Women United Foundation is a global platform led at the highest level of leadership, diplomacy, and economic execution.
Our structure reflects a deliberate alignment between global decision-makers, First Ladies, and leading women in business, positioned to drive strategic initiatives across Africa and beyond.
This is not a symbolic network. It is a coordinated leadership body where influence, capital, and execution operate together with clarity and purpose.
Global Executive Leadership
FOUNDER & GLOBAL EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Deborah Elizabeth
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Deborah Elizabeth is the Founder and Global Executive Chair of Women United Foundation and the visionary behind Nexus, a strategically integrated platform she conceived and built to connect leadership, capital, and execution across global markets.
CO-CHAIR
Ana Dias Lourenço
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Ana Dias Lourenço serves as Co-Chair of Global Leadership & Strategic Affairs, bringing extensive experience in finance and public leadership to support the Foundation’s engagement at the highest levels of government and international partnership.
VICE PRESIDENT
Princess Isabella Orsini
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Princess Isabella Orsini serves as Vice President of European Affairs & Cultural Diplomacy at Women United Foundation, supporting the Foundation’s expansion across Europe and its engagement with high-level cultural and institutional networks.
Strategic Leadership
GLOBAL SPOKESPERSON & STRATEGIC AMBASSADOR
H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio serves as Global Spokesperson & Strategic Ambassador of Women United Foundation and is the President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), representing the Foundation’s vision at the highest levels of international leadership.
CHIEF FINANCIAL STEWARD & TREASURER
Charlotte Mwamba
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Charlotte Mwamba serves as Chief Financial Steward & Treasurer of Women United Foundation, overseeing financial structure, governance, and disciplined execution as the Foundation expands its global footprint.
First Ladies Leadership Council
Distinguished First Ladies working together to advance women families, and opportunity.
HONORED PATRONESS
H.E. Antoinette Sassou Nguesso
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
H.E. Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, First Lady of the Republic of Congo, serves as the Honored Patroness of Women United Foundation. Her longstanding commitment to humanitarian leadership and social progress has inspired initiatives supporting women, children, and communities across Africa.
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR
H.E. Débora Carvalho
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
H.E. Débora Carvalho, First Lady of Cabo Verde, serves as Cultural Ambassador for Fashion & Creative Industries at Women United Foundation, supporting the Foundation’s engagement across Africa and its alignment with global cultural, fashion, and creative platforms.
ADVISORY BOARD
H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, serves on the Advisory Board of Women United Foundation and is recognized for her commitment to programs supporting women, families, and national development.
Global Advisory Council
HONORARY PRESIDENT
Daphna Ziman
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Daphna Ziman serves as Honorary President of Women United Foundation. A long-standing humanitarian and advocate, she has dedicated her career to advancing initiatives that support women, children, and communities globally.
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Dr. Martha Tilahun-Namundjebo
AFRICAN WOMEN BUSINESS UNION
Dr. Martha Tilahun-Namundjebo is a highly respected African business leader and a key member of the African Women Business Union. Her leadership in enterprise and finance has made her one of the most influential women in African business.
FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Diane Yoo
ADVISORY BOARD
Diane Yoo serves on the Advisory Board of Women United Foundation with a focus on financial strategy and global investment initiatives. She is also a Principal of the Women’s Prosperity Alliance, contributing financial expertise to investment partnerships and capital networks.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
Dr. Saima Rana
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Dr. Saima Rana serves within the leadership network of Women United Foundation and is a valued member of the African Women Business Union. She is widely respected for her work in education, leadership, and institution building.
PRESIDENT
Chantal Pembe
AFRICAN WOMEN BUSINESS UNION (AWBU)
Chantal Pembe serves as President of the African Women Business Union (AWBU), leading one of the most influential networks of businesswomen across the African continent.
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Hoda Galal Yassa
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Dr. Hoda Galal Yassa serves on the Advisory Board of Women United Foundation. She is President of the Arab Women Investors Union and a respected Egyptian business leader dedicated to advancing regional investment, economic cooperation, and entrepreneurship.
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Shawanda Vickers
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Shawanda Vickers serves as a strategic advisor to Women United Foundation, bringing experience in leadership, partnership development, and community engagement. Her work supports initiatives that strengthen collaboration, expand opportunity, and advance long-term impact across the foundation’s global platform.
BOARD MEMBER
Zeina Chbeir
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Zeina Chbeir serves on the board of Women United Foundation, contributing insight and leadership that support the foundation’s global vision, partnerships, and long term strategic growth.
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Behgjet Pacolli
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Behgjet Pacolli serves within the international leadership network of Women United Foundation. An accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and statesman, he brings global experience in business, diplomacy, and international development.
BUSINESS ADVISORY
Samba Bathily
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Samba Bathily serves in a business advisory role to Women United Foundation. An accomplished entrepreneur and investor, he brings deep knowledge of Africa, finance, innovation, and private sector growth, strengthening the foundation’s global vision and strategic initiatives.
Legal and Governance
LEGAL COUNSEL
Laird Robertson
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Laird Robertson serves as in-house legal counsel to Women United Foundation. An experienced attorney, investor, and financial advisor with more than three decades of experience, he brings deep expertise in corporate law, international transactions, investment strategy, and complex financial structures.
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL COUNSEL
René Verrecchia, Esq.
WOMEN UNITED FOUNDATION
Maître René Verrecchia serves as International Legal Counsel to Women United Foundation. With decades of experience in commercial law and international affairs, he has advised governments, institutions, and global organizations on complex legal and economic matters involving Africa and Europe.