Melissa Mbugua
“The future of audio around the world is being shaped now by women at IWPF”
Melissa Mbugua
Melissa is a trailblazer in innovation and social change across Africa and beyond, boasting a 10+ year career working for some of the world’s largest innovation organizations, as well as leading her own. In 2012 Melissa joined Nairobi’s leading creative tech and innovation hub, and this same year completed a degree in Development Management from The University of Birmingham. In 2014 she joined innovation company Ushahidi, whose technology played a key role in democratizing elections, and from there, joined global programme ‘Making All Voices Count’ working alongside international funders such as US AID, UK DFID, Open Society Foundation and Omidyar Network - managing a grant portfolio of $1 US M. After three years as a global innovation engagement officer, Melissa launched her own creative consulting company, MNM Consulting, to collaborate with entrepreneurs, private and public institutions to unlock the potential of Africa's creative economy.
Today, she is also Co-Founder of Africa Podfest, Director of Creatives for Climate and Impact Council Member of D&AD Awards. Based in Kenya, Melissa’s work has involved seeding civic technology innovation in Africa and Asia, accelerating creative and cultural industries in Africa and catalyzing the next generation of media companies. Melissa is a world-renowned impact strategist and social entrepreneur who brings an inclusive intersectional approach to driving change.
At the Festival Melissa will deliver a keynote speech on the Global Voices stage.