Without these women, GHC would not be the thriving community of leaders it is today.
As the CEO of Global Health Corps (GHC), I have the privilege of working alongside a global community of 1000+ to build the movement for next generation health equity leaders. Our crew is bold, innovative, and diverse in every way. And 71% of us identify as female, which is something to celebrate given the glaring gender gap in leadership in global health. In true GHC fashion, I’m sending all the shout outs into the universe this International Women’s Month, because it will truly take all of us to build a more equitable world.
First and foremost to the hardworking, kickass, inspiring women on my team at Global Health Corps…
Aisha Mitchell: Probably the phrase “high energy” was inspired by you — never a dull moment around you.
Alida Bivegete: For opening your heart in such a generous way.
Anita Namuyaba: For always sharing a smile no matter what.
Ashley Clark: For believing in the dream.
Brittany Cesarini: For giving sense and purpose to our words.
Carrie Rubury: Change? That’s your second name, bring it on.
Eleanor Grams: For being the Zengine master and saving hours and hours as we select the next cohort of fellows.
Gwen Hopkins: For your curiosity — we can always expect a thoughtful question to get our minds going.
Hannah Taylor: For being the best “TV host” ever and allowing me to learn something new in every conversation.
Heather Anderson: For being a GHC anchor — a nimble anchor that bridges the past and the present while imagining the future.
Holly Francis-Merritt: For your belief in our GHC team. Leaders by leaders.
Isabel Kumwembe: For dreaming, for doing, for smiling, and for caring about the young.
Jenny Peck: The plank master — future me thanks you for strengthening my core and my cor (heart in Latin).
Jess Mack: For always reminding us that every word matters.
Kirstin Adkison: There’s no task too big or small for you: OKRs? Impossible meeting? Yes, done.
Lena Derisavifard: For giving GHC our heartbeat.
Mera Boulus: I thought reading minds was impossible, but not for you! You make the impossible possible.
Mweene Chibbonta: For jumping right into the GHC journey.
Naeha Vora: Data master + charades champion = you.
Namuyamba Muyunda: For spreading love in everything you do.
Russatta Buford: For keeping all of us safe in every way.
Ruth Achillah: For making an opportunity out of any challenge.
Sarah Endres: Once upon a time, the GHC community connecting in our portal was a dream. Now, thanks to you, it IS.
Sheila Sibajene: You make thoughtfulness look so simple.
Shivani Mulji: For showing us what “doing something that scares you” really means!
Toyosi Olowoyeye: You bring collaboration to the next level, would make the best orchestra conductor jealous!
Victoria Choong: For keeping us on track and always looking for the path to a yes.
To all female staff who came before us to build GHC…
We could not dream as big as we do now, without the footprint each of you have left and the foundation you have built. Once GHC, always GHC.
To all our female interns, past and present…
For your commitment and hard work. Every project you worked on, small or large, has had an impact on GHC and has allowed us to move closer to our dream of achieving health equity.
To all the female next gen leaders of GHC…
For leading by example, embracing the unique opportunity and responsibility to grow as individuals and as a community. For speaking up, for bringing others to the table, for never giving up, and for believing we are all part of the change. Keep inspiring!
To our male colleagues around the world who are gender equity advocates…
Your partnership makes this world a better place. Thanks for believing, for encouraging, for fighting for your ideals, and for investing in others. We are in this together.
To all of you and all of us who believe in the power of people…
Because it’s the power of our differences what make us stronger, it’s by allowing ourselves to take risks, to get uncomfortable, to support and be supported, to own each and all of our identities, knowing that without those we wouldn’t be. For irradiating love, being as empathetic as fuirous and decisive, for being caring and assertive, for dreaming and doing. For leading and filling this world with love.
Happy International Women’s Month!
Daniela Terminel is the CEO of Global Health Corps.
Global Health Corps (GHC) is a leadership development organization building the next generation of health equity leaders around the world. All GHC fellows, partners, and supporters are united in a common belief: health is a human right. There is a role for everyone in the movement for health equity. To learn more, visit our website and connect with us on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook.
