All Rise Up Leaders join our powerful global network of visionaries working to transform education, health, and economic opportunity in their communities and countries. Today, we are celebrating four incredible Rise Up alumni whose accomplishments this year for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people exemplify their groundbreaking leadership and innovation and the strength of our network.
Rise Up Leader Saro Imran in Pakistan unveiled Maha, the world’s first HIV+ transgender superhero fighting for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Made possible by PINK Center in partnership with Pathfinder International, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and 120 Under 40: The New Generation of Family Planning Leaders, Maha serves as a historic step forward in expanding gender representation in superhero storytelling. Saro’s character draws inspiration from Maahi Ali, a prominent transgender activist in Pakistan.
Rise Up Leader Madalitso Juwayeyi in Malawi was recently honored as one of 50 women to receive the African Women in Development award. Presented by the Donors for Africa Foundation, the African Women in Development award recognizes exceptional women activists who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the continent. This year, 1,700 nominations were received from 34 African countries.
Rise Up Leader Jitender Naryanan Bhardwaj in India was selected for the InQlusive Newsrooms Media Fellowship in February of this year. Jitender is one of twelve journalists that have been selected from across India to work on stories about LGBTQIA+ issues and communities in English, Tamil, and Hindi. Through this fellowship, Jitender plans to publish a piece about queer youths forming kinship and connection in online spaces.
Rise Up Leader Urenda Queletzú Navarro Sánchez in Mexico participated on a recent panel called, “Liderazgo Y Participación Política de Las Mujeres.” Urenda sat alongside Janeth Gonzalex of Red De Mujeres and Cinthia Segovia Colunga, candidate for Municipal President of Cedral, San Luis Potosí for the Green Party. Throughout the conversation, Urenda, Janeth, and Cinthia emphasized the importance of increased political participation of women in decision-making processes that directly impact their lives.
As we uplift these remarkable wins, we hope you can see and feel the diversity and energy of our global network. Together, Rise Up’s thriving alumni create a supportive ecosystem that not only advances their individual efforts but also builds a collective force for lasting change.
