Aspen Global Innovators Group

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on the achievements of our leaders and partners that make up the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) in the past quarter, it is crucial to contextualize our efforts within the broader landscape of global health trends. The world continues to grapple with multifaceted challenges, from the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to persistent health inequities to emerging and complex threats like climate change. In the face of these complexities, AGI stands as an ecosystem leader and beacon of innovation and leadership, uniquely positioned to drive transformative change and shape the future of global health.

The launches of our two new programs — Impact West Africa and New Voices Advanced Advocacy Program — underscore AGI’s commitment to addressing pressing global health issues with novel solutions designed and led by locally rooted leaders. In a world where health systems are increasingly strained, our focus on fostering local leadership and amplifying underrepresented voices is more critical than ever. By equipping fellows from diverse backgrounds to spearhead advocacy efforts and implement community-driven solutions, AGI catalyzes change at the grassroots level where it matters most.

At the heart of AGI’s approach is recognizing the interconnectedness of health and well-being across broader social, economic, and environmental factors. Further, we realize the critical importance of not only investing in the leadership journeys of our fellows, but also the power and importance of advocacy, communications, and storytelling to effectively accelerate advancements in global health movements. We also recognize the power of connecting our global leaders to serve not only as singular nodes of innovation in their communities or countries, but as connected movement builders and leaders influencing global policy and programs. By addressing the root causes of health disparities and promoting holistic, community-centered solutions, our fellows are improving health outcomes and advancing social justice and sustainable development.

As we look ahead to the next year and beyond, AGI remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive change in global health and development. In all our work, we remain committed to centering the expertise and power of women and girls as solution-holders. From hosting health systems leadership sessions in Mali and Liberia, to launching the inaugural Global Academy for Community Resilience at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, to deepening and expanding our investments in specific communities in the United States through the Healthy Communities Fellowship, we are poised to make even more significant strides towards our shared vision of a healthier, more equitable world.

We are committed to amplifying the voices of our brave fellows and partners and leveraging our networks and platform to convene leaders who are demanding new paradigms that center equity and inclusion both globally and domestically. I want to express my profound gratitude to our partners, fellows, donors, and funding partners for their unwavering support. Together, we are shaping the future of global health and building a brighter tomorrow for generations to come. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Aspen Global Innovators Group.

Lola Adedokun

Executive Director
Aspen Global Innovators Group
Co-chair of the Aspen Forum on Women and Girls