Laurie-Adams-Headshot-June-2019-2.jpg
Women and Adversity
Laurie Adams
WfWI, CEO
A Forbes 50 Over 50
Most of the women named in Forbes “50 Over 50 2024” list are not known to the average reader. I never heard of Laurie Adams or Women for Women International (WfWI). It’s possible that their fundraisers—if they have any—aren’t broadcast on television but focus on those who already contribute to the cause.
Laurie Adams is the CEO of this humanitarian nonprofit organization. It supports women worldwide who are affected by wars. We all know about the Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Palestine wars, but not much about wars in Africa are publicized in the U.S. The Geneva Academy lists more than 35 armed conflicts on that continent.
WfWI empowers women in war-torn countries through education and by connecting them to support networks. It educates them about their health and their rights. It gives them access to life-changing skills so they can be self-sufficient. Since its founding in 1993, WfWI has helped more than 462,000 women in eight countries.
Adams became its CEO in July 2016 and expanded the reach of WfWI to 17 countries. She is a long-time advocate for women’s rights and gender parity.
Bio:
Bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s rights from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
Master’s degree in public policy management from the University of London
Completed the advanced management program at Harvard Business School
Specialties in women’s economic and social empowerment, global development and humanitarian work, specifically in Africa
Career:
25 years experience working in international development and human rights
Women’s Rights Director for Oxfam Great Britain. Oxfam advocates for economic justice, gender equality and climate action.
Managed Oxfam’s country programs in three African regions
For 8 years at ActionAid International
Chair of the founding board for The Other Foundation in South Africa
Director on the board of The Forum for the Empowerment of Women in South Africa and ActionAid Brazil.
Personal life:
Nothing was available about where she was born and grew up. No dates on when she held any positions were given. Married? Children? Nothing was found.
If you know anything, tell me about it.
Further information:
https://womensmediacenter.com/fbomb/an-interview-with-activist-world-traveler-and-women-for-women-international-president-laurie-adams
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqCiYcsLx1o
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS5idYQ558g
My ebooks available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com:
Honoring 23 Black Women, Recognizing 23 Notable Mothers, Saluting 23 Faith
