Aspen Global Innovators Group

Join us on Thursday, December 12, 2024, for a special storytelling session celebrating the life, vision, and lessons of our late Executive Director, Lola Adedokun. Lola believed deeply in the power of leadership to transform lives and communities. She reminded us that: “Leadership is a journey, not just a moment in time. It takes courage to rise above the nos and honor what you know is right.” Through personal stories shared by the Aspen Global Innovators Group’s fellows, alumni, and partners, we will reflect on the transformative projects and initiatives that blossomed under Lola’s unwavering guidance. ?? Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am EST ?? Location: Virtual/Zoom ?? RSVP here to join us: https://lnkd.in/e-9UkhhA #globalinnovators #LeadershipLegacy? The Aspen Institute, Aspen Ideas

Our Healthy Communities Fellows have set a new standard for community-driven change. Their stories of impact, their unwavering commitment to health equity, and their leadership serve as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. The past six years have underscored the transformative power of BIPOC leadership in driving positive change. As we face future challenges, we invite you to nominate a US-based leader today. Nominations are open until November 29! Read our five-year Impact report: https://lnkd.in/eNDv7CgP #HealthyCommunitiesFellowship #HealthEquity #Leadership #globalinnovators https://lnkd.in/eyVNhbzR

#FellowSpotlight Meet Dr. Dorian Burton, 2024 Healthy Communities Fellow. Dorian is a husband, father, and faith-driven investor with nearly two decades of experience in social and impact investing. Growing up in Rialto, California, he witnessed first-hand the brilliance and resourcefulness that thrive in undercapitalized communities. Today, as the Managing Partner of SRF Capital & SRF Impact, Dorian is on a mission to increase the wealth and health of emergent and frontier communities, with a focus on the domestic and global south. Guided by the belief that these communities don’t face a human capital problem but a capitalization problem, he invests in changemakers to build sustainable, equitable economies. Dorian’s purpose is rooted in helping individuals and communities thrive where they are, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to self-determine their joy and success. Tune in to learn more about him ? #globalinnovators #healthycommunitiesfellowship

We are excited to introduce the exceptional communications and curriculum consultant and mentors? guiding our new cohort of Impact West Africa Fellows! These leaders bring a wealth of expertise, global experience, and a shared commitment to driving meaningful change in health, equity, and development. Brett Davidson is the founder and principal at Wingseed, where he works with foundations and nonprofits around the world interested in using the power of narrative, storytelling, listening, and creativity for social justice. He has been a consultant with the AGI team for one year. A human rights lawyer and former Senior Fellow with AGI, Stephanie Musho is returning to the community to share her expertise in global financial architecture reform, gender and reproductive justice, and humanitarian action. Her impactful career includes collaborations with organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gra?a Machel Trust, the END Fund, and Sharing Strategies (Dalberg Catalyst). An award-winning scholar and sustainable development practitioner, Fatou Wurie brings 15 years of experience in technology, gender equality, and health policy. From leading maternal and newborn health initiatives to contributing to multi-country development programs and public health emergency responses, she has worked with the UN, UNICEF, and the WHO Foundation. With nearly 20 years of experience, Saran Koly has spearheaded advocacy and communications campaigns across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Her impactful work includes roles with UNDP, WHO, Transparency International, and Africa50, where she blends creativity and strategy to drive change. This week, these remarkable mentors will engage with the fellows in person to align on goals for the year, fostering meaningful connections and empowering the next generation of changemakers. ?? Let’s give a warm welcome to our incredible team! Stay tuned for updates as they work hand in hand with our fellows to achieve transformative outcomes. #globalinnovators #Mentorship #ImpactWestAfricaFellowship

?? Fellowtakeover alert!! Tomorrow our Senior Fellow Naadiya Moosajee will takeover our Instagram account (@aspenglobalinnovators). Naadiya joined the Aspen Global Innovators Group family in 2019 as a New Voices Fellow. She is a serial entrepreneur by passion, an engineer by training, is Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at WomHub, a unique ecosystem builder supporting innovation along the STEM value chain. WomHub, runs incubators, acclerators and innovation spaces and more recently has been working to move more capital to female founders in climate looking at various innovative funding models and support to help entrepreneurs get through diligence. Naadiya co-founded WomEng, a global social enterprise developing women and girls for engineering and tech. Naadiya is building a new cybersecurity start-up called Cybherfence looking at cyber vulnerability for entrepreneurs and creating safer online experiences. She is currently in Baku and attending #COP29. Her work on incubating female climate entrepreneurs and providing them with Capital brings her to COP29. Join her tomorrow and witness her impact!? #fellowspotlight?

?? Nominations for the Healthy Communities Fellowship is extended! We’re looking for the next cohort of U.S.-based health equity leaders! If you or someone you know is passionate about driving positive change in community health, this is the opportunity to be part of an impactful movement. The Healthy Communities Fellowship provides:? - Professional growth opportunities. - A platform to collaborate on community-driven health projects. - Insights from top leaders and experts in the field. - Support, resources, and mentorship to help amplify your work. Nominate yourself or a deserving leader by November 29th at https://lnkd.in/eyVNhbzR #HealthyCommunitiesFellowship #HealthEquity #globalinnovators

Following the sudden loss of our beloved Executive Director, Lola Adedokun, the Aspen Institute and Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) are committed to advancing Lola's vision for amplifying underrepresented voices and uplifting communities around the world. To ensure AGI’s continued strength and leadership in this mission, we are pleased to announce that Peggy Clark will return as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. On Monday, Aspen Institute’s Vice President of Public and Policy Programs, Elliot Gerson, shared this update as part of our dedication to honoring Lola's incredible legacy. Peggy Clark has a storied history with the Aspen Institute, founding AGI in 2009 and the Economic Opportunities Program before that. She served as Executive Vice President of Policy Programs, Executive Vice President of Seminars and Leadership Programs, and co-led the Institute during the CEO search that brought Walter Isaacson to Aspen. After leaving in 2021 to lead the International Center for Research on Women, Peggy has continued to contribute her expertise to advancing global health and development, including through recent strategic support for AGI’s Black Maternal Survival Initiative. As she re-joins AGI, Peggy will provide guidance and continuity for our programs while the Aspen Institute prepares for an open search for a permanent Executive Director, set to begin in January. “I am honored to step in and carry forward Lola’s remarkable legacy. I am delighted to return to the Aspen Global Innovators community—a community that I love and that inspires me every day,” shares Peggy. With Peggy’s wealth of experience and deep-rooted commitment to AGI’s mission, we are optimistic about continuing our work in the spirit of resilience, equity, and impact that Lola championed. #globalinnovators

As we begin the week, we pause to honor the legacy of our beloved Executive Director, Lola A.. We reflect on her words, which capture the essence of her leadership: - "Don't let ego get in the way of progress. Humility and curiosity can get you much faster." - "We need to think globally and learn from other countries." - "Investing in human and social capital is the solution." In an era where health disparities, climate impacts, and gender inequality intersect and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, we are inspired by the next generation of leaders. Their courage fuels us to challenge entrenched systems and to amplify voices that have long been underrepresented. Together, we are part of a movement demanding systems transformation that authentically values the expertise and lived experiences of leaders?in social services, health, and development. As Lola said “Amplifying these voices is not just a priority—it’s a responsibility.” ? Her legacy of humility, curiosity, and a commitment to equity continues to guide us at the Aspen Global Innovators Group. We are dedicated to nurturing leaders who drive health and justice worldwide. #globalinnovators

As the Aspen Global Innovators Group, we are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of our Executive Director, Lola A., on Wednesday evening. Lola was more than a leader—she was a visionary, a mentor, and a champion for development, health and gender equity across the world. Her passion for addressing global health challenges through innovative, community-led solutions defined her work. Lola believed deeply in the power of locally-rooted leadership and made it her mission to amplify underrepresented voices. As the Executive Director of the Aspen Global Innovators Group, she worked tirelessly to equip diverse leaders with the tools to drive meaningful change, fostering community-driven solutions that create lasting impact. Amplifying these voices was not just a priority—it was a responsibility for her. Her energy, passion, and commitment to making a difference and a lasting change were contagious. Lola had an unwavering belief in justice and often reminded us with her powerful words, "We are only here for good trouble." Her impact on our team, fellows, partners, and communities is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to guide us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Lola, you will be profoundly missed, but your spirit and legacy will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, Lola. -Aspen Global Innovators team- AMP Health

#ThrowbackThursday At #UNGA79, we hosted a pivotal Roundtable on US Black Maternal Survival. Building on our July 2024 discussions at Aspen Ideas Health, we are advancing the Aspen Black Maternal Survival Initiative—a crucial step towards equity in maternal health. We are thankful to our Black Maternal High-Level Advisory Council members and our attendees for their unwavering support. The Aspen Global Innovators Group is uniquely equipped to partner with non-profit leaders, social impact investors, medical systems, entrepreneurs, and public sector experts to tackle this pressing issue. Our conversations centered on accelerating solutions to lower maternal mortality rates among Black women and enhance the health of mothers, newborns, and families. Key points included the need to unlock 95% of untapped resources, integrate private capital, and divert healthcare foundation funds. Participants underscored the urgency of postpartum care and the need for systemic changes. Stay tuned for more updates on the Black Maternal Survival Initiative. In the meantime, sign up to our Innovator Hub newsletter for latests news. https://lnkd.in/e2jriDP3 #globalhealth #globalinnovators #blackmaternalsurvival Photo credit: Ryan Rose