Fatoumata Jawara is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Maa Foundation for Women, a Gambian non-profit organization committed to empowering women through leadership development, health education, and sustainable economic opportunities. A dedicated advocate for gender equity, Fatoumata works at the intersection of community development and policy engagement, striving to ensure that women are not only heard but equipped to lead. With a deep understanding of the local challenges facing women and girls, Fatoumata has built the Maa Foundation into a trusted platform for transformation—partnering with institutions such as UNDP and the Government of The Gambia to deliver high-impact training in leadership, reproductive health, and entrepreneurship. Her vision is rooted in the belief that empowering women is the most effective way to build resilient communities and drive national progress. Recognized for her leadership on both national and regional stages, Fatoumata represents a new generation of African changemakers who combine grassroots insight with strategic advocacy. She continues to champion policies and programs that place women at the center of sustainable development, ensuring no voice is left behind.