“Forward Thinkers” celebrates people who make our world run better. Whether moving women forward, promoting education, or ensuring a safer supply chain, the following visionaries help improve lives and make our world a better place. Click on the categories and individuals below to learn more about t…
CEO. Founder. Social impact lead. Strategic Advisor. Member of the Forbes Technology Council. One of the top Digital Frontier Women of 2018. Those are just a few of the titles that belong to Sally Eaves. As the founder of Aspirational Futures and CEO of Sustainable Asset Exchange, Sally helps bridge the gap between education and business, enhancing employability for underrepresented groups through disruptive digital solutions.
A bilateral amputee from a bomb blast in 2002, Dr. Malvika Iyer is an award-winning Disability Rights Activist with a Doctorate in Social Work. She is an International Motivational Speaker, a TEDx Speaker, a member of the United Nations IANYD's Working Group, a Model for Accessible Fashion, and a Global Shaper at the Global Shapers Community (an initiative of the World Economic Forum). She is an Advocate for Inclusion and Gender.
A bilateral amputee from a bomb blast in 2002, Dr. Malvika Iyer is an award-winning Disability Rights Activist with a Doctorate in Social Work. She is an International Motivational Speaker, a TEDx Speaker, a member of the United Nations IANYD's Working Group, a Model for Accessible Fashion, and a Global Shaper at the Global Shapers Community (an initiative of the World Economic Forum). She is an Advocate for Inclusion and Gender.
David Batstone tackles exploitation head-on through his global anti-slavery organization, Not For Sale. To protect communities against human trafficking, Not for Sale creates and supports businesses in vulnerable communities around the world, creating greater economic opportunity that is free of slavery.
At Verisk Maplecroft, Sondra Scott helps corporations optimize their supply chains to improve human safety, reduce risk, and ensure compliance. Their extensive risk analytics and advisory services increase the visibility brands have into their supply chains, allowing them to make more informed and ethical sourcing decisions.
Committed to ending forced and child labor, Justin Dillon created Made In A Free World, a platform where businesses and consumers can buy better through their supply chain transparency tool, FRDM. Made In A Free World has already impacted 30 million consumers around the world and helped introduce legislation that removes forced labor in supply chains.
A globally recognized authority on sustainable business, Aron Cramer co-authored “Sustainable Excellence: The Future of Business in a Fast-Changing World,” which spotlights innovative sustainability strategies that drive business success. In his role as president and CEO, Aron advises BSR’s more than 250-member companies on the full spectrum of social and environmental issues.
Through its women’s rights thought leadership initiative, Thomson Reuters Foundation strives to raise awareness, lead conversations, strengthen laws, and convene changemakers. Through research, media coverage, corporate training, and more, the foundation is able to provide unique expertise and offer high-impact solutions to tackle global issues.
Jenna Leonardo is one of the founders of Girls Driving for a Difference, which works to empower middle school girls across America to become leaders of social impact. Jenna and her co-founders have hosted over 50 workshops for over 1500 young girls to give them the confidence they need to change the world for the better.
Kara Goldin is founder and CEO of hint inc., a San Francisco-based company which produces unsweetened flavored water and, more recently, an oxybenzone- and paraben-free sunscreen spray. An active business speaker and writer, Goldin also operates The Kara Network, a digital resource and mentoring program for aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
Under Dan Schulman’s leadership, PayPal has made encouraging progress in the areas of inclusion and diversity. In 2017, PayPal noted a 20 percent year-over-year increase in the number of women who serve in VP roles or higher, a 13 percent increase in promotions of females, and a “significant” decline in voluntary attrition. PayPal is also committed to ensuring that similar roles are paid equally.
As the founder and CEO of GlamourGals, Rachel Doyle helps connect teens and seniors through makeovers. These complimentary makeovers help provide seniors with lasting companionship and teach teens the importance of volunteering in their communities.
At the National Academy Federation (NAF), Lisa Dughi leads a passionate team that is committed to ensuring today’s students are college, career, and future ready. Just this past year, their academies have helped over 100,000 students in high-need communities and achieved a graduation rate of 97%.
As the Executive Director for The Boone Family Foundation, Cynthia Yung helps promote social justice and create lasting, long-term change that leads to a greater, more equitable world. Central to their efforts are several grants and programs that aim to improve educational outcomes for all students.
Tami Forman is the Executive Director for Path Forward, a nonprofit organization working to create mid-career internship programs that reintroduce women and men into the workforce after caregiving. Tami has helped grow the organization from the ground up and works closely with companies to ensure learning continues into the workplace.