Thelma Ekiyor Named Global CEO of Women for Women International

Ekiyor, who has more than 25 years of experience in international development, has built an award-winning career focused on women’s economic empowerment and social entrepreneurship.

“She stood out among a shortlist of brilliant candidates,” said WfWI Board Chair Nunu Ntshingila. “Her experience, talent, and leadership, along with her commitment to supporting women to transform their lives and communities, made her the ideal choice.”

Ekiyor succeeds Marie Clarke, who has served as acting CEO for the past nine months.

Before joining WfWI, Ekiyor held leadership roles in several prominent organizations, including the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, SME.NG, and the TY Danjuma Foundation. She co-founded Afrigrants, Nigeria’s largest all-women accelerator providing financing for micro-businesses, and served as chair of the West African Civil Society Institute in Ghana.

Throughout her career, Ekiyor has worked across the private sector, governments, civil society, media, and philanthropy, fostering innovation and building partnerships. She has served on the International Advisory Board of the Global Centre on Responsibility to Protect in New York and co-founded Women in Philanthropy & Impact, supporting African women’s leadership in philanthropy worldwide.

“I am passionate about investing in women and creating opportunities that drive social impact,” Ekiyor said. “Women for Women International’s mission supporting women survivors of war and women-led enterprises is very close to my heart. I am excited to join a team committed to helping every woman reach her full potential.”

Ekiyor takes the helm amid global shifts in the development sector, bringing extensive expertise to guide WfWI into its next chapter.