LEAS: Learning to Empower Adolescent Girls at Scale

Hana Brixi is the Global Director for Gender at the World Bank, leading efforts to advance gender equality, including directing the development of the World Bank Group Gender Strategy 2024-2030. Over her career, she has held leadership roles in the Human Capital Project, Social Protection, and Governance Global Practices across various regions, and has worked with WHO and UNICEF in China. Hana has published extensively on economic development, including books on service delivery and fiscal management. She holds graduate degrees in physics and economics from Masaryk University and Princeton University.

Garen Avanesian works as a Statistics and Monitoring Specialist in the Data & Analytics section at UNICEF. His areas of expertise include in causal analysis, predictive modeling, and survey methodology. With a PhD degree in Economic Sociology, Garen’s work focuses on socio-economic inequalities, youth employment, and human development, leveraging data-driven insights to inform evidence-based policy and impact-driven solutions. A passionate R programmer, Garen uses statistical tools to translate data into meaningful action.

Sakshi Mishra is an experienced Development Practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in data and policy analysis. She currently works with UNICEF NYHQ.

Himdat Bayusuf is a Senior Education Specialist with 14+ years of experience in operations, analysis, and policy dialogue. She leads Tunisia's education program and previously managed projects in West Africa, including the Africa Centers of Excellence. She has worked on education reforms in the Philippines and co-developed the IFC Employability Assessment Tool. Before joining the World Bank, she worked in London’s financial sector and at Transparency International. Himdat holds a BSc in Economics from Cardiff University and an MSc in Development from the London School of Economics. She is from Mombasa, Kenya, and speaks English, Swahili, Arabic, and French.

Gemma Todd is a Tanzanian national with social sector experience in research, education, and child protection. She has an MSc in Urbanization and Development from the London School of Economics and a BA in Human Geography from the University of Southampton. Gemma began her career on the ground with an international NGO in Tanzania, working closely with Local Government Authorities, vulnerable households, and children to build supportive platforms for children at risk of having to move to the streets. She then joined a research organization for three years as a research scientist and lead investigator, specializing in the social determinants for learning and health in Tanzania’s urbanizing context and in GIS, using data and evidence for policy making.

Menghorng, a first-year data science and AI engineering college student, is a passionate advocate for tech, education, and entrepreneurship. Since age 15, she has inspired girls to pursue tech careers, leading UNICEF’s Ladies in Tech and founding STEMUNITY to promote STEM education in Cambodia. As part of UNICEF’s Young People’s Action Team, she represents Cambodian youth at international forums like the ASEAN ICT Forum. Menghorng also champions environmental causes, developing games for climate action and contributing to the Skills4Girls programme, reflecting her commitment to empowering girls in tech and driving change.

Gabriela Rocha is co-founder and CEO of Laboratoria, an organization that empowers women who dream of a better future to start and grow a transformative career in technology. At Laboratoria, she directed the operations in Mexico for 3 years, then Laboratoria's expansion to Brazil and Colombia, and today she leads Operations with a 60+ person team across LATAM. Before launching Laboratoria in Mexico, Gabriela worked as a public policy consultant in Mexico City, and directed development projects in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and in the Peruvian Andes. In 2017 she was selected as one of the Rising Talents of the International Women's Forum.

Regina Honu is the CEO of Soronko Academy, West Africa’s first coding and human-centered design academy, which has trained over 20,000 women, girls, and marginalized groups to bridge the gender gap in tech. Named to the 2021 Quartz Africa Innovators List, she is also a Leadership Champion and Observer for We-Fi at the World Bank. Soronko Academy won the Most Impactful Initiative at the 2020 Women in Tech Global Awards. Regina’s accolades include the 2018 AFS Active Global Citizen Award, and she serves on the board of AFS International.

Shireen Yacoub is a leader in education technology, skilling, and youth empowerment with over 16 years of experience. She is a Managing Partner at Istidama Consulting, guiding strategic planning and partnerships. Previously, she was the CEO and a founding team member of Edraak, the Arab world’s leading open online learning platform, serving over six million learners. Shireen advises global education initiatives, including the UN’s SDG Academy and the World Economic Forum’s Skills Consortium (2020-2022). She holds an MA in Technology, Innovation, and Education from Harvard University.

Pia Britto was appointed Global Director of Education and Adolescent Development at UNICEF in August 2024. She leads UNICEF’s education and adolescent development programs globally. Previously, she served as UNICEF’s Representative to Laos, focusing on education, health, and more, and as UNICEF's Global Chief for Early Childhood Development. Britto has over 100 publications in child development and holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Halil Dundar is the Practice Manager of the Global Engagement and Knowledge unit at the World Bank. Previously, he managed the Global Education Practice in Central and Southern Africa, overseeing a team of 19 staff across 16 countries. Halil has led operational and analytical work in education, focusing on tertiary education in Pakistan, skills development in Sri Lanka, and education quality in South Asia. He also worked on education programs in Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, including a field assignment in Abuja. Before joining the Bank, he was an assistant professor at the Middle East Technical University and policy advisor to Türkiye’s Ministry of Education. Halil holds a PhD in education from the University of Minnesota.

Stefano De Cupis is a Strategic Communications and External Affairs Officer at the World Bank Group’s Education Global Practice, specializing in partnerships, advocacy, and digital strategy. With 14+ years of experience at organizations like the UN and AfDB, he enhances visibility and engagement. A UN SDG Champion and LinkedIn Top Corporate Communications Voice, he holds advanced degrees in international communication and development. Fluent in Italian, English, and French, he also has a working knowledge of Spanish and Russian.