Musimbi Kanyoro

Musimbi Kanyoro started their work experience in 1987 as the Executive Secretary for Women in Church and Society at the Lutheran World Federation. Musimbi then joined the World YWCA in 1997 as the General Secretary [CEO], becoming the first non-white woman to hold the role. During their tenure, they transformed the organization into a young-women-led organization and stabilized its finances. Musimbi then worked at The David and Lucile Packard Foundation from 2007 to 2011 as the Director of Population and Reproductive Health. During this time, they managed a $30 million grantmaking portfolio and founded the first Aspen Women's Leadership Council. In 2011, they joined the Global Fund for Women as the President & CEO, overseeing the organization's growth in grantmaking and successfully merging it with another non-profit. Musimbi expanded the organization's influence through international dialogues, media contributions, and global speaking engagements. Currently, they serve as the Chair at UWC International.

Musimbi Kanyoro has a diverse education history in the field of theology and linguistics. Musimbi has obtained a Doctor of Ministry degree with a specialization in Feminist Theology from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Musimbi has also pursued their academic interests at the Harvard Divinity School as a Visiting Scholar, focusing on Ancient Hebrew and Old Testament studies. Furthermore, Musimbi Kanyoro holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin.