Global Girls Foundation appoints Dr. Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire as Global Ambassador
16 January 2026Global Girls Foundation advances girls’ rights and gender equality within Plan International by mobilising influence, funding, and strategic partnerships that enable girls and young women to lead change in their communities and beyond.
The Global Girls Foundation (GGF) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire as a Global Ambassador, recognising her leadership and long-standing commitment to advancing women’s and girls’ rights and leadership, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education worldwide.
The Global Girls Foundation mobilises influence, funding, and strategic partnerships to support Plan International’s programmes for girls and young women. In her role as Global Ambassador, Dr. St. Hilaire will serve in an external-facing role, representing GGF in global forums, advocating for girls’ leadership, strengthening relationships with philanthropic and corporate partners, and supporting efforts to mobilise resources that expand opportunities for girls and young women worldwide.
Strategic expertise
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across the pharmaceutical, biotech, venture investment, and non-profit sectors, she brings strategic expertise, global perspectives and international networks that will support GGF’s efforts to drive meaningful and lasting impact for girls and young women.
“Dr. St. Hilaire brings influence, integrity, and action to this role,” said Susanna Tornyay, Managing Director of Global Girls Foundation. “Her ability to translate global leadership into real opportunities for girls through Plan International’s work makes her an exceptional Ambassador for our mission.”
Born in the Commonwealth of Dominica (Dominica), Dr. St. Hilaire is a former science academic and senior corporate leader. She has held executive roles at Carlsberg and Novo Nordisk, co-founded the Professional Women of Colour Network (ProWoc), and serves as a Business Angel Investor and Scout with Ada Ventures. A globally recognised speaker on diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has received numerous honours, including a 2024 Impact Award for advancing equity and inclusion.
Empowering girls in STEM
“Empowering girls, especially in STEM, is one of the most powerful investments we can make for our collective future. I am honoured to work with the Global Girls Foundation and use my experience to help amplify girls’ voices, expand access to opportunity, and support the next generation of global leaders” said Dr. St. Hilaire.
Dr. St. Hilaire has been an active supporter of Plan International through engaging with Plan offices in Denmark, and through direct collaboration with Plan Indonesia. In January 2026, Dr. St. Hilaire will travel to Jakarta to support a high-level, Plan International–led event promoting girls’ leadership and participation in STEM, linking global advocacy with locally led action.
She lives in Copenhagen with her husband, Professor Morten Peter Meldal, the 2022 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and their son, Ajani.
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