Aspen Global Innovators Group

As we begin the week, we pause to honor the legacy of our beloved Executive Director, Lola A.. We reflect on her words, which capture the essence of her leadership: - "Don't let ego get in the way of progress. Humility and curiosity can get you much faster." - "We need to think globally and learn from other countries." - "Investing in human and social capital is the solution." In an era where health disparities, climate impacts, and gender inequality intersect and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, we are inspired by the next generation of leaders. Their courage fuels us to challenge entrenched systems and to amplify voices that have long been underrepresented. Together, we are part of a movement demanding systems transformation that authentically values the expertise and lived experiences of leaders in social services, health, and development. As Lola said “Amplifying these voices is not just a priority—it’s a responsibility.”   Her legacy of humility, curiosity, and a commitment to equity continues to guide us at the Aspen Global Innovators Group. We are dedicated to nurturing leaders who drive health and justice worldwide. #globalinnovators

As the Aspen Global Innovators Group, we are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of our Executive Director, Lola A., on Wednesday evening. Lola was more than a leader—she was a visionary, a mentor, and a champion for development, health and gender equity across the world. Her passion for addressing global health challenges through innovative, community-led solutions defined her work. Lola believed deeply in the power of locally-rooted leadership and made it her mission to amplify underrepresented voices. As the Executive Director of the Aspen Global Innovators Group, she worked tirelessly to equip diverse leaders with the tools to drive meaningful change, fostering community-driven solutions that create lasting impact. Amplifying these voices was not just a priority—it was a responsibility for her. Her energy, passion, and commitment to making a difference and a lasting change were contagious. Lola had an unwavering belief in justice and often reminded us with her powerful words, "We are only here for good trouble." Her impact on our team, fellows, partners, and communities is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to guide us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Lola, you will be profoundly missed, but your spirit and legacy will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, Lola. -Aspen Global Innovators team- AMP Health

#ThrowbackThursday At #UNGA79, we hosted a pivotal Roundtable on US Black Maternal Survival. Building on our July 2024 discussions at Aspen Ideas Health, we are advancing the Aspen Black Maternal Survival Initiative—a crucial step towards equity in maternal health. We are thankful to our Black Maternal High-Level Advisory Council members and our attendees for their unwavering support. The Aspen Global Innovators Group is uniquely equipped to partner with non-profit leaders, social impact investors, medical systems, entrepreneurs, and public sector experts to tackle this pressing issue. Our conversations centered on accelerating solutions to lower maternal mortality rates among Black women and enhance the health of mothers, newborns, and families. Key points included the need to unlock 95% of untapped resources, integrate private capital, and divert healthcare foundation funds. Participants underscored the urgency of postpartum care and the need for systemic changes. Stay tuned for more updates on the Black Maternal Survival Initiative. In the meantime, sign up to our Innovator Hub newsletter for latests news. https://lnkd.in/e2jriDP3 #globalhealth #globalinnovators #blackmaternalsurvival Photo credit: Ryan Rose

#WorldFoodDay Today we reflect on this year’s theme: “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” With climate change destabilizing global food systems, the path to Zero Hunger (SDG 2) is more urgent than ever. The reality is stark: - Around 733 million people face hunger due to climate shocks, conflicts, inequality, and economic downturns (SOFI 2024, FAO). - Over 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet (Geneva Environment Network). During NYC Climate Week, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation revealed alarming modeling that predicts 40 million more children will suffer from hunger by 2050 due to climate change. The instability caused by climate change—droughts, floods, conflicts over scarce resources—continues to devastate global food systems. Our fellows are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. - Gloria Agyare, an Impact West Africa Fellow, is mobilizing sustainable agri-food systems in Ghana and advocating for climate justice, particularly for vulnerable communities. - Courtney Smith, HCF 2024, is working to combat food insecurity in Durham County, NC. She champions a food system that honors those who feed us, recognizing the power of food to unite communities. Remember ending hunger is achievable but it requires collective action. Support the #FoodHeroes. Learn more about our leaders in the field: https://lnkd.in/emxk8-jD #RightToFood #fellowspotlight #globalinnovators The Aspen Institute

Do you know a passionate leader making a difference in community health? Nominate them for the Healthy Communities Fellowship and help elevate their work on a national platform. Nominations are open until October 31st. Submit your nominations today at https://lnkd.in/eg8X2tRR #HealthyCommunitiesFellowship #HealthEquity #Leadership #globalinnovators

#DayoftheGirl   Today, we honor the leadership, resilience, and creativity of girls worldwide. One such remarkable leader is Maria, a UNICEF youth advocate from Barbados who is making waves in the fight against climate change. After witnessing the environmental impact of littering, Maria turned her concern into action by creating Little Thoughts on Big Matters, an award-winning short film about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.   Through her Thoughts Squad by Maria platform on YouTube and Instagram, Maria continues to inspire her peers to protect the planet and take charge of their futures. She’s a powerful reminder that girls are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leading change today.   On September 24th, our Executive Director, Lola A., moderated a powerful panel in partnership with UNICEF during the UN General Assembly to discuss Driving an Inclusive Green Transition – Closing the Climate Girls’ Gap. The session highlighted the immense potential of women and girls in the green economy and the importance of education in bridging the skills gap. Elevating girls’ voices, like Maria, could unlock between $15-30 trillion in economic potential globally.   According to UNICEF’s research, adolescent girls are optimistic about the future despite the hurdles they face. It is up to all of us to ensure that their leadership is amplified, and their dreams are realized. Together, we can invest in a greener, more equitable world by supporting young changemakers like Maria.   You can watch the powerful session here: https://lnkd.in/eDvCigsN   #DayOfTheGirl #GirlsLead #ClimateAction #Sustainability #YouthLeadership #ClimateWeekNYC #globalinnovators UNICEF USA, UNICEF Innovation, The Aspen Institute, Climate Group, LinkedIn, Pamela Morgan, Melanie Larkins, Clarabeth Concaret, Ellen Jackowski, Kitty van der Heijden, Michele Walsh

At the Aspen Global Innovators Group, we know that those closest to the challenges are the best positioned to design and implement solutions. On this #MentalHealthDay, we are spotlighting our 2024 Healthy Communities Fellow, Shameca Karmel Brown,MPA, who reminds us that Mental Health in the Workplace is essential to creating supportive, productive, and sustainable environments. Here are a few strategies Shameca recommends to promote mental health in your workplace: 1. Make Mental Health Part of Leadership Development: Integrate mental health awareness and resilience-building into leadership development programs to ensure future leaders are prepared to foster a mentally healthy workplace. 2. Invest in Mental Health Leadership Training: Equip leaders with mental health literacy and emotional intelligence through specialized training programs, ensuring they understand the importance of mental well-being for themselves and their teams. Additionally, we are excited to announce that nominations for the 2025 Aspen Global Innovators Group Healthy Communities Fellowship are now open!  If you know a US-based leader ready to drive change, nominate them to join our next cohort: https://lnkd.in/eyVNhbzR #MentalHealthDay #HealthyCommunities #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #fellowspotlight The Aspen Institute

"Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women1 with 70% mortality occurring in resource constrained settings" according to World Health Organization. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to spread awareness about the importance of regular screenings, self-exams, and knowing the signs. Early detection can make all the difference in treatment outcomes. #breastcancerawarenessmonth

A huge thank you to our incredible speakers— Manja Kargbo, Dr . Stellah Wairimu Bosire, Dr. Kiki Didigu, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli—and moderator Vin Gupta, MD MPA Gupta for their invaluable insights at our #UNGA79 session on climate health! Their expertise and perspectives on the urgent need to address climate change's impacts on global health were truly inspiring. From exploring the pressing vulnerabilities of emerging economies to discussing actionable solutions for integrating climate resilience into healthcare policies, each contribution enriched our dialogue and deepened our understanding. Key takeaways: - Data-driven insights are essential at the intersection of climate, health, and gender—without working in silos. - Amplify the voices of new, younger, and trusted messengers, including faith leaders, young celebrity voices, and technology innovators, to drive change. - Collaboration is key: Partner with each other to scale what works for policymakers and funders, rather than just scaling the work. Looking forward to continuing these critical conversations and working together toward a more resilient and equitable future. Stay in touch by visiting our website and sign up for our newsletter to learn more about our programs and fellows who work in the field. https://lnkd.in/e2jriDP3 #climatehealth #climateweekNYC #globalhealth #globalinnovators Photo Credit: Lam Lai & Aidan Gerard The Aspen Institute

On Sunday, we hosted two powerful conversations centered on “Community-Driven Health Equity: Harnessing Local Leadership and Innovation,” where we explored the crucial role of local leadership in advancing health equity. A special thank you to Merck and UNICEF Innovation for their generous support and commitment to this important conversation. We were honored to feature two incredible Healthy Communities Fellows in these discussions: Ashlee Wisdom, MPH our Senior Healthy Communities Fellow, and Dorian Burton, 2024 Healthy Communities Fellow. Ashlee Wisdom and Dorian Burton emphasized the need for intentional capital allocation and storytelling to address racial disparities in decision-making. Dorian shared the power of asset framing, urging participants to focus on community aspirations and strengths rather than deficits—an approach that transforms how we work with and for communities. As we look to continue elevating leaders who are transforming health outcomes, we are excited to announce that nominations for our 7th cohort of the Aspen Global Innovators Group Healthy Communities Fellowship are now open! 🌟 Do you know a U.S.-based leader committed to health equity and social innovation? We encourage you to nominate them for the Healthy Communities Fellowship and help us champion the next generation of changemakers. ➡https://lnkd.in/eyVNhbzR #UNGA79 #globalinnovators #healthequity #fellowspotlight Photo Credit: Aidan Gerard The Aspen Institute