New York, USA— Recognised for her unwavering commitment to women’s financial inclusion, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking (WWB), has received the prestigious Global Female Leadership Impact (GFLI) Award at the Global Power Women Yearbook (GPWY) 2024 event. Iskenderian is celebrated for her groundbreaking efforts in expanding financial access for low-income women and her transformative leadership in advancing gender equality within the financial sector.

In addition to receiving this honour, she delivered an inspiring address as a guest speaker on the “High-level Panel on Leveraging Technology for Economic and Political Empowerment and Influence.”

The Global Power Women Yearbook (GPWY) 2024 event took place on 25th September 2024 at the Graduate Centre, City University of New York (CUNY), under the theme “Advancing the Transformative Power of Technology through Women's Lens: Shaping the Future of Business and Governance.” Organised by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) in collaboration with Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM), the event brought together influential women leaders from around the globe to celebrate their achievements, share insights, and discuss the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of business and governance through technology.

Leadership at Women’s World Banking

Since assuming leadership at WWB, Iskenderian has driven the organisation’s mission to provide women worldwide with access to essential financial tools and resources. Under her guidance, the global nonprofit has significantly expanded its reach, partnering with financial institutions in over 30 countries to design and implement sustainable financial products tailored to the needs of low-income women. These initiatives have empowered millions of women by providing access to savings accounts, insurance, credit, and investment opportunities, helping them improve their livelihoods and achieve greater financial independence.

Advocate for Women’s Financial Inclusion

Iskenderian is a global advocate for women’s financial inclusion, consistently highlighting the economic barriers women face and the necessity of equitable access to financial systems. Her thought leadership has shaped international discourse on gender equality in finance. She frequently speaks at prominent forums and high-level meetings, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Economic Forum, where she underscores the critical role of economic empowerment in enhancing gender equality.

Recognition for Global Impact

Throughout her career, Mary Ellen Iskenderian has received widespread recognition for her contributions to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. Under her leadership, WWB has garnered numerous awards for its impactful work, and Iskenderian herself has been featured in prestigious publications, including Forbes, The Financial Times, and The Economist.

The Global Female Leadership Impact (GFLI) Award honours her dedication to creating financial opportunities for women and her lasting influence on the financial inclusion landscape. This accolade celebrates Iskenderian’s role as a visionary leader who not only guides her organisation but also champions a more equitable financial future for all women.

At the GPWY 2024, Iskenderian joined other distinguished female leaders and honorees, including H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, Minister of Health, Cape Verde; First Ladies such as H.E. Rossana Maria Briceño of Belize, H.E. Leticia Ocampos of Paraguay, Dr. Isaura Nyusi (Mozambique), H.E. Dinisia Dos Reis Embaló (Guinea Bissau), and H.E. Arya Devi Ali (Guyana); as well as Mansa Nettey, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana; Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; Abby Huang, Founder/CEO of Dime Inc.; Ruthe Farmer, Founder of the Last Mile Education Fund; and Amira Youssef, VP of SocialPost, among other esteemed guests. Together, they shared their experiences and visions for a more equitable and inclusive future.

About the Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook
The Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook is an exclusive and timeless compilation of highly inspirational success stories, achievements, innovations, and impact generated by the world’s top Power Women. This extraordinary book transcends time, showcasing the remarkable tales of triumph, innovation, and influence woven by the world’s most influential women. It immerses readers in a powerful captivating narrative, illustrating the profound impact of women’s leadership resonating across diverse sectors and global landscapes.

About the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)
CELD is a global institution dedicated to empowering women and promoting leadership development. It advocates for gender equality and sustainable development, uplifting women leaders worldwide.

About Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM)
AWM is a leading platform celebrating women’s achievements globally. Through inspirational stories, AWM champions gender equality and advocates for the empowerment of women across various sectors

For more information on GPWY 2024:
Phone: +44 7471066570
Email: alo_ed@africanleadership.co.uk, info@celd.org.uk