Vital Voices Announces 2025 Network Engagement Awardees
Vital Voices celebrates the women who bring its global community to life. The Network Engagement Awards honour twelve extraordinary leaders who go beyond participation — they actively uplift, connect, and empower others across the Vital Voices Global Network.In a year marked by global uncertainty and challenges for women’s organisations, these awardees stood out for their resilience, generosity, and leadership. Through conversations, mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity-sharing, they strengthened the community and proved that leadership is most powerful when it is shared.
These women demonstrate that one post, one insight, or one act of support can ripple across countries — creating real change and lasting impact.
2025 Vital Voices Network Engagement Awardees
Amina Mohamed (Kenya) – People’s Choice Award & VV Visionaries Engagement Award
Founder of Cameras for Girls, Amina is expanding opportunities for young women in East Africa’s media industry. Voted by her peers, her award reflects her powerful presence and generosity across the Hub.
Dr. Olga Azarova (UK) – Conversation Starter Award
Entrepreneur, scientist, and global ecosystem-builder, Dr. Azarova is the founder of World Woman Club, Mediaholding 100%, MINIBOSS & BIGBOSS Business Schools and co-founder of the Vital Voices Ukraine Chapter. She is recognised for sparking meaningful, forward-looking conversations that energise the global network.
Catherine Ayambirwe Namara (Uganda) – Community Catalyst Award
An engineer and mentor, Catherine leads programs that empower girls and young women through digital skills and mentorship. Her energy and leadership help keep the community connected and inspired.
Gaudence Mushimiyimana (Rwanda) – Conversationalist Award
A disability rights leader, Gaudence uses her voice to build inclusive dialogue and support women with disabilities across Africa.
Bridgette Kyalimpa Babigumira (Uganda) – Learning Leader Award
A feminist researcher and digital rights advocate, Bridgette embodies lifelong learning and brings depth, curiosity, and insight to the community.
Prudence Muchinouta (Zimbabwe) – Heart of the Hub Award
A strategic CFO and ESG leader, Prudence’s daily engagement and encouragement make the Hub feel like a true global home.
Brenda Okorogba (Nigeria) – Most Appreciated Award
A learning designer and funding strategist, Brenda is widely recognised for her practical guidance and valuable insights that help women unlock opportunity.
Samona “Mink” Gaudet (USA) – Bold Movers Engagement Award
A fintech founder and financial therapist, Mink connects women globally and helps expand access to funding and financial empowerment.
Maya Manchester (USA) – Grassroots Voices Award
Founder of Period101, Maya supports menstrual equity and youth leadership, exemplifying the spirit of giving back.
Mariana Nunes Santos (Brazil) – Voices That Inspire Award
A leading mental health and human rights activist, Mariana inspires young women across Latin America through advocacy and compassion.
Vo Quoc Thao Nguyen (Vietnam) – Global Fellowship Engagement Award
Founder of GreenJoy, Vo leads sustainable innovation while supporting rural women and environmental impact.
Fernanda San Martín (Chile) – VV Engage Award
A former public leader, Fernanda continues to mentor and support women in governance and civic leadership.
A Global Sisterhood in Action
Together, these women show what is possible when leadership is grounded in generosity, collaboration, and purpose. The Vital Voices Global Network is not just a platform — it is a living ecosystem of changemakers lifting one another toward greater impact.
As this year’s awardees demonstrate: When women rise together, the world rises with them.
More information: https://www.vitalvoices.org/












