United Nations Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

Joanne Soojay, the Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Soojay manages the alignment of philanthropic capital with critical United Nations initiatives, ensuring that private sector contributions effectively bolster multilateral development goals. By overseeing high-level stakeholder engagement, the Chief Executive Officer cultivates essential relationships with government entities and global donors to expand the reach of humanitarian programs. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of international development landscapes to identify emerging opportunities for impact. Joanne Soojay maintains rigorous standards for grant-making efficacy, ensuring that every dollar supports sustainable progress. Through the coordination of advocacy campaigns and policy dialogues, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the bridge between the United Nations system and the global community. Ultimately, Soojay secures the long-term viability of the organization by fostering a culture of innovation and collaborative problem-solving across all operational departments.

Elizabeth Cousens, the President & Chief Executive Officer at United Nations Foundation, architects the primary mission of the organization to amplify the global impact of the United Nations. Cousens leads the executive team in developing comprehensive strategies that mobilize political will and financial resources for international development. By managing complex interactions with diverse funding sources, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the Foundation remains a significant source of private capital for multilateral work. This role requires constant navigation of the international policy landscape to provide actionable recommendations to UN partners. Elizabeth Cousens oversees the integration of strategic communications and advocacy to elevate the visibility of global challenges. Through the facilitation of expert convenings, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives collaborative solutions to systemic problems. Ultimately, Cousens ensures that the organization maintains its position as a critical partner in the global effort to achieve sustainable development goals.

Shenae Burgess, the Chief Financial Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Burgess manages the complex flow of capital from philanthropic institutions, corporations, and individual donors into the United Nations system. By overseeing the allocation of funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that grant-making activities remain transparent and impactful. This leadership role involves rigorous financial planning to support the Foundation's advocacy and communications work on a global scale. Shenae Burgess monitors the fiscal performance of various initiatives, providing the data necessary for the Board to make informed decisions regarding resource distribution. Through the management of financial reporting and compliance, the Chief Financial Officer protects the integrity of the organization's assets. Ultimately, Burgess secures the financial foundation required to sustain long-term multilateral development efforts, ensuring that every contribution effectively advances the core mission of the Foundation.

Obaid Rahman, the Chief Operating Officer at United Nations Foundation, executes the internal operational strategies that support the organization's charitable mission. Rahman manages the infrastructure required to deliver policy recommendations, advocacy campaign development, and event coordination across the international development landscape. By overseeing the daily functions of the Foundation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach UN programs with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to facilitate better collaboration between departments and external stakeholders. Obaid Rahman directs the implementation of operational policies that govern grant-making and strategic communications guidance. Through the optimization of organizational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader goal of strengthening the United Nations system. Ultimately, Rahman maintains the operational integrity of the Foundation, ensuring that all administrative and programmatic activities align with the overarching commitment to multilateral cooperation and global impact.

Yehin Kim, the Global Cooperation Society International President at United Nations Foundation, directs the expansion of international partnerships and collaborative networks. Kim manages the outreach efforts that connect the Foundation with diverse global stakeholders, fostering a culture of multilateral cooperation. By overseeing the engagement of international societies, the Global Cooperation Society International President ensures that the Foundation's mission resonates across different regional contexts. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-border initiatives that address global problems through shared expertise and resources. Yehin Kim facilitates the dialogue between international decision-makers and the United Nations system to strengthen policy alignment. Through the development of cooperative frameworks, the Global Cooperation Society International President enhances the Foundation's ability to mobilize support for UN priorities. Ultimately, Kim drives the organization's international presence, ensuring that collaborative efforts effectively address the complex challenges facing the global community today.

Poorvasri Sivakumar, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club at United Nations Foundation, directs the youth-led advocacy and leadership development programs. Sivakumar manages the mobilization of young advocates who support UN priorities, particularly those focused on gender equality and empowerment. By overseeing the growth of the club network, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club ensures that the next generation of leaders gains the skills and resources necessary to drive social change. This leadership role involves creating platforms for youth voices to influence policy dialogue and community action. Poorvasri Sivakumar facilitates the connection between young activists and the United Nations system, providing a bridge for meaningful engagement. Through the development of advocacy campaigns, the Founder and President of Girl Up Club amplifies the impact of youth-led initiatives on the global stage. Ultimately, Sivakumar secures the future of the Foundation's mission by cultivating a dedicated and informed generation of global citizens.

Sudhakar Pandit, the Council President at United Nations Foundation, directs the governance and advisory functions that guide the organization's strategic path. Pandit manages the council's interactions with the executive leadership, ensuring that the Foundation remains aligned with its core mission of supporting the United Nations. By overseeing the deliberations of the council, the Council President facilitates the development of high-level policy recommendations and strategic priorities. This leadership role involves synthesizing diverse expert perspectives to provide actionable guidance on complex global issues. Sudhakar Pandit ensures that the council's activities support the Foundation's broader goals of resource mobilization and advocacy. Through the coordination of council meetings and strategic reviews, the Council President maintains the focus on long-term impact and organizational integrity. Ultimately, Pandit drives the governance processes that enable the Foundation to effectively navigate the international development landscape and fulfill its commitment to multilateral cooperation.

Lee Norman, the Chief Medical Officer at United Nations Foundation, directs the health-related strategic initiatives that support global development goals. Norman manages the integration of medical expertise into the Foundation's advocacy and policy recommendations, particularly regarding international health crises and public health infrastructure. By overseeing partnerships with global health organizations, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the Foundation provides accurate and actionable guidance to UN partners. This leadership role involves analyzing health data to inform the strategic direction of grant-making in the medical sector. Lee Norman facilitates collaboration between medical experts and policy-makers to foster solutions for pressing health challenges. Through the development of targeted health campaigns, the Chief Medical Officer elevates the importance of medical equity in the international development landscape. Ultimately, Norman drives the organization's impact in the health sector, ensuring that medical initiatives contribute to the broader mission of strengthening the United Nations.