OUR PARTNERS
NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing (Strategic Partner)
Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity (Training Partner)
Orrick
(Pro Bono Counsel)
People First Community
(Member)
The Possibilists
(Member)
Impact Fellowships Network
(Member)
Catalyst Now
(Member)
Amplify Girls
(Partner)
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Across our 2024 and 2025 programs and Peak Perspectives speaker series, Mountaintop has featured over 100 visionary speakers — from Nobel Peace Prize Laureates to the founders of bold, world-changing organizations.
They come from across sectors: government, business, philanthropy, social innovation, activism, and beyond. What unites them is a shared belief in the power of local leadership to drive global change.
Here are a few of the remarkable voices shaping the Mountaintop community:
Iranian Lawyer and Writer, Nobel Prize Laureate
Shirin is an Iranian Nobel laureate, lawyer, writer, teacher and a former judge and founder of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. In 2003, Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her pioneering efforts for democracy and women's, children's, and refugee rights. She was the first Muslim woman and the first Iranian to receive the award.
Chairman and Co-Founder, BroadReach Group
Ernest is the Chairman and Co-Founder of BroadReach Group, a global enterprise using data science and AI to transform health systems. He previously led Botswana’s pioneering national HIV/AIDS program. A Harvard-trained physician, Ernest has improved healthcare access for over 30 million people across 30+ countries.
President of the Efrusy Family Foundation
Molly Efrusy is President of the Efrusy Family Foundation, which supports local organizations cultivating the next generation of ethical leaders across Africa, Latin America, and the U.S. She serves as Vice Chair of the Latin American Leadership Academy and advises the African Leadership Academy, African Leadership University, and Wayfinder at Stanford.
Founder and CEO of Acumen
Jacqueline is the Founder and CEO of Acumen, a global nonprofit that invests patient capital in entrepreneurs tackling poverty and building dignity in underserved communities. Since 2001, Acumen has improved the lives of over 650 million people across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. Jacqueline is also a best-selling author and one of Forbes' 100 Greatest Living Business Minds.
Founder of Goonj
Often called the “Clothing Man of India,” Anshu has redefined the development sector by centering dignity, not charity. An Ashoka and Schwab Fellow, Anshu has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, and the World Bank for building one of India’s most innovative social enterprises.
Visiting Scholar, Harvard Kennedy School
Dr. Shady ElGhazaly Harb is a leading voice of Egypt’s 2011 revolution and one of the Arab Spring’s most prominent pro-democracy strategists. He co-founded Egypt’s AlDostour Party with Nobel Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei and was later imprisoned for his continued advocacy under military rule.
Social Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Catalyst 2030
Jeroo has launched multiple award-winning organizations — including Childline India, Aflatoun International, and Catalyst 2030 — whose programs have reached over 500 million children and youth across 180+ countries. A Skoll Awardee and Ashoka Fellow, Jeroo is a leading architect of systems change on a global scale.
Head of CSR, SAP
Alexandra is Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP, one of the world’s largest publicly traded enterprise software companies, serving over 400,000 customers in 180+ countries. She leads SAP’s global CSR strategy, forging cross-sector partnerships that drive social impact and business innovation.
FEATURED MENTORS
Mountaintop Fellows are supported by a global community of seasoned mentors — leaders with senior executive experience across sectors and regions. Each year, we curate our mentor network based on direct feedback from Fellows, aligning support with their areas of focus, lived experience, and geographic context.
Through our Mentor Office Hours, Fellows can connect with any mentor, anytime — accessing trusted guidance, fresh perspective, and real-time support throughout their fellowship journey.
Here are just a few of the mentors who are walking alongside this year’s Fellows:
President & CEO, Tamarack Institute
Danya Pastuszek is President & CEO of the Tamarack Institute, a leading Canadian nonprofit that supports over 34,000 learners and 1,000+ communities in reducing poverty, advancing climate transitions, and strengthening social connection. A seasoned systems leader, Danya previously co-led Tamarack as Co-CEO and brings two decades of experience in collaboration across North America.
Founder, Cappiello Consulting LLC
Emma is a philanthropy consultant that also currently serves as Manager of Operations and Programs at Renaissance Philanthropies. Before her current roles, Emma oversaw a $110 million portfolio encompassing over 10 programs, two cross-functional teams, and 75+ members as Manager and Special Advisor at Schmidt Futures.
Stanford and NYU Lecturer
Dustin Liu is Senior Associate Director of the NYU Stern Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing, where he leads strategy, partnerships, and program design bridging research and practice. He was formerly a Lecturer at Stanford University and Associate Director of the Stanford Life Design Lab. Dustin has also held teaching and administrative roles at Harvard, MIT, Cornell, and the University of Chicago.
Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School
Jeff Seul is a Lecturer at Harvard Law School and Harvard Divinity School, and affiliated faculty with the Harvard Negotiation Project, where his work focuses on conflict resolution involving deeply held values and worldviews. He is Co-Chair of the Peace Appeal, an NGO founded with the support of five Nobel Peace Laureates, and has advised peace processes around the world.
Founder & CEO, Labdoor
Neil Thanedar is Founder & Chairman of Labdoor, a science-driven health company that independently tests and ranks dietary supplements for safety and quality, with over 100 million product rankings viewed worldwide. A serial entrepreneur and scientist, Neil also co-founded Avomeen, acquired for $30M+, and leads Utopic, a fund backing early-stage biotech startups.
Head of Programs and Strategy at Euphrates Institute
Sylvia Murray is a peacebuilding strategist and facilitator with over 15 years of experience leading community-based conflict transformation initiatives across the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. She is Head of Programs and Strategy at the Euphrates Institute and Co-Founder of Sarus, which equips youth peace leaders in Asia.
Vuyo Lee is Director of Marketing & Corporate Affairs at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Africa’s largest stock exchange and one of the top 20 globally by market capitalization. She oversees brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, and corporate positioning at the JSE, a cornerstone of the continent’s financial infrastructure.
Visiting Lecturer, Multiple Universities
José Antonio Sanahuja is a professor of International Relations at the Complutense University of Madrid, a lecturer at the Diplomatic School, and a researcher at the Complutense Institute of International Studies (ICEI).