**Global Mentorship Programme**

This flagship program has supported over 1,500 women leaders (Rising Stars) with guidance from more than 1,700 mentors across the world. These mentorships focus on self-awareness, goal setting, network expansion, and resilience. Since inception, Wedu has facilitated over 90,000 hours of mentorship and more than 2,400 mentorship matches. As of 2024, 76% of participants say they attribute the successes on their leadership journey to the support they received from Wedu​.

**Introduction to Leadership (ITL) Course**

Wedu’s self-paced ITL course strengthens self-awareness, goal clarity, and agency—particularly among women who face structural and cultural barriers to leadership. Informed by over a decade of programming and global research, the course is contextualized for Asian women and integrates self-reflection, identity formation, and leadership development. By 2025, Wedu aims to reach 25,000 women with multilingual and multimodal versions of this course, scaling up to one million women by 2030 in partnership with The Agency Fund​.

**Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) Programme**

Through its innovative Income Sharing Agreement (ISA) model, Wedu enables women to finance their university education and leadership development without upfront costs. This model aligns repayment with income, ensuring financial flexibility and minimizing risk for the individual. As of 2024, Wedu brought this ISA program fully in-house, increasing operational efficiency and sustainability​

**Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA)**

Wedu has been a key partner in regional programs like the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Women’s Leadership Academy. Through mentorship and community-building, this initiative fosters strategic leadership among emerging changemakers across ASEAN.

**IMPACT AND REACH**

Wedu’s programs have demonstrated measurable impact:

- 75% of mentees report an increased sense of self-belief and confidence in expanding their leadership networks.
- Participants have achieved key milestones including career promotions, launching social ventures, and civic engagement.
- Wedu’s community spans over 30 countries, with a growing digital ecosystem and partnerships across the education, tech, and development sectors.
- Wedu aligns its impact with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), where the highest concentration of community engagement and initiatives are represented.

**ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH AND FUTURE PLANS**

In 2022, Wedu commissioned Bain & Company to conduct a Geographic Expansion Study, assessing market attractiveness and Wedu’s ability to succeed across prospective countries. Based on this analysis, priority countries for expansion—where both factors ranked high—include India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Cambodia, Myanmar, and Nepal were identified for selective expansion. Wedu is now acting on these recommendations by doubling down on our focus in South and Southeast Asia.

In response to major social, political, and economic shifts across South and Southeast Asia, Wedu has identified three concurrent crises affecting women leaders in the region: the Climate Crisis, the Care Economy, and persistent barriers to Economic Empowerment. To ensure our programmes remain relevant and responsive, our External Strategic Priorities for 2025–2027 are focused on directly addressing these challenges. By 2027, we aim to enable 1,000 women leaders to drive climate-resilient solutions; shift how society and women leaders view unpaid care work, recognizing it as a critical factor in advancing women’s leadership; and enhance the economic empowerment of 1,000 women leaders, particularly those leading Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), through capacity-building, education financing, strategic partnerships, and community support.

Wedu will continue to challenge both structural exclusions and internalized limitations faced by women. By integrating self-reflective leadership learning with long-term community and capital support, Wedu aims not just to close the gender gap—but to redefine leadership itself.

**CONTACT**

To learn more or to partner with Wedu, please visit:

- **Website:** www.weduglobal.org
- **Email:** directors@weduglobal.org
- **Address:** 315 Settakij 17, Bangkaenua, Bangkae, Bangkok, Thailand 10160
- **Socials:** @weduglobal on all platforms

Wedu (Thailand) Foundation

An online community where visionary entrepreneurs and mentoring champions unite.

Micromentor

ITBA  Engineering, Technology & Business argentine university. A non-profit achieving proven levels of excellence among graduates.

For more than 65 years, ITBA - Instituto Tecnólogico de Buenos Aires  has contributed to solving the challenges of humanity through a university education recognized for its excellence, the production of scientific knowledge and international collaboration, and outstanding levels of excellence among its graduates.

Thanks to the financial contribution of companies and individuals, scholarships are obtained so that young people  with talent, passion and determination, can study at ITBA.

ITBA invests in people, in the equipment and infrastructure necessary to be at the forefront of technological progress.

The photo that illustrates this space (courtesy of Matt Dahle)  captures ITBA Rocketry Team celebration after successfully launching their hybrid rocket engine entirely designed and built at our labs by a team of 40 students from different careers, teachers and university technicians in record time of 9 months.
Together they developed LANIN a hybrid rocket and became the first Latin American team to launch it successfully with engines using solid and liquid propellants. 
Spaceport America Cup June 2024

 ITBA - Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires

Love + Ethos is a nonprofit organization serving women in greater Los Angeles. 

Love + Ethos is dedicated to creating supportive spaces and opportunities for women journeying through motherhood while facing systemic, economic, and social challenges. We envision a world where every woman — and her family — defines their individual and collective futures on their own terms.

Upcoming events:

May 10, 2024, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm: Guided Pottery and Silent Auction in Culver City, CA - all proceeds are in support of L+E's inaugural Postpartum Retreat.

August 2024: Inaugural Postpartum Retreat in Los Angeles County - assisting women post-birth with healing, self-identification, connection, and wellness education during a 4-day, 3-night retreat.

Visit our website to learn more and to stay up-to-date.

Get in touch with Love + Ethos by emailing info@loveandethos.com

Love + Ethos

Maarifa works to defeat poverty by promoting local products and supporting small scale industry entrepreneurs in DR Congo.  

Maarifa, a Swahili word for Knowledge, works to defeat poverty and grow local prosperity by promoting locally made products and supporting small scale industry entrepreneurs and artisans in DR Congo. We support them to grow and sustain their small and micro businesses through training in financial management, marketing, packaging, market expansion strategies and give them access to capital.

Our activities include but not limited to:

1.    Personal and business Financial Literacy training.

2.    Formation of support or accountability groups of young entrepreneurs.

3.    Connect entrepreneurs in support groups to Microfinance Institutions for small business loans.

4.    Organize Business Expos to promote locally made products.

5.    Facilitate the creation of Cooperative markets for locally made products.

This way, we help local communities drive their own economic development by creating job opportunities for themselves and others around them, especially the youth. As a result, they build more prosperous and peaceful communities.

For more information, check our website www.maarifaglobal.org

 MAARIFA Learning Academy

Baltimore Youth Arts provides creative education and job training for youth, focusing on those impacted by the justice system.

**Baltimore Youth Arts (BYA)** is a community-based arts and workforce development program for youth ages 14–25, focusing on those impacted by the juvenile justice system. BYA offers young people a platform to express themselves, build leadership skills, and prepare for employment and adulthood through paid creative job training, mentorship, and educational programming.

We work inside youth detention centers and in the community to ensure that young people are recognized for their creativity, resilience, and power. Your support helps us provide youth stipends, art supplies, job training, and a safe, supportive space where youth can grow and thrive.

Together, we’re creating a future where young people are not only heard but hired, healed, and celebrated.

Baltimore Youth Arts

Run Your City is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to introducing kids from all backgrounds to the transformative power of sports.

At **Run Your City**, we believe that running is more than a sport—it’s a pathway to self-discovery, confidence, and community. Our mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in free, inclusive running programs, regardless of their circumstances. Through our programs, children gain not only physical fitness but also valuable life skills like perseverance, teamwork, and goal-setting. By uniting collegiate athletes, volunteers, and local communities, we create spaces where kids can feel supported, dream big, and take those first steps toward their future. Your support helps us bring this vision to life, ensuring that every child can reach the starting line and run toward their dreams.

Run Your City

By enhancing quality of life for those experiencing life transitions, we foster community connections promoting economic growth.

We invite you to join hands with us in supporting Mistletoe Farm, an incredible nonprofit organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in underserved communities. Our mission is to provide love-based temporary housing, education, discipline, and essential resources to those in need, offering meals, clothing, and unwavering support, especially before individuals reenter society.

The goal of this fundraiser is to bring our vision to life by constructing vital new facilities at Mistletoe Farm. These facilities will enhance our ability to serve and empower more individuals and families, giving them the foundation they need for a brighter future. With your generous contributions, we aim to build a sanctuary of hope and transformation, where everyone, regardless of their background, can receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve.

Your support will directly contribute to the construction of these new structures, which will serve as homes, educational spaces, prayer and centers of encouragement. They will be equipped to provide not just shelter, but also a nurturing environment where individuals can learn, grow, and build the skills necessary to thrive.

Join us in creating a better tomorrow. Every donation, big or small, takes us one step closer to realizing this dream. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for being a vital part of our community at Mistletoe Farm, where love and compassion pave the way for new beginnings, every day.

Mistletoe Farm Inc

MG Foundation empowers under represented youth through fitness apprenticeships, with guaranteed high income generating futures.

The Mallory Gaston Foundation is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth from Marin, San Francisco, and Alameda Counties through career exploration and internships in the health and fitness sector. Our mission is to create viable work opportunities and foster the development of responsible and engaged citizens through this transformative program. By providing education and purpose, we aim to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and the broader masses, instilling understanding, empathy, and empowerment.

Our Commitments:

1. Empowering At-Risk Youth: We are committed to providing underserved youth with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to explore and pursue careers in the health and fitness sector. Through mentorship programs, internships, and hands-on experiences, we aim to instill confidence, passion, and a sense of purpose in each participant.

2. Creating Viable Work Opportunities: We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to meaningful and sustainable employment. By partnering with local businesses, organizations, and professionals in the health and fitness industry, we strive to create pathways to viable work opportunities for our program participants, ensuring a brighter future for them and their communities.

3. Fostering Responsible and Engaged Citizens: Our program goes beyond career exploration; we are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are actively involved in their communities. Through our comprehensive curriculum, we emphasize the importance of personal growth, leadership, and social responsibility, equipping our participants with the skills and mindset necessary to become compassionate and engaged citizens.

4. Bridging Communities and Instilling Understanding: We envision a society where everyone is valued and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances. By connecting youths from marginalized communities with the broader masses through our program, we aim to break down barriers, develop empathy, and create a sense of unity. We believe that education and purpose serve as the foundation for building bridges of understanding within our community.

Through our unwavering commitment to at-risk youths, viable work opportunities, responsible citizenship, and community bridge-building, The Mallory Gaston Foundation strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of our young people and the communities we serve. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.


The MG Foundation

Created in 1997, the Fondation des Ponts supports the development of the Ecole des Ponts ParisTech and its students.

Excellent research and educational innovation 
 
Created in 1997 on the initiative of 11 major French companies, as well as the association of former ENPC students (AAENPC), the Fondation des Ponts supports the development of the Ecole des Ponts ParisTech and its students. École des Ponts ParisTech, created in 1747 under the name École Royale des Ponts et Chaussées, is a higher education establishment that trains engineers to a high level of scientific, technical and general competency. 

Recognized as a public utility, the Fondation des Ponts supports the development of the École des Ponts ParisTech by financing a whole series of projects that can be grouped according to 6 major themes:  
- Support research and educational innovation. 
- Support students, promote diversity, encourage excellence. 
- Increase the School's international reach to attract excellent teachers, researchers and students.  
- Helping startups created by students 
- Allow the School to have the facilities and equipment required to support its development. 
- Promote the historical and scientific heritage of the School. 

Visit our website:  http://www.fondationdesponts.fr/

Fondation de l'École nationale des ponts et chaussées 

Produces a weekly street newspaper that serves as an income opportunity for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Founded in 1999, Street Roots is a nonprofit media organization in Portland, Oregon that publishes a weekly, award-winning social justice newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to earn an income. Our model provides people with an immediate, dignified source of income by putting cash directly into people’s pockets and stabilizing lives as a bridge to more gainful employment. We are one of very few low-barrier income opportunities in the Portland metro area. We seek to transform the way individuals make income, build community, and create life-giving social networks.

Street Roots

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We are a nonprofit, so instead of charging fees we rely on the generosity of donors like you.

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Global Leading Light Initiatives

Micromentor

Wedu (Thailand) Foundation

Wedu (Thailand) Foundation

Micromentor

Micromentor

Entrepreneurship