Who we are.
The relationship to Plan International, the Swiss structure, and the governance are what donors check before giving. As a Plan International foundation, we work where Plan works, with children and girls in over 80 countries to help create a world where we are all equal. All of it published, none of it implied.
© Plan International
Plan International’s philanthropic arm.
- Established
- 15 September 2022 by public deed
- Register
- Commercial Register of the Canton of Zurich, 30 September 2022, UID CHE-347.920.9261, 2
- Status
- Tax exempt for its public benefit: listed by the Zurich Cantonal Tax Office among institutions exempt for public or charitable purposes.3 Supervised by the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations; accounts audited by the statutory auditor entered in the Commercial Register.1 A receipt for every gift.
- Discretion
- Named only where it is welcome.
Some supporters want to be visible and some do not, and the Foundation defaults to discretion rather than to display.
1 Zefix, the Swiss central business register.
2 Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce, 5 October 2022.
3 Kantonales Steueramt Zürich, Verzeichnis der steuerbefreiten Institutionen, as at 31 August 2026.
- Chair of the Board
Dr. Werner Bauch
- Vice Chair of the Board
Gunvor Kronman
- Board member
Günter Haag
- Board member
Denise Schmid
- Board member, and representative of the Plan International Board
Mark De Smedt
The people working to advance girls’ rights and equality.
Behind the Global Girls Foundation is a team bringing together experience in philanthropy, partnerships, communications, governance and social impact.
Based in Geneva and Germany, and with roots across Europe, North America and Latin America, our team brings different perspectives and experiences to GGF’s work. Working alongside Plan International and our global network of partners, we connect people, ideas and resources to create opportunities for girls and youth to shape their own futures.
Managing Director · Based in GermanySusanna Tornyay
“In my work with young girls, I listen to so many ambitious ideas to shape the world in a positive way and to keep learning and developing further!”
Susanna Tornyay leads the Global Girls Foundation, bringing experience across European law, private banking, international business development and philanthropy.
She has managed high-level client relationships at Deutsche Bank Switzerland and spent eight years strengthening philanthropy and legacy giving at Oxfam Germany. A certified philanthropy advisor and foundation manager, Susanna combines expertise in philanthropy and partnership-building with a focus on practical, results-driven approaches to social impact.
As Managing Director, she leads GGF’s strategic direction and works with donors, partners and Plan International to mobilise resources and support initiatives that advance girls’ rights and equality.
From: Hungary
Write to Susanna
Senior Philanthropy Advisor · Based in Geneva, SwitzerlandMaureen McKenna
Maureen McKenna brings more than 15 years of experience building philanthropic and private-sector partnerships in global health and humanitarian work.
During her career with the American Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, she developed long-term partnerships that brought together funding, expertise and resources to support communities around the world. She specialises in philanthropic partnerships, innovative finance, communications and branding, and has mobilised more than $100 million in private-sector funding.
At GGF, Maureen focuses on developing partnerships that bring resources, expertise and new opportunities to the Foundation’s work advancing girls’ rights and equality.
She holds a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is a strong advocate for equal access to education.
From: USA
Write to Maureen
Team Coordinator · Based in Geneva, SwitzerlandDaniela Zelaya Raudales
Daniela supports GGF’s strategic partnerships, governance and youth-centred initiatives.
She brings more than 15 years of experience in communications, programme coordination and social impact, including work on gender equality, youth leadership and advocacy. Before joining GGF, Daniela worked with the Plan International Liaison Office at the United Nations in Geneva and the World YWCA.
At GGF, she supports the coordination of partnerships, governance processes and initiatives that bring together philanthropy, advocacy and youth leadership. She is particularly interested in strategic communication, storytelling and creating spaces where girls and young people can have their voices heard and help shape decisions that affect their futures.
Daniela works across English, Spanish and French and brings a cross-cultural perspective to her work with GGF and its international network.
From: Honduras
Write to Daniela
A youth delegate, and an ambassador.
Youth Delegate, Global Girls Foundation · UkraineRymma
“I believe in supporting marginalised communities and advancing equal opportunities for everyone, because dignity, justice, and opportunity should never depend on a person’s circumstances.”
Rymma is a Ukrainian youth leader, educator and advocate whose work is shaped by her experience of displacement from the Luhansk region. She is committed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of young people and internally displaced communities through advocacy, non-formal education and community engagement.
As Head of the Luhansk Regional Youth Council and a member of the Young IDPs Association, Rymma has spent more than five years strengthening youth networks and contributing to youth policy across Ukraine.
A social work student and youth advocate, Rymma currently serves as a Youth Delegate for the Global Girls Foundation and has contributed to global youth engagement through Plan International’s Youth Reference Group. Through her leadership and international advocacy, she brings the perspectives of young people affected by displacement and conflict into wider conversations about rights, opportunity and inclusion.
Global Ambassador, Global Girls Foundation & Plan International | Managing Director, P M Consulting | DenmarkDr. Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire
“Opportunities for girls, especially in STEM education, are shrinking, and that matters deeply to me.”
Advancing girls’ voices. Expanding opportunities. Inspiring action.
Dr. Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire is a former science academic and senior corporate leader with experience across business, science and diversity, equity and inclusion. Born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, she has held senior leadership roles in international companies and co-founded the Professional Women of Colour Network.
Phaedria is also a Business Angel Investor and Scout with Ada Ventures and a recognised speaker on diversity, equity and inclusion. Her work has been recognised through numerous honours, including a 2024 Impact Award for advancing equity and inclusion.
As a Global Ambassador for Global Girls Foundation and Plan International, Dr. Phaedria is particularly passionate about expanding opportunities for girls in STEM, amplifying their voices and supporting the next generation of global leaders.
Read the full announcement of her appointment
A global community of leaders, philanthropists and changemakers committed to advancing girls’ rights and equality.
The GGF Philanthropy Council brings together diverse expertise, experience and networks from across philanthropy, business, finance, law, technology, communications and international development.
Driven by a belief in the power and potential of every girl, Council members help Global Girls Foundation build partnerships, mobilise resources and create opportunities for girls and youth to shape their own futures.
Chair, GGF Philanthropy Council | Managing Director and Co-Founder, KrakenTalk | DenmarkLei Zhang (Nancy)
“Education took me from humble beginnings to the life I have today. I support GGF so that no girl’s education is interrupted.”
Lei Zhang, known as Nancy, is Chair of the GGF Philanthropy Council, bringing together philanthropists, advisors and advocates committed to advancing girls’ rights and equality.
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She is an experienced governance, risk and compliance leader whose international career spans banking, professional services and the humanitarian sector. She has held senior roles in risk management, internal control and internal audit at major international financial institutions and has led teams across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Alongside her corporate career, Nancy is Co-Founder and Managing Director of KrakenTalk and serves on the board of the Denmark Hong Kong Trade Association. Her own experience has shaped a strong belief in the transformative power of education and in ensuring that girls have the opportunity to pursue and complete their education.
Executive CoachRaffaella D’Angiolino-Bush
Raffaella is an executive coach, currently training to gain accreditation with the Association for Coaching. Her wide expertise spans from CEOs to family businesses as well as corporate senior and middle management. She focuses on work/life balance, corporate strategy, career management and progression, and business transformation.
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She has been serving on the boards of several organisations over the last twenty years, as Chair, Committee Chair, and Director in the health, energy, and non-profit sectors. Her skills combine strategic leadership with a solid understanding of financial oversight, governance, and risk management.
In addition to her board roles, Raffaella has over thirty years of business experience as a Partner at Accenture, an entrepreneur, and a business manager. She is a chartered accountant, holds an MBA from IMD and an IDP from INSEAD, and is a fluent speaker of English, Italian, and French.
Writer, Advocate and Philanthropist | LondonAmina Sirry
“I have long championed women’s and girls’ rights. I believe investing in girls’ education, rights and economic empowerment is fundamental to a more equal and prosperous future for everyone.”
Amina Sirry is a writer, advocate and philanthropist with a longstanding commitment to advancing women’s and girls’ rights. Her interests include education, economic empowerment and social justice, and she has been involved in advocacy and fundraising for organisations supporting women and girls.
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Amina began her career in international development in Cairo, working with organisations including the World Bank, the United Nations and USAID. She later founded and ran a design and publishing business in London and now works independently across communications, research and strategic projects.
Since 2022, Amina has represented UN Women UK as an Official Delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, contributing to discussions on gender equality, financial inclusion and climate resilience.
Founder and CEO, Parnima and Serapy | SwitzerlandSophie Bertin
“A girl who has access to knowledge and technology does not wait for her future to be decided. She writes it herself.”
Sophie Bertin is a senior leader with more than 30 years of international experience across finance, technology, regulation and innovation. Her career has spanned the United Nations, global financial institutions and European public institutions, including leading work at the European Commission on the restructuring of banks during the financial crisis.
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Today, Sophie is Founder and CEO of Parnima and Serapy, where she works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, strategy and governance. She is also an independent board member and President of the INSEAD Women in Business Club.
Sophie believes that access to knowledge and technology can fundamentally change what girls are able to achieve, giving them the power to shape their own futures.
Consultant, Caltair Consulting | SwitzerlandCaroline Hempstead
“I am proud to support the mission of the Global Girls Foundation, focusing resources on helping girls fulfil their potential and improve their own lives as well as those around them.”
Caroline Hempstead brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, community engagement and social impact. Throughout her career, she has worked with multinational organisations, led multicultural teams and championed the development of women in the workplace.
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Her work has included building community partnerships and supporting programmes ranging from grassroots initiatives to projects spanning more than 20 countries. She also brings experience in helping organisations and donors demonstrate the societal impact of their investments.
Today, Caroline runs her own consultancy, providing coaching and leadership support to executives and leadership teams focused on transformation and results.
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Expert | GermanyLinda Gugelfuß
“I support GGF because I believe a more equal world is a more peaceful world, and that starts by empowering girls through education to have a voice and shape society.”
Linda Gugelfuß is a philanthropy and nonprofit expert with more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of nonprofit work and philanthropy. She combines expertise in nonprofit management and impact with extensive experience in designing and implementing effective funding initiatives.
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Having worked from both sides of the funding relationship, Linda understands the perspectives and needs of both nonprofit organisations and funders. Her experience includes leading philanthropy and impact management at PHINEO, advising foundations, philanthropists and companies, and developing funding initiatives with budgets of up to €100 million.
Today, she works as a philanthropy and nonprofit consultant and is part of the founding team of SKala Campus.
Communication and Marketing Expert | Communication Trainer | AustriaKatharina Kölbl
“I joined Global Girls Foundation because I believe in the power of opportunity and voice.”
Katharina Kölbl is a communication and marketing expert with more than 15 years of international experience across business, science, public health and social impact. Most recently, she led global communications at the InterAcademy Partnership, working with scientists, academy leaders and international partners to bring complex ideas into wider conversations.
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Earlier in her career, Katharina spent 15 years in international marketing, including leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies across Austria, France and Germany.
Her commitment to social impact has also taken her into grassroots work in Kenya, supporting initiatives focused on women’s rights, economic empowerment and opportunities for women affected by gender-based violence.
Managing Director and Partner, Deutsche Stiftungsanwälte | GermanyDr. Anna Kraftsoff
“I support the Global Girls Foundation because every girl should have the opportunity to develop her talents and potential, follow her own path, and shape her future with confidence and self-determination.”
Dr. Anna Kraftsoff is a lawyer specialising in foundation law, nonprofit law, governance and philanthropy. She advises foundations, nonprofit organisations, philanthropists and families on legal, governance and strategic matters, with a particular focus on structures that support effective and lasting philanthropy.
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Her work includes establishing and developing foundations, strengthening governance and advising on charitable giving and the long-term stewardship of philanthropic assets. She also serves as Chair of Berliner Stiftungen e.V., connecting foundations and strengthening collaboration across Berlin’s philanthropic sector.
Dr. Anna believes philanthropy can open opportunities, strengthen individual agency and create sustainable change.
Managing Director, IQEQ (Switzerland) Limited | SwitzerlandFrédérique Meyer
“I was a girl and, as a girl, I was one of the lucky ones to have been given life-changing opportunities.”
Frédérique Meyer is Managing Director of IQEQ’s Swiss operations, where she works with families, individuals and entrepreneurs on their asset-planning needs. Her work combines investment, legal and tax expertise with a strong focus on building trusted relationships.
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Born in South Korea and adopted by Swiss and Danish parents, Frédérique grew up between Switzerland and Australia. She holds BA and LLB degrees from the University of Queensland and represented Australia at the International Moot Competition at UNCITRAL in Vienna.
Frédérique’s own journey has given her a deeply personal understanding of the transformative power of opportunity. She believes that adults have the ability and means to create life-changing opportunities for children.
Independent Consultant, Entrepreneur and Angel Investor | ZambiaRumbidzai Sithole
“Growing up, I was fortunate to have people who believed in me and supported my ambitions. I support Global Girls Foundation because every girl deserves that same belief, opportunity and chance to realise her potential.”
Rumbidzai Sithole is an independent consultant, entrepreneur and angel investor with a strong interest in business-led economic growth and creating greater opportunities for sustainable prosperity in Africa.
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She previously served as Director for Strategic Initiatives at Prudential Africa, supporting regional strategy, business planning, partnerships and growth initiatives across eight African markets. Her experience also includes strategy and economic development roles with the Dangote Group, the World Bank’s Africa Manufacturing Advisory Team and Dalberg.
Rumbidzai holds an MPA in International Development from Harvard and an MBA from INSEAD.
Ask about joining the Council Questions about a Council seat
All of it published, none of it implied.
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Come with us.
A seat alongside the Foundation at the convenings and forums where girls’ futures are argued for, from the Human Rights Council to the World Economic Forum.
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Host with us.
Philanthropy Council members and ambassadors organise their own convenings and fundraising events, with the Foundation’s support and the Foundation alongside them.
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Own it together.
The Council is self-governing, so what it convenes, and how often, is increasingly the members’ own call.
Events are announced through the newsletter, at the foot of this page. One letter carries all of it; there is no events page to keep checking.
Articles and announcements from the Foundation are in News.
How the capital is held.
The Foundation’s investment strategy sets four rules for every investment decision.
Sustainable and ethical
Investments must uphold sustainability, social responsibility and ethical standards.
Purpose first
Investments must help the Foundation fulfil its purpose.
Risk of loss limited
Investments must limit the risk of loss.
Cautious management
Assets must be managed in a cautious way that preserves them.
The capital is also invested according to environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The non-negotiables.
- Every programme runs under Plan International’s safeguarding standards, applied in every country the work reaches
- A concern about a child: write to info@
globalgirlsfoundation.org and mark your message safeguarding - Images and stories of girls are published only with consent, and consent can be withdrawn at any time; anyone shown can ask us to take an image down at info@
globalgirlsfoundation.org - Data protection and how donor information is handled: see the privacy policy
- Girls decide: girls shape the programmes that affect them, and sit in the rooms where they are decided
- Agency, not pity: girls are represented with dignity and agency, never as objects of pity
The Foundation’s own safeguarding policy and complaints procedure are not yet published; the programmes run under Plan International’s.