Midwife Leaders’ Executive Sponsorship Programme 

Annaloice Penduka is a midwife, lecturer, and researcher with experience in midwifery education, clinical training, and maternal health advocacy. Based at the International University of Management, she teaches and mentors nursing and midwifery students in both theoretical and clinical settings. She is a PhD candidate in Public Health at the University of Namibia, researching a digital platform to address adolescent pregnancy. Annaloice contributes to national guideline development and professional governance through IMANA. Her work focuses on SRMNAH, respectful maternity care, and education. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Annaloice brings mentorship, academic expertise, and leadership development support.

Annette Evelyn Kanyunyuzi is a midwife and President of the National Midwives Association of Uganda. She has experience in maternal and newborn health, teaching, mentorship, leadership, and policy. Her work includes health systems strengthening and promoting evidence-based practice. She is a member of ICM’s African Regional Professional Committee. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Annette contributes experience in association leadership and midwifery advocacy.

Martha is a midwife and reproductive health specialist with experience in clinical care, advocacy, and leadership. She is the Founder and Executive Director of For Mom and Baby Foundation, where she leads initiatives to improve maternal and child health across Cameroon. A former participant in ICM’s Young Midwife Leaders Programme, Martha has represented her country and organisation on global platforms, advocating for improved health outcomes. Her work focuses on expanding access to quality midwifery care and empowering midwives to lead change in their communities. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Martha brings a strong voice for equity, youth leadership, and midwife-led advocacy.

Beatrice is a professional midwife, researcher, and lecturer at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. With over 15 years of experience, she has led midwifery education, served as department head, and mentored postgraduate students. Beatrice holds a PhD in Midwifery and leads research on digital health, adolescent pregnancy, and antenatal care. She is also President of the Tanzania Midwives Association and works closely with the Ministry of Health on policy and training. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Beatrice brings strong leadership, a passion for midwifery advancement, and a commitment to improving maternal and newborn health.

Doreen Kainyu Kaura is a midwife, educator, and professor with experience in clinical practice, research, and health systems strengthening. Based at the University of the Western Cape, she is recognised for her leadership in sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health. Her work focuses on continuity of care, coordinated health systems, women’s lived experiences, health equity, and digital innovation in midwifery. She contributes to WHO maternal health initiatives, serves as a journal editor, and mentors emerging scholars across Africa. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Doreen brings mentorship, research expertise, and leadership in advancing midwifery and health systems.

Duncan Shikuku is a midwifery and women’s health specialist with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and programme implementation. He is Technical Specialist – Midwifery at UNFPA and an Honorary Academic at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. He has led the design and implementation of maternal and newborn health programmes and contributed to policy and education at national and global levels. He mentors students and professionals in research and quality improvement. His work focuses on midwifery education, leadership, and health systems strengthening. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Duncan brings mentorship, technical expertise, and leadership support.

Elizabeth is a nurse and public health professional with 23 years of experience in sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH). She is also a trained anatomist with a strong passion for midwifery practice and public health. Elizabeth has worked with Ghana Health Service and international NGOs, and currently serves as the Senior MNCH Technical Advisor for the USAID Integrated Health Partnership activity in Ghana. She is an experienced lecturer and has taught at several universities in Ghana. Her work focuses on health systems strengthening, project management, and stakeholder engagement. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Elizabeth brings strong leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise to support midwives and advance midwifery leadership.

Elizabeth is a senior lecturer and midwife educator, with experience in academic leadership and professional regulation. She has worked with Uganda Christian University and the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council to advance nursing and midwifery education and strengthen decision-making at policy level. Her work focuses on maternal and child health, clinical supervision, and regulatory development. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Elizabeth brings academic expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to supporting future leaders through education, policy engagement, and international collaboration.

Emmanuel Mahlangu is a midwife and clinical hospital matron with experience in midwifery practice and health service management. Based at Kwekwe General Hospital, he works in a busy urban and peri-urban setting and supports the delivery of quality midwifery care. His work focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, quality improvement, and midwifery leadership. He mentors midwives and supervisors and contributes to strengthening practice and service delivery. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Emmanuel brings mentorship, leadership, and expertise in midwifery administration.

Eunice is a midwife, educator, and health policy advocate with experience in clinical care, education, and leadership. She has worked with the Ministry of Health Kenya and the Nursing Council of Kenya to strengthen midwifery education, curricula, and national standards. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, midwifery workforce development, and health systems, and she is particularly committed to improving quality of care through evidence-based training and strategic collaboration. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Eunice brings academic expertise, policy knowledge, and a deep commitment to building the capacity and leadership of midwives in Africa.

Fredrica is a midwife and maternal health advisor with experience in programme coordination, education, and leadership. With 25 years of service, she has worked with Project Hope, UNFPA Ghana, and major hospitals, leading initiatives like skill lab upgrades and midwifery curriculum development. She is a Fellow of both the West African Postgraduate College of Nursing and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Fredrica brings deep technical expertise, advocacy skills, and a commitment to strengthening midwifery systems in Ghana and beyond.

Hawa is a midwifery specialist, with experience in education, regulation, and humanitarian response. She has worked with UNFPA Somalia and government partners to train over 3,000 midwives and nurses, develop national curricula and strategies, and improve emergency preparedness. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, gender equity, and anti-FGM advocacy. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Hawa brings strategic leadership, lived experience in crisis contexts, and a deep commitment to mentoring future midwifery leaders.

Hlengiwe Myeza is an advanced midwife and District Clinical Specialist with experience in clinical care, mentorship, and health service delivery. Based in the Zululand Health District, she works to strengthen clinical governance and improve the quality and safety of maternal and newborn services. She mentors midwives and leads district-level efforts to support respectful, person-centred care. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, quality improvement, and strengthening midwifery practice. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Hlengiwe brings mentorship, clinical expertise, and leadership to support midwives and improve care outcomes.

Humphrey Beja is a midwife and Deputy General Secretary of the National Midwives Association of Uganda with experience in clinical practice, training, and maternal health programmes. He is a national EMOTIVE trainer and WHO postpartum haemorrhage champion, contributing to national initiatives including the rollout of EMOTIVE and heat-stable carbetocin. He serves on national and international technical committees and conducts research in maternal and newborn health and implementation science. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Humphrey brings mentorship, technical expertise, and leadership in maternal health programming.

Jackie Ramasodi is a healthcare professional with experience in public health programme implementation and health systems strengthening. As Global Access and Implementation Lead at Ferring, she has led the introduction and scale-up of health innovations across multiple countries. Her work focuses on women’s health, maternal mortality reduction, and postpartum haemorrhage. She has supported midwives through strategic coaching, advocacy, and creating platforms to amplify their voices at national and international levels. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jackie brings leadership, strategic advisory expertise, and support to strengthen midwifery advocacy and impact.

Jainaba is a nurse, reproductive health specialist, and Associate Professor at the University of The Gambia. She has experience in higher education, research, and ethics, and currently heads the Department of Nursing and Reproductive Health. Jainaba mentors students and faculty, serves on the national ethics committee, and co-leads multiple international research projects, including on noncommunicable diseases and health research ethics. She is a fellow of the USAID DHS Programme and a Global Nurses Policy Institute alumna. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jainaba brings a strong focus on mentorship, capacity building, and advancing research in reproductive health.

Jane is a midwife and public health leader with experience in clinical service delivery, education, and health systems coordination. She works with the Ministry of Health Uganda as Acting Assistant Commissioner for Midwifery Services and has over 20 years of experience across different levels of care. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, professional mentorship, and quality improvement. She is particularly committed to ensuring respectful, safe maternity care and building midwifery leadership. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jane brings dedication to systems strengthening, professional development, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of midwives.

Jeanell du Plessis is a specialist midwife and educator with experience in clinical practice, leadership, and midwifery education. Based at the University of the Witwatersrand, she has worked across public and private sectors as a midwife, unit manager, and independent practitioner. She has led training programmes to strengthen midwives’ competencies and supervised student research and clinical development. Her work focuses on collaborative midwifery care, maternal health, and education. She has mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students and supported peers in establishing independent practice. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jeanell brings mentorship, clinical expertise, and education leadership.

Jemima is a global public health professional and midwife, with experience in leadership, policy, and systems strengthening. She is the Founding President and CEO of the Centre for Health Development and Research (CEHDAR). Jemima has worked with WHO, UNFPA, ICM, and other global institutions to build midwifery systems in over 45 countries, including fragile and conflict-affected settings. Her work focuses on education, workforce development, and maternal health. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jemima brings global expertise, deep commitment to mentorship, and a strong track record in advancing midwifery leadership.

Lilian Gertrude Dodzo is a senior nurse-midwife leader with over 30 years of experience in education, practice, and regulation. Based at the Ministry of Health and Child Care, she serves as Deputy Director for Nursing and Midwifery, overseeing training, education, and administration. She is an ICM-trained mentor and has supported midwives to access education, leadership roles, and research opportunities. Her work focuses on leadership, governance, education, and strengthening midwifery practice. She has contributed to research and professional development initiatives. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Lilian brings mentorship, leadership expertise, and support for developing midwifery leaders.

Lilian Nuwabaine is a nurse-midwife, educator, and researcher with experience in midwifery education, practice, and leadership across Africa. Based with Seed Global Health in Sierra Leone, she also leads nursing and midwifery initiatives in Uganda. She has developed accredited training programmes and delivered over 100 trainings, supporting thousands of nurses and midwives. She has mentored professionals in research, publication, and career development, and founded platforms to expand access to knowledge and leadership skills. Her work focuses on midwifery education, research, and health systems strengthening. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Lilian brings mentorship, education expertise, and leadership development support.

Margreet is a midwife with academic and clinical expertise. Originally trained in Belgium, she later earned her PhD in South Africa on scaling up midwifery practices. She founded the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic to provide care to underserved women and now leads Sister Lilian Centre. Her work focuses on improving birthing cultures, professional care, and midwifery systems in South Africa. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Margreet brings a passion for rights-based maternity care and leadership in service delivery.

Mariatha Yazbek is a midwifery specialist and professor with experience in education, research, and clinical practice. Based at the University of Pretoria, she has taught undergraduate and postgraduate midwifery since 2012 and led curriculum development for both programmes. She was invited to develop the WHO prototype competency-based curriculum for advanced midwifery in Africa. She supervises postgraduate research, contributes to academic publications, and collaborates with national and international institutions. She founded a freestanding birthing centre, where she supports midwives in developing clinical skills. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Mariatha brings mentorship, academic leadership, and clinical expertise.

Meron Bekele is a midwife and Vice President of the Ethiopian Midwives Association with over 17 years of experience in clinical care, leadership, and programme implementation. She has worked across public health facilities and national programmes to strengthen midwifery practice and education. She has led implementation of clinical mentorship programmes and supported training initiatives, including digital tools for emergency obstetric and newborn care. Her work focuses on midwifery leadership, mentorship, and gender equity. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Meron brings mentorship, leadership experience, and expertise in strengthening midwifery capacity.

Nalujja Joselyne is a midwife with over nine years of experience in clinical mentorship, advocacy, and programme coordination. She is General Secretary of the National Midwives’ Association of Uganda and leads the Busoga Local Maternity & Neonatal System. Her work focuses on data-informed approaches, sexual and reproductive health education, and community outreach. She is also the founder of the Afrozuri Foundation. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Nalujja contributes experience in community-based initiatives and professional support for midwives.

Netta is a midwife and educator with experience in clinical care, health education, and policy leadership. With over 40 years in midwifery, she has contributed to strategic planning, curricula design, and national policy development in Ghana. She currently serves as the President of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association and is completing her PhD in perinatal mental health. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Netta brings institutional knowledge and decades of leadership to support midwives and strengthen midwifery education and governance.

Nomafrench is a midwife and parliamentarian with over three decades of experience in academia, clinical care, and public leadership. She is currently an Honorary Professor at the University of the Western Cape and serves as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in South Africa. She previously held the role of Provincial Minister of Health & Wellness and has worked as a clinician, professor, and consultant on maternal health, including for the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths. Her work focuses on health policy, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and women’s empowerment. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Nomafrench brings deep policy insight, global experience, and a commitment to inclusive leadership to support midwives and strengthen midwifery leadership.

Philomina is a midwife with over 30 years of experience in clinical care, regulation, and leadership. She currently serves as the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, providing strategic, technical, and administrative leadership. She holds an MPhil in Nursing, a bachelor’s in Nursing with Psychology, and multiple postgraduate qualifications in education, administration, research, and cyber security. Philomina is a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Philomina brings expertise in regulation, education, and public health to support midwives and strengthen midwifery leadership.

Rita Wanyenze is a midwife trainer and maternal and child health specialist with over 30 years of experience in clinical care and health programming. Based at the Uganda Private Midwives Association, she coordinates programmes to strengthen maternal and newborn health. She has led training, mentorship, and quality improvement initiatives, and developed tools to improve postnatal follow-up in community settings. Her work focuses on sexual and reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health, emergency care, and health systems strengthening. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Rita brings mentorship, training expertise, and leadership to support midwives’ professional development.

Ritah is a midwife with over 12 years of clinical experience and serves as Treasurer of the National Midwives Association of Uganda (NMAU). She brings strong expertise in resource mobilization and financial management, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the association. Ritah is an ICM Twin-to-Win Expert, supporting midwives and associations through twinning partnerships focused on collaboration, capacity building, and professional exchange. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, leadership, and health systems strengthening. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Ritah brings commitment, technical expertise, and advocacy experience to support midwives and strengthen midwifery leadership.

Sarah Mlambo is a midwifery lecturer and researcher with over a decade of experience in nursing and midwifery across public and private sectors. Based at Welwitchia University, she teaches and mentors students while contributing to research on decision-making, childbirth, and maternal mental health. She is an Africa Oxford Fellow and a member of Namibia’s National Maternal Stillbirth and Death Review Committee. Her work focuses on clinical midwifery, research, and equitable approaches to maternal health. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Sarah brings mentorship, research expertise, and support for developing midwifery leadership.

Susuana is a midwife with over 30 years of experience in clinical care, education, and leadership. She currently serves as Head of Nursing and Midwifery at the Volta River Authority Health Services Limited, where she leads service coordination, supervision, and training across multiple hospitals. She has also served as a principal, project officer, educator, and policy advisor, and played key roles in curriculum development and accreditation processes. Susuana is a Foundation Fellow of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives and a Fellow of WAPCNM. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Susuana brings expertise in training, governance, and mentoring.

Sylvia is a midwife and public health leader with over 15 years of experience. She currently serves as President of the Midwives Association of Namibia, where she leads advocacy for professional recognition, regulation, and midwifery education. Sylvia is also the founder of Health Law Namibia and promotes equity-based reform by linking law, governance, and maternal health. She is an alumna of ICM’s Young Midwife Leader Programme and a fellow of the Politics and Diplomacy for Health initiative. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Sylvia brings advocacy expertise and systems thinking to strengthen midwifery leadership.

Tewodros is a midwife, researcher, and Assistant Professor at the University of Gondar, with experience in education, research, and policy. He is the first Ethiopian midwife to earn a PhD in Midwifery and leads research focused on sexual, reproductive, and perinatal health in development and humanitarian contexts. He has helped establish Ethiopia’s first master’s and PhD midwifery programmes and mentors future midwifery leaders. Tewodros serves on national and global advisory groups and collaborates with Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Tewodros brings academic excellence and a strong commitment to midwifery leadership in Africa.

Geraldine Araceli Guzman Castillo is a Peruvian midwife and public health educator with over 15 years of experience in training, academic leadership, and national health initiatives. She has worked with Peru’s Ministry of Health and universities to promote innovation in SRHR education and clinical simulation. Her work focuses on educational transformation, digital learning, and women-centred care, and she is particularly committed to mentoring emerging professionals. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Geraldine brings a forward-thinking approach to education and a passion for strengthening the next generation of midwife leaders.

Jennifer is a midwife and global health professional with experience in clinical care, education, research, and policy. She began her career as a Registered Midwife and later transitioned into academia, contributing to curriculum development and evidence-based teaching. Jennifer currently serves as a Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, where she leads the midwifery portfolio and supports the adoption of high-impact innovations such as the PPH treatment bundle and multiple micronutrient supplements. Her research focuses on respectful maternity care and women’s experiences of induction of labour, informing global WHO guidelines. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jennifer brings strategic insight and a commitment to advancing midwifery leadership globally.

Jill Wodnick is a maternal health policy leader with over 25 years of experience in public policy, education, and perinatal health. She is Assistant Director of Maternal Health Policy at Montclair State University, where she works across midwifery, birth centres, doulas, Medicaid, and childbirth education. She has contributed to national advisory work and legislative advocacy to strengthen midwifery workforce capacity and improve maternal health outcomes. Her work focuses on policy, health equity, and workforce development. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jill brings mentorship, policy expertise, and advocacy experience to support midwifery leadership.

Julia Bluestone is a midwife with over 25 years of experience in education, professional development, and health systems strengthening. She is Technical Director for Learning and Performance at Jhpiego, where she leads learning strategies and co-leads nurse-midwifery initiatives. She has worked with national ministries and professional associations to strengthen pre-service education and continuing professional development systems across multiple countries. Her work focuses on midwifery education, regulation, and workforce development. She has led national education reforms and supported regulatory processes in several countries. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Julia brings mentorship, technical expertise, and leadership in strengthening midwifery education systems.

Nola Holness is a Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She has contributed to midwifery and nursing through teaching, research, service, and clinical practice. Her work focuses on improving maternal health outcomes and addressing vaccine hesitancy among pregnant African American women. She serves as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair and is active in community engagement and mentorship. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Nola brings experience in education, maternal health advocacy, and support for inclusive professional development.

Pandora is a midwife and global health leader with experience in clinical care, leadership, and health systems strengthening. She has served as Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at Jhpiego and held senior roles with organisations such as UNFPA, DFID, GIZ, HRH2030, and EngenderHealth. A former Board Member of the International Confederation of Midwives, she has supported regulatory reform, curriculum development, and workforce capacity-building in low-resource and fragile settings. Alongside her global work, she continues to attend births in the U.S. and the Caribbean. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Pandora brings global insight and a passion for bold, systemic change in midwifery leadership.

Firdaous Zekaoui is a midwife and public health specialist currently working at the Ministry of Health in Morocco, within the Family Planning Division. She has led national strategies and training initiatives and is also a doctoral student researching access to SRHR services. Her work focuses on equity, reproductive health policy, and inclusive systems, and she is particularly committed to reaching vulnerable communities. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Firdaous brings strong policy expertise, research insight, and a deep belief in experience-sharing to strengthen midwifery leadership.

Naeema Al Gasseer is a nurse-midwife and global health expert with over 40 years of experience across humanitarian, development, and policy settings. She has worked with WHO in senior leadership roles, including as WHO Representative in multiple countries, supporting health systems strengthening in complex and conflict settings. She contributed to the development of the first global strategic framework for nursing and midwifery and has led work linking health, gender equity, and sustainable development. Her work focuses on global health policy, health systems, and women’s health. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Naeema brings mentorship, leadership, and global expertise.

Nosheen Nazir is a midwifery educator and assistant professor with experience in clinical practice, education, and curriculum development. Based at the Health Services Academy in Islamabad, she has contributed to the establishment and strengthening of Bachelor-level midwifery education in Pakistan. She has taught and supervised students in clinical and academic settings, supporting competency-based education and evidence-based practice. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, midwifery education, and professional training. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Nosheen brings mentorship, education expertise, and support for developing midwifery capacity.

Sabah Hussein Al-Dhafri is a midwife with experience in maternal and child health service delivery in Yemen. She began her career in 1996 after graduating with a diploma in legal midwifery and worked at Amran Government Hospital. In 2019, she received an honorary doctorate for her work in health advocacy. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Sabah contributes practical experience from providing care and leadership in challenging contexts.

Anna af Ugglas is a midwife and Chief Executive with over 33 years of experience in clinical practice, education, leadership, and global health. She currently leads the International Confederation of Midwives, working closely with the President, Board, and leadership team to deliver its strategic priorities. She has worked with UNFPA and WHO, and with Laerdal Global Health and Laerdal Medical, focusing on programme implementation, partnerships, and simulation-based midwifery education. Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health and strengthening midwifery globally. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Anna brings leadership, mentorship, and global expertise to support midwifery leadership.

Anna Byrom is a midwife with over 20 years of experience across midwifery practice, education, and leadership. She is founding director of All4Maternity and has supported internationally educated midwives in the UK. She completed a PhD on the Baby Friendly Initiative and received a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019. Anna also leads research on continuity of care and student learning. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, she contributes experience in midwifery education and workforce development.

Clare is a midwife and Assistant Director of Midwifery at Ireland’s National Women and Infants Health Programme. She also teaches at University College Dublin. Clare has contributed to national initiatives including the Baby Friendly Initiative, workforce planning, and midwifery guideline development. Her academic background includes advanced training in midwifery, ultrasound, prescribing, and leadership. Clare’s work focuses on quality improvement in maternity care and building a future-ready midwifery workforce. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Clare brings a combination of national-level policy experience and dedication to education and evidence-based care.

Elke is a midwife, researcher, and politician with experience in maternal health, epidemiology, and policy. Now serving in the Dutch Parliament for the Green-Labour Alliance, she brings 25 years of midwifery experience and a PhD in maternal-infant bonding. Her work focuses on sustainable development, health equity, and community care. She is particularly committed to planetary health and reducing disparities in maternal outcomes. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Elke brings political insight, academic rigour, and a global outlook to support midwifery leadership and shape health systems that prioritise women and communities

Gila Zarbiv is a nurse-midwife, researcher, and midwifery leader with experience in clinical practice, education, policy, and advocacy. She is a PhD candidate in Public Health at Ben Gurion University and a doctoral fellow at the Israel Implementation Science and Policy Engagement Centre. She serves on the ICM European Regional Professional Committee and has held leadership roles in professional organisations, including the Israel Midwives Association. Her work focuses on midwifery models of care, continuity of midwife care, and health systems. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Gila brings mentorship, research expertise, and leadership in advancing midwifery practice and policy.

Helen Kate Sutherland is a midwife and healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, education, and leadership. She is Global Medical Affairs and Education Manager for Maternity Care and NICU at Medela, where she leads the design and delivery of evidence-based education programmes for healthcare professionals. She has held senior roles in international healthcare systems, including leading clinical education teams and improvement initiatives. Her work focuses on maternal and neonatal care, education, and professional development. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Helen brings mentorship, education expertise, and leadership to support midwifery practice.

Irena is a senior midwife based in Estonia with leadership experience in clinical care and education. Her work spans maternity care, midwifery advocacy, and mentoring. Irena supports midwifery services at both the national and facility levels, contributing to better outcomes for women and families. She is dedicated to ensuring safe, respectful, and evidence-based maternity care. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Irena brings leadership experience, clinical excellence, and a strong commitment to advancing midwifery within health systems.

Jacqueline is a midwife and global health leader with experience in clinical care, education, leadership, and policy. She currently serves as the Chief Midwife at ICM, advocating for the midwifery profession worldwide. Previously, she was the first Chief Midwifery Officer for the NHS in England and has held senior roles across health systems and academia. Her work focuses on maternal health, midwifery leadership, and health equity. Jacqueline is particularly committed to ensuring all women receive safe, respectful, and equitable care. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jacqueline brings global perspective and deep expertise to support midwives and strengthen midwifery leadership.

Jaki is a midwifery leader and executive coach with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, education, research, and policy. As Director at RCM Scotland, she supports the midwifery workforce through leadership development and policy engagement. She has worked as a government advisor, a consultant midwife in rural units, and a senior research associate in international public health. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Jaki offers experience in workforce leadership, service development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Jane Sandall is a midwife and social science researcher with experience in nursing, health visiting, and international midwifery. She leads a maternal health research group at King’s College London and co-leads the NIHR ARC South London maternity theme. Her work focuses on safety, quality of care, workforce models, and health equity. Jane has advised NHS England and co-chaired the ICM Research Committee. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, she contributes experience in research, policy engagement, and service design.

Kate is a midwife with experience in clinical care, education, and leadership. She has supported midwifery development globally, including leading initiatives to strengthen respectful maternity care and midwife-led services in India. Kate previously worked as a Consultant Midwife in the UK, supporting complex birth planning, national training programmes, and early career midwives. She holds an MSc in Global Maternal Health and currently serves as a Midwife Advisor at ICM. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Kate brings practical knowledge, cross-cultural experience, and a strong commitment to advancing midwifery leadership worldwide.

Liselotte is a midwife and advisor at the ICM. She has experience in clinical care, professional association development, and international collaboration. Before joining ICM, she worked as an independent midwife in the Netherlands and served as international policy advisor for the Royal Dutch Organisation of Midwives, leading several global twinning projects. Liselotte holds degrees in midwifery, cultural anthropology, and medical anthropology and sociology. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Liselotte brings a deep understanding of association strengthening and global partnership building to support midwives and strengthen midwifery leadership.

Magdalena Korżyńska-Piętas is a midwife, academic professor, and researcher with experience in education, leadership, and maternal health innovation. Based at the Medical University of Lublin, she contributes to midwifery education and the development of coordinated maternity care. She serves as Vice-President of the University Section of the Polish Midwives Association and has authored numerous scientific publications. Her work focuses on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health, digital health, and education. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Magdalena brings mentorship, academic expertise, and leadership in advancing midwifery education and innovation.

Natalie Sedlická is an autonomous midwife with experience in midwifery practice, advocacy, and maternity care reform. She has led efforts to establish freestanding birth centres in the Czech Republic and co-founded and led the Association for Birth Houses and Centres. Her work focuses on midwifery models of care, the physiology of birth, and strengthening midwifery autonomy. She has contributed to education and advocacy initiatives to support evidence-based practice and system change. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Natalie brings mentorship, advocacy, and expertise in advancing midwifery models of care.

Rikke is a midwife and professor with experience in clinical care, education, and research. She holds a Master of Public Health and a PhD in Medicine and has over 25 years of experience in midwifery. Rikke is the first Professor of Midwifery at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, where she also heads the PhD programme of Clinical Medicine at the Graduate School of Health. She is committed to advancing woman-centred care and professional standards in midwifery. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Rikke brings academic leadership and a dedication to evidence-based practice to strengthen midwifery leadership.

Sheena Byrom is a midwife with over 40 years of experience, having worked extensively within the UK’s National Health Service. She was one of the first consultant midwives in the UK and helped develop three birth centres in East Lancashire. She co-founded The Practising Midwife journal and the learning platform All4Maternity. Sheena provides consultancy and workshops on respectful maternity care and is the author and editor of several publications on compassionate care and childbirth. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Sheena contributes experience in leadership, education, and advancing respectful maternity care globally.

Stephanie is a midwife with experience in global health, education, and clinical leadership. She works as a Midwife Advisor for the International Confederation of Midwives, supporting midwives, midwifery associations, and models of care aligned with the ICM Professional Framework. Previously, she worked as a midwife and lecturer in the UK and supported midwifery programmes across Asia and Africa, focusing on enabling environments for midwives and respectful SRHR care in humanitarian settings. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Stephanie brings technical expertise, cross-cultural experience, and a deep commitment to advancing midwifery leadership.

Steven Hams is a healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in nursing, midwifery, and quality improvement. He is Group Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer for the Bristol NHS Group, where he leads professional practice, governance, and improvement across a large workforce. He has held senior leadership roles in NHS organisations and led major transformation programmes, including national vaccination and quality improvement initiatives. His work focuses on patient-centred care, workforce development, and reducing inequalities in maternal and newborn health. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Steven brings leadership, mentorship, and expertise in health systems improvement.

Teresa is a senior midwifery leader with experience in clinical practice, humanitarian settings, and system design. She has worked globally with Médecins Sans Frontières and Concern Worldwide, and now serves as Assistant Director of Midwifery/Nursing at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. Teresa leads national models of community care and homebirth, mentors midwives, and contributes to policy and education as an adjunct lecturer at University College Dublin. She holds an MSc in Leadership and a Diploma in Innovation. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Teresa brings global insight, innovation, and dedication to humanising maternity care.

Georgia is a midwife and educator with experience in maternal health, midwifery training, and service delivery. She has worked in the Philippines since 2007, where she founded the first licensed midwife-led birth centre in Kalinga and currently serves as Executive Director. Her work focuses on supporting Filipino midwives and strengthening the profession through education and advocacy. She is particularly committed to locally driven solutions that improve maternal outcomes. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Georgia brings practical experience, cross-cultural understanding, and long-standing dedication to midwifery leadership and training.

Goma is a nurse-midwife and health leader with experience in clinical care, policy development, and academic leadership. She currently serves as President of the Midwifery Society of Nepal and has held key national positions, including Director at the Ministry of Health and President of the Nepal Nursing Council. Her work focuses on strengthening SRMNAH services and simulation-based education, and she is particularly committed to gender equality and the rights of women and newborns. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Goma brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to advancing midwifery in Nepal and the re

Joy is a midwife and Fellow of the Royal College of Midwives with over 30 years of experience. She is currently an International Midwifery Specialist at the UN in Bangladesh. Her career spans education, global health, and humanitarian work, with a focus on strengthening midwifery associations and services for vulnerable populations. She authored ‘Global Midwifery’ and supports neurodiverse midwives. Joy has worked to embed midwives in fragile health systems and promote SRHR. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Joy brings deep advocacy experience and a passion for building resilient midwifery leadership structures.

Kiran is a retired professor and the founding president of the Midwifery Society of Nepal. With experience in midwifery education, policy, and association development, she led the creation of the national curriculum framework and midwifery roadmap. Kiran has participated in ICM events, supported post-earthquake mobile health services, and guided the Midwifery Education Institutions Network. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Kiran brings extensive academic expertise and a lifelong commitment to strengthening midwifery leadership in Nepal.

Laxmi is a midwife with over 25 years of experience in clinical care, research, advocacy, and policy. She co-founded the Midwifery Society of Nepal and established Nepal’s first nurse-led birthing centre. Her work focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially for marginalised communities. She holds degrees in nursing and public health, and a PhD in medicine. She currently serves as the Regional Board Member of the ICM for the Southeast Asia region. Through the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Laxmi contributes experience in midwifery development and health system strengthening.

Nujan Sharma is a hospital nursing administrator and trainer with experience in clinical care, public health programmes, and policy development. Based with the Ministry of Health and Population, she contributes to national initiatives in sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, adolescent, and child health. She has worked on programmes in family planning, adolescent health, and emergency obstetric and newborn care, and collaborates with international partners. Her work focuses on policy implementation, training, and strengthening maternal and newborn services. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Nujan brings mentorship, programme expertise, and support for strengthening midwifery practice.

Prasuna Nelluru is a midwifery educator and public health professional with experience in clinical practice, education, and maternal health programmes. Based at the State Midwifery Training Institute in Tirupati, she leads clinical and academic training for Nurse Practitioners in Midwifery and supports curriculum development and research supervision. She serves as Chapter Secretary of the Society of Midwives of India. Her work focuses on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health, respectful maternity care, and midwifery education. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Prasuna brings mentorship, education expertise, and leadership in strengthening midwifery capacity.

Alison is a midwife and nurse with experience in leadership, policy, and education. She serves as Chief Midwife at the Australian College of Midwives and co-chairs the ICM Global Chief Midwives Community of Practice. Alison’s work focuses on midwives’ wellbeing, student and leadership pathways, breech birth, and global maternal health. She is particularly committed to rural and remote midwifery and advancing equitable, culturally responsive midwifery and sexual and reproductive healthcare. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Alison brings strategic vision and advocacy skills to support midwives and strengthen midwifery leadership.

Elizabeth (Zab) is a midwife advisor at ICM, with over 30 years of clinical and education experience. She has worked across New Zealand, the UK, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia in diverse models of care, and holds an MA in person-centred healthcare. Her work focuses on continuity of care, lactation support, and in-service education, and she is particularly committed to intercultural collaboration and midwifery leadership. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Zab brings technical expertise, global insight, and a strong foundation in midwifery care and training.

Elizabeth is an Associate Professor of Midwifery at Flinders University, with 25 years of experience in clinical practice, education, and research. She has worked to humanise birth through social justice-focused research, turning her background in political philosophy toward analysing birth culture. Her concept of the “institutional paradox” and her work on autonomy and relational ethics have influenced international guidelines and policy. Elizabeth is a founding member of the Global Birth Environment Design Network and co-convenes the Humanising Birth Research Network. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Elizabeth brings academic leadership, policy insight, and a passion for transforming maternity care.

Feri Anita Wijayanti is a midwife and lecturer with experience in education, leadership, and maternal and child health. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Medicine at the University of Manchester and serves as Chair of the ICM Regional Professional Committee for Southeast Asia. She has contributed to conferences and training on leadership, professional development, and maternal health. Her work focuses on strengthening leadership and supporting the development of young midwives. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Feri brings mentorship, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to developing future midwifery leaders.

Karen Strickland is a midwife, academic leader, and Executive Dean with experience in education, research, and health systems leadership. Based at Edith Cowan University, she has led initiatives to strengthen midwifery education, research, and workforce development, particularly in regional and underserved communities. She has developed leadership programmes and supported midwifery academics through mentorship and sponsorship initiatives. Her work focuses on midwifery education, leadership, and policy. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Karen brings mentorship, executive leadership, and expertise in strengthening midwifery leadership pathways.

Nicole Pihema is a midwife and system leader with experience in clinical practice, policy, and health system leadership. She serves as Chief Midwife for Hauora Māori Services at Health New Zealand, where she works to strengthen equitable and culturally grounded maternity systems. Her work focuses on policy, workforce wellbeing, and improving care outcomes for communities. She is committed to strengthening midwifery practice through leadership, collaboration, and accountability. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Nicole brings mentorship, systems expertise, and leadership to support midwifery development.

Olivia Tierney is a midwife, policy advisor, and researcher with experience in clinical practice, education, and health system leadership. She serves as Senior Midwifery Advisor within the Australian Government, contributing to national maternity policy, workforce planning, and models of care. She has led initiatives to strengthen continuity of care and midwifery education, particularly in rural and regional settings. Her work focuses on policy, leadership development, and improving maternal and newborn care. As part of the Executive Sponsorship Programme, Olivia brings mentorship, policy expertise, and leadership in strengthening midwifery systems