About Us

Unlocking the Full Potential of Women and Youth Around the World

At Women Leading International, we believe in the power of diverse women, inclusive leadership, and socially responsible business. Our tailored programs are designed to help women and youth worldwide connect and thrive so they can drive sustainable growth and positive change.

Co-Founders and Co-CEOs

Co-Chief Executive Officer, USA

Elise Young

I have 25 years of experience at the intersection of women’s and youth leadership, economic advancement, and locally driven solutions. I've worked in over 25 countries and across 5 continents. I’ve devoted my career to partnering with global women, youth, people with disabilities, and their enterprises to help actualize bold visions for sustainable growth and gender equality. As a master trainer and facilitator, I design interactive, inclusive learning experiences for leaders across sectors. With strong emotional intelligence and cross-cultural fluency, I help diverse groups strengthen their leadership and collective impact.

Co-Chief Executive Officer, USA

Andrea Bertone

I bring 25 years of experience leading global programs on women’s economic and political empowerment. With a doctorate in human trafficking and deep expertise in safeguarding, inclusive health, and education, I’ve worked in 30+ countries to ensure empowerment initiatives uplift and do no harm. As an adjunct professor at George Washington University and global trainer, I’ve led hundreds of sessions on gender equality, social inclusion, and women’s leadership. I use emotionally intelligent methods like active listening and appreciative inquiry to co-create inclusive, accessible, and lasting empowerment programs.

Meet The Core Team

Daniel Tagali

Francophone Africa Representative, Benin

Dr. Anna Madziga

Country Representative, Nigeria

Angeline Siparo

Country Representative, Kenya

Sarah Forero Bustamante

Business Development and Strategy Advisor, UK

Amandine Weinrob

Programs and Partnerships Liaison, USA

Lindsey Parnas

Program Manager, USA

Padmore Oyolo

Program Manager, Kenya

Meet Our Advisory Council

Sumita Taneja

Country Representative, FHI 360, India

Shauna Caria

Senior Growth Advisor, Chemonics, USA

Malini Patel

Economic Development and Social Impact Leader, USA

Habtamu Buli

Senior Disability Inclusion Specialist, USA

Branden Ryan

Executive Director, Gilmora Transforms the World, Suriname

Emily Goodman

Advisor, Hess Corporation, USA

Co-Founders' Story

Elise Young & Andrea Bertone

We met 12 years ago at a coalition meeting on how to make global development work better for women and disenfranchised communities, and it was sisterhood at first sight. We've worked closely together across 3 organizations, 40 countries, and with hundreds of talented women and allies to do meaningful work that brings us joy. We've delivered hundreds of dynamic trainings on women's leadership, economic empowerment, gender equality, disability inclusion, and change management; organized 8 learning conferences across a dozen time zones; partnered with hundreds of changemakers across 6 continents; and marched together for global women's rights.

Our Partners

We collaborate with partners in

Benin

West Africa

Nigeria

West Africa

Mozambique

Southern Africa