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.
Our Founders
Julia Accardo
Harleen Minocha
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. 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.
Co-Founder
Core Team
Ana Luz Sánchez
Kudzaishe Mabenge
Communications Officer
IT and Website Manager
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.
Kudzaishe is a software engineer who believes technology should open doors, not close them. As the IT & Website Manager at Girls in Global, she ensures our digital platforms reflect our feminist values—not only in what they say, but in how they function and protect our community. She approaches technology through a critical feminist lens, recognizing that online spaces, like physical institutions, are shaped by power structures that can either amplify or silence voices. Her work focuses on building secure, accessible systems where marginalized perspectives can thrive in global conversations. She implements thoughtful design and security frameworks that prioritize both protection and inclusion. Her experience with advocacy organizations has deepened her conviction that technology choices are inherently political decisions with real-world impact. Beyond Girls in Global, Kudzaishe serves as co-chair of the 2025 WomenThinkCode committee, creating mentorship and community for women in tech—a field where they remain underrepresented. A problem solver at heart, she demonstrates that another path is possible—digital spaces where feminist principles form the foundation and everyone truly belongs.
Our Founders
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.
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
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 ultimately, what changes is possible. Driven by this conviction, she’s dedicated her career to making international relations more inclusive, accessible, and representative of diverse voices.
As the Communications Officer at Girls in Global, Ana Luz 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 both 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 spent years at the intersection of global issues and public engagement — teaching, leading initiatives that empower young people, and collaborating on projects that bring fresh, intersectional perspectives to international 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
Kudzaishe is a software engineer who believes technology should open doors, not close them. As the IT & Website Manager at Girls in Global, she ensures our digital platforms reflect our feminist values—not only in what they say, but in how they function and protect our community. She approaches technology through a critical feminist lens, recognizing that online spaces, like physical institutions, are shaped by power structures that can either amplify or silence voices. Her work focuses on building secure, accessible systems where marginalized perspectives can thrive in global conversations. She implements thoughtful design and security frameworks that prioritize both protection and inclusion. Her experience with advocacy organizations has deepened her conviction that technology choices are inherently political decisions with real-world impact. Beyond Girls in Global, Kudzaishe serves as co-chair of the 2025 WomenThinkCode committee, creating mentorship and community for women in tech—a field where they remain underrepresented. A problem solver at heart, she demonstrates that another path is possible—digital spaces where feminist principles form the foundation and everyone truly belongs.
Kudzaishe Mabenge
Kudzaishe is a software engineer who believes that technology should open doors, not close them. As the IT & Website Manager at Girls in Global, she ensures our digital presence embodies our feminist values from the code up, not just in what we say but in how our platforms function and protect our community.
She approaches digital systems with a critical feminist lens—recognizing that online spaces, like physical institutions, are shaped by power structures that can either amplify or silence voices. Her work transforms this understanding into tangible digital solutions, whether through thoughtful design, security frameworks, or creating protected spaces for sharing diverse perspectives.
Her experience with advocacy organizations has deepened her conviction that technology choices are inherently political. This insight drives her to create digital infrastructures where security and accessibility strengthen rather than oppose each other, ensuring that marginalized voices can meaningfully participate in global conversations.
As co-chair of the WomenThinkCode committee for 2025, Kudzaishe extends her work beyond GiG, creating mentorship and community for women in tech—a field where they remain underrepresented.
At her core, Kudzaishe is a problem solver who builds alternatives rather than waiting for permission to challenge exclusionary systems. She demonstrates that another path is possible—digital spaces where feminist principles form the foundation, where technology serves people rather than controlling them, and where everyone truly belongs.
IT and Website Manager
Core Team
Core Team
