The Bush Institute is committed to the advancement of women around the world. We are proud to celebrate incredible leaders who are working to provide opportunity and hope to women, men and children in their communities and beyond.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a true trailblazer – she served as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018 and was the first elected female head of state in Africa. In 2011, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her “nonviolent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.” She’s now dedicated to helping other women ascend to leadership roles through her work at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development.
Keely Cat-Wells
Keely Cat-Wells is a 2024 Presidential Leadership Scholar and Co-Founder and CEO of Making Space and Making Space Media. Her organization provides the necessary resources and opportunities for disabled people to create meaningful careers and become influential leaders. She is passionate about sharing her dedication to advancing the rights of disabled people.
Naheed Farid
Naheed Farid is the youngest-ever elected politician and lawmaker in Afghanistan. She now lives in the United States, where she continues to advocate for human rights, gender equality, and freedom and democracy in Afghanistan.
Susan Roth
Susan Roth is a Care Coordinator at Check-In and advocates for veterans to find purpose beyond the uniform and make smooth transitions to civilian life. A retired U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer ITCS(SW), she often shares her personal experiences from serving in the military.
Lisondry Haoses
Lisondry Haoses is a nurse with Go Further working to save women’s lives by screening and treating them for cervical cancer at the Epako Clinic, a government health facility in Gobabis, Namibia. Haoses reaches women from various backgrounds and has an intense dedication to improving health outcomes. She’s committed to creating a trustworthy bond with her clients to ensure that they’re informed, cared for, and comfortable.
