Our Story
Girls in Global blossomed from the fortuitous connection between Julia and Harleen on LinkedIn. United by their shared passion for gender equality and international affairs, they recognized the need for a space where female professionals could connect, collaborate, and thrive. Fuelled by their determination to break down barriers and amplify the voices of women in international relations, they embarked on a journey to create Girls in Global.
Today, Girls in Global stands as a testament to the transformative power of community and women's shared experiences.
Ana Luz Sánchez
Ana Luz is deeply committed to international affairs, education, and the power of storytelling. She believes that the way we communicate global issues determines who is heard, whose perspectives shape policy, and what change is possible. As the Communications Officer at Girls in Global, she plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives that champion feminist leadership, inclusive governance, and the decolonization of academia. Through strategic storytelling, she ensures that research and policy discussions center the voices of underrepresented communities—particularly women+ and minorities in international affairs. Her expertise spans strategic communication, digital engagement, education, and advocacy—skills she has applied in academic and professional settings. She has worked with students, civil society organizations, and global networks to foster critical discussions on citizenship, human rights, and political participation. With a background in international relations, education, and political communication, she has led initiatives that empower young people and collaborated on projects that bring fresh, intersectional perspectives to global discourse. Above all, Ana Luz believes in the power of communication to drive change. Whether through writing, teaching, or advocacy, she is committed to creating spaces where more people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—are encouraged to engage with international affairs and make their voices heard.
Communications Officer
Isslem is a fullstack developer and instructor with over two years of experience in tech. She holds a bachelor's degree from a university in Tunis and has worked on a range of projects, from web development to teaching code in community programs.
IT and Website Manager
Isslem Ouederni
Etleva Malushaj
Global Community Engagement Manager
Etleva Malushaj is a professional with over 10 years of experience in grassroots mobilization, advocacy, and resource mobilization. Her work centers on promoting inclusive decision-making and creating opportunities for diverse voices to shape democratic development. She has led initiatives to increase women’s political participation, particularly among minority women and women with disabilities. Throughout her career, Etleva Malushaj has collaborated with civil society organizations, government institutions, political parties, and international partners to strengthen civil society, enhance civic participation, and promote gender equality. Her leadership in door-to-door campaigns and volunteer strategies has empowered communities to engage in elections and participate in civic activities. A central aspect of her role has been to connect and empower organizations, activists, and communities, strengthening the network of civil society organizations and enhancing joint advocacy efforts. As part of her work, she has developed grantmaking programs for civil society organizations, ensuring support for groups in rural areas, particularly those with limited access to resources. Additionally, she has provided capacity development and mentoring to grant recipients in areas such as internal governance, project management, resource mobilization and advocacy. Etleva Malushaj has served as a trainer for the Citizen Engagement Activity's resource diversification process, as she participated in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program on the mobilization of new financial and non-financial resources for civil society organizations. She has also facilitated mentoring sessions for beneficiaries of the Kosovo Women's Fund. By introducing community mapping, she has helped organizations identify new funding opportunities to enhance their sustainability. Further, she developed and delivered a training module for the inclusion of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian women in political parties and civil society organizations. As a mentor in the Alumni Mentorship Program 2024, Etleva Malushaj has guided students in career development, networking, and skills-building, further fostering a culture of active and informed citizenship. Her research contributions focus on funding for women’s rights organizations and the role of women in peace and security processes in Kosovo. Through her multifaceted work, Etleva Malushaj remains committed to advancing gender justice and fostering a more inclusive and participatory society.
Majda El Ajmi
Global Community Engagement Manager
Majda El Ajmi is a journalist, media, and advocacy specialist deeply committed to human rights, gender justice, and social change. Her journey began at Morocco’s Human Rights Center for Memory and Archives, where she led advocacy campaigns supporting formerly incarcerated women and girls. Through storytelling, interviews, and public engagement, she helped document state violence and co-created a digital museum preserving untold histories. Building on her journalism background, Majda served as Media and Advocacy Officer at the MenaFem Movement for Economic and Ecological Justice. There, she directed regional media campaigns, authored policy briefs, and represented the movement at global forums such as the World Bank and IMF Meetings. Her work spans the MENA region, Africa, and North America, with expertise in intersectional feminism, community organizing, and strategic communication. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and is trilingual in Arabic, French, and English. Whether through investigative journalism, advocacy campaigns, or digital storytelling, Majda amplifies marginalized voices and challenges systemic injustice through media-driven accountability and collective liberation.
Core Team
Our Founders
Harleen is a gender mainstreaming professional, policy communications expert, and researcher committed to integrating intersectional feminism into global governance. She firmly believes that no policy—from grassroots initiatives to boardroom strategies and international diplomacy—is complete without a gendered lens. Without this critical perspective, systemic inequalities persist, and meaningful equity remains out of reach. Guided by the principle that the personal is political, she advocates for the inclusion of women and gender-diverse individuals in policymaking as an essential foundation for long-term peace, sustainable development, and social justice. Harleen is a gender mainstreaming professional, policy communications expert, and researcher committed to integrating intersectional feminism into global governance. She firmly believes that no policy—from grassroots initiatives to boardroom strategies and international diplomacy—is complete without a gendered lens. Without this critical perspective, systemic inequalities persist, and meaningful equity remains out of reach. Guided by the principle that the personal is political, she advocates for the inclusion of women and gender-diverse individuals in policymaking as an essential foundation for long-term peace, sustainable development, and social justice. As the founder of Girls in Global, she leads efforts to amplify marginalized voices—particularly from the Global Majority—ensuring that gender-diverse leadership is not only acknowledged but actively integrated into decision-making processes. A journalist at heart, Harleen carries forward the ethos of speaking truth to power. This belief underpins her work, driving her to ask critical questions, challenge dominant narratives, and bridge gaps in global discourse. She remains steadfast in her mission to reimagine policymaking through an intersectional feminist lens, challenging existing frameworks to build a more just and equitable world.
Harleen Minocha
Co-Founder
Julia Accardo
Julia is an international affairs professional, strategic foresight expert, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Her work explores the intersection of cognitive science, diplomacy, and innovation, with a particular focus on mitigating bias in decision-making. She believes that effective leadership in global governance requires not just technical expertise but an acute awareness of how cognitive biases shape policy choices—ultimately determining whose voices are heard and whose realities are acknowledged. Her expertise spans project management, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communication—skills she has applied in diverse international settings. A natural collaborator, she thrives in cross-cultural environments, engaging with stakeholders from varied backgrounds to build meaningful partnerships. She has successfully organized high-level academic events on the European Union and worked closely with global leaders. As the Co-Founder of Girls in Global, Julia is dedicated to advancing gender equality in international affairs. She champions the leadership of women and gender-diverse individuals, ensuring their voices are integral to policymaking. Her work engages with critical issues such as peace and conflict, human rights, and diplomacy, reinforcing the need for intersectional and decolonial perspectives in global governance.
Co-Founder
Our Founders
Core Team
Core Team
Ana Luz Sánchez
Communications Officer
Ana Luz is deeply committed to international affairs, education, and the power of storytelling. She believes that the way we communicate global issues determines who is heard, whose perspectives shape policy, and what change is possible. As the Communications Officer at Girls in Global, she plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives that champion feminist leadership, inclusive governance, and the decolonization of academia. Through strategic storytelling, she ensures that research and policy discussions center the voices of underrepresented communities—particularly women+ and minorities in international affairs. Her expertise spans strategic communication, digital engagement, education, and advocacy—skills she has applied in academic and professional settings. She has worked with students, civil society organizations, and global networks to foster critical discussions on citizenship, human rights, and political participation. With a background in international relations, education, and political communication, she has led initiatives that empower young people and collaborated on projects that bring fresh, intersectional perspectives to global discourse. Above all, Ana Luz believes in the power of communication to drive change. Whether through writing, teaching, or advocacy, she is committed to creating spaces where more people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—are encouraged to engage with international affairs and make their voices heard
Isslem Ouederni
IT and Website Manager
Isslem is a fullstack developer and instructor with over two years of experience in tech. She holds a bachelor's degree from a university in Tunis and has worked on a range of projects, from web development to teaching code in community programs. Outside of tech, Isslem enjoys volunteering abroad, meeting new people, and discovering different cultures. She’s always up for learning a new language or trying out a new recipe. In her free time, you’ll probably find her recommending fantasy books to friends or getting way too excited about fictional characters.
Etleva Malushaj
Global Community Engagement Manager
Etleva Malushaj is a professional with over 10 years of experience in grassroots mobilization, advocacy, and resource mobilization. Her work centers on promoting inclusive decision-making and creating opportunities for diverse voices to shape democratic development. She has led initiatives to increase women’s political participation, particularly among minority women and women with disabilities. Throughout her career, Etleva Malushaj has collaborated with civil society organizations, government institutions, political parties, and international partners to strengthen civil society, enhance civic participation, and promote gender equality. Her leadership in door-to-door campaigns and volunteer strategies has empowered communities to engage in elections and participate in civic activities. A central aspect of her role has been to connect and empower organizations, activists, and communities, strengthening the network of civil society organizations and enhancing joint advocacy efforts. As part of her work, she has developed grantmaking programs for civil society organizations, ensuring support for groups in rural areas, particularly those with limited access to resources. Additionally, she has provided capacity development and mentoring to grant recipients in areas such as internal governance, project management, resource mobilization and advocacy. Etleva Malushaj has served as a trainer for the Citizen Engagement Activity's resource diversification process, as she participated in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program on the mobilization of new financial and non-financial resources for civil society organizations. She has also facilitated mentoring sessions for beneficiaries of the Kosovo Women's Fund. By introducing community mapping, she has helped organizations identify new funding opportunities to enhance their sustainability. Further, she developed and delivered a training module for the inclusion of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian women in political parties and civil society organizations. As a mentor in the Alumni Mentorship Program 2024, Etleva Malushaj has guided students in career development, networking, and skills-building, further fostering a culture of active and informed citizenship. Her research contributions focus on funding for women’s rights organizations and the role of women in peace and security processes in Kosovo. Through her multifaceted work, Etleva Malushaj remains committed to advancing gender justice and fostering a more inclusive and participatory society.
Majda El Ajmi
Global community engagement manager
Majda El Ajmi is a journalist, media, and advocacy specialist deeply committed to human rights, gender justice, and social change. Her journey began at Morocco’s Human Rights Center for Memory and Archives, where she led advocacy campaigns supporting formerly incarcerated women and girls. Through storytelling, interviews, and public engagement, she helped document state violence and co-created a digital museum preserving untold histories. Building on her journalism background, Majda served as Media and Advocacy Officer at the MenaFem Movement for Economic and Ecological Justice. There, she directed regional media campaigns, authored policy briefs, and represented the movement at global forums such as the World Bank and IMF Meetings. Her work spans the MENA region, Africa, and North America, with expertise in intersectional feminism, community organizing, and strategic communication. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and is trilingual in Arabic, French, and English. Whether through investigative journalism, advocacy campaigns, or digital storytelling, Majda amplifies marginalized voices and challenges systemic injustice through media-driven accountability and collective liberation.
Julia is an international affairs professional, strategic foresight expert, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Her work explores the intersection of cognitive science, diplomacy, and innovation, with a particular focus on mitigating bias in decision-making. She believes that effective leadership in global governance requires not just technical expertise but an acute awareness of how cognitive biases shape policy choices—ultimately determining whose voices are heard and whose realities are acknowledged.
With a background in international law and political science, Julia’s research has examined how AI-driven training can reduce cognitive bias in foreign policy, strengthening diplomatic strategies for a more equitable world. She is passionate about leveraging data, technology, and human-centered approaches to promote evidence-based decision-making that is both inclusive and impactful.
Her expertise spans project management, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communication—skills she has applied in diverse international settings. A natural collaborator, she thrives in cross-cultural environments, engaging with stakeholders from varied backgrounds to build meaningful partnerships. She has successfully organized high-level academic events on the European Union and worked closely with global leaders.
As the Co-Founder of *Girls in Global*, Julia is dedicated to advancing gender equality in international affairs. She champions the leadership of women and gender-diverse individuals, ensuring their voices are integral to policymaking. Her work engages with critical issues such as peace and conflict, human rights, and diplomacy, reinforcing the need for intersectional and decolonial perspectives in global governance.
Currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, Julia upholds the principles of human rights, inclusion, and justice in all her endeavors. She remains committed to reimagining leadership and policy through a lens that prioritizes equity, foresight, and systemic change.
Julia Accardo
Co-Founder
Julia is an international affairs professional, strategic foresight expert, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Her work explores the intersection of cognitive science, diplomacy, and innovation, with a particular focus on mitigating bias in decision-making. She believes that effective leadership in global governance requires not just technical expertise but an acute awareness of how cognitive biases shape policy choices—ultimately determining whose voices are heard and whose realities are acknowledged. Her expertise spans project management, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communication—skills she has applied in diverse international settings. A natural collaborator, she thrives in cross-cultural environments, engaging with stakeholders from varied backgrounds to build meaningful partnerships. She has successfully organized high-level academic events on the European Union and worked closely with global leaders. As the Co-Founder of Girls in Global, Julia is dedicated to advancing gender equality in international affairs. She champions the leadership of women and gender-diverse individuals, ensuring their voices are integral to policymaking. Her work engages with critical issues such as peace and conflict, human rights, and diplomacy, reinforcing the need for intersectional and decolonial perspectives in global governance.
Harleen is a gender mainstreaming professional, policy communications expert, and researcher committed to integrating intersectional feminism into global governance. She firmly believes that no policy—from grassroots initiatives to boardroom strategies and international diplomacy—is complete without a gendered lens. Without this critical perspective, systemic inequalities persist, and meaningful equity remains out of reach. Guided by the principle that the personal is political, she advocates for the inclusion of women and gender-diverse individuals in policymaking as an essential foundation for long-term peace, sustainable development, and social justice.
Her work sits at the nexus of gender, decoloniality, and international affairs, bringing a sharp, analytical, and critical perspective to global policy debates. She consistently challenges institutions and decision-makers to interrogate whether gender impacts have been fully assessed, ensuring that policies reflect the lived realities of those they affect. As the founder of Girls in Global, she leads efforts to amplify marginalized voices—particularly from the Global Majority—ensuring that gender-diverse leadership is not only acknowledged but actively integrated into decision-making processes.
A journalist at heart, Harleen carries forward the ethos of speaking truth to power. Once a journalist, always a journalist—this belief underpins her work, driving her to ask critical questions, challenge dominant narratives, and bridge the gaps in global discourse. She has reported extensively on India’s education, political, and social sectors, serving as a senior journalist and special correspondent at Deccan Chronicle. Her commitment to investigative storytelling continues to shape her approach to research, advocacy, and policy engagement.
Previously, Harleen worked with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) as a consultant within the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) team and currently collaborates with CineKhan on research at the intersection of gender and cultural diplomacy. She holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and Gender Policy from the University of Westminster, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Journalism from Panjab University, India. Before moving to the policy sector, Harleen served as a journalist in her home country, India for over five years working with national broadcasting and publishing houses, leading reportage in the education and political sectors.
At her core, Harleen believes that everything—policy, governance, and power structures—must be questioned. She remains steadfast in her mission to reimagine
Harleen Minocha
Co-Founder
Harleen is a gender mainstreaming professional, policy communications expert, and researcher committed to integrating intersectional feminism into global governance. She firmly believes that no policy—from grassroots initiatives to boardroom strategies and international diplomacy—is complete without a gendered lens. Without this critical perspective, systemic inequalities persist, and meaningful equity remains out of reach. Guided by the principle that the personal is political, she advocates for the inclusion of women and gender-diverse individuals in policymaking as an essential foundation for long-term peace, sustainable development, and social justice. As the founder of Girls in Global, she leads efforts to amplify marginalized voices—particularly from the Global Majority—ensuring that gender-diverse leadership is not only acknowledged but actively integrated into decision-making processes. A journalist at heart, Harleen carries forward the ethos of speaking truth to power. This belief underpins her work, driving her to ask critical questions, challenge dominant narratives, and bridge gaps in global discourse. She remains steadfast in her mission to reimagine policymaking through an intersectional feminist lens, challenging existing frameworks to build a more just and equitable world.
