Priya Varadarajan is the founder of Durga – I’m Every Woman, a nationally recognized gender justice initiative that reimagines how women and girls belong in India’s public spaces. Drawing from lived experience, she has built Durga into a systems-change organization that blends behavioral science, grassroots mobilization, and institutional partnerships—introducing India’s first panic alarm in public transport, training 5,000+ active bystanders, and collaborating with 75+ colleges on safe, inclusive campuses. With two decades across philanthropy, policy, and grassroots action—including leadership roles at the Azim Premji Foundation and Co-Impact—Priya has advanced gender equity, anti-trafficking, care economy, and reproductive rights initiatives. She also serves on state committees addressing child marriage, inheritance law reform, and workplace justice. 

Ashlea Ambris serves as a Project Officer at the Directorate of Gender Affairs, where she supports the design and execution of programs that promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership. She works closely with community stakeholders, young advocates, and institutional partners to advance initiatives that foster the full participation of women and girls, as well as men and boys, in social, economic, and political life. Ashlea holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Economics from the University of Pedagogical Sciences José Martí and a Master of Science in Regional Development from the University of Camagüey. She is passionate about creating social impact and is especially committed to increasing female representation in leadership and politics across the Caribbean. 

Lise Gotell is a Professor in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Alberta whose scholarship examines gender, sexuality, and law. Her research focuses on the legal regulation of sexual violence in neoliberal contexts and includes widely cited work on Canada’s affirmative consent standard, antifeminist backlash, gender-based violence policy, and the rough sex defence. Cited by the Supreme Court of Canada and law reform bodies internationally, she bridges scholarship and advocacy. A former National Chair of LEAF, she now chairs NAWL’s Violence Against Women Working Group. She has won several teaching awards, along with the University of Alberta’s Community Scholar Award.

Jaye Wesley is an experienced non-profit leader and crisis counselor dedicated to community advocacy and support. As Executive Director of the Kenora Sexual Assault Centre, Jaye oversees staff and volunteers, manages ministry contracts, and advances strategic initiatives that strengthen services for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. With a strong background in policy, financial management, fundraising, and stakeholder relations, Jaye has successfully built collaborative partnerships across agencies to ensure accessible, trauma-informed support. Her career also spans roles as a paramedic and Special Constable with the Ontario Provincial Police, reflecting her deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Jaye holds multiple diplomas and degrees in counseling, Psychology  Social Work, Law Enforcement and Forensic Sciences.

Bridget Taremotimi is a passionate advocate for women and girls, working at the crossroads of human resources and gender justice. As the Head of General Services at the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), she assists survivors of sexual and gender-based violence while strengthening the systems that safeguard them. With over ten years of experience, Bridget has led training sessions on sexual harassment prevention, diversity, and empowerment, creating safer environments for women in the workplace and the community. She holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations and is dedicated to mentoring young women to see themselves as agents of change. Driven by her belief that every woman deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity, Bridget continues to use her skills and voice to promote equality and resilience.

Renée Williams is a dedicated advocate and leader in the field of victim services, currently serving as chief executive officer of the National Center for Victims of Crime. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and legal sectors, Renée has a proven track record of championing the rights and needs of victims of crime. Prior to her role at the NCVC, Renée was the executive director of a legal services organization in Pittsburgh that focused on the legal rights of victims of domestic violence and other indigent clients. She has represented NCVC on “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,” Court TV, HLN, and is a frequent guest on podcasts. She has been instrumental in shaping national conversations around victims’ rights and has been a vocal advocate for changes to the justice system that better protect and support victims of crime. As the executive director of the NCVC, Renée continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by crime. 

Tracey Jewel is a passionate advocate, social enterprise founder, and mum with lived experience of family and domestic violence (FDV). Drawing from her personal journey, Tracey is committed to creating inclusive, neuro-affirming spaces for mothers and children through initiatives like Inclusive Mamas Club and Bright Side Kids. Currently studying Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, she blends academic insight with real-world empathy to design tools and programs that support emotional regulation, self-worth, and community connection. Tracey’s mission is to empower families and professionals with accessible, strengths-based resources that honour the resilience behind every story.