Suggestions
Lotte Davis
Gender Equality and Education Champion | People Action Network YPO
Lotte Davis is a prominent advocate for gender equality and education, particularly focused on empowering girls in Africa. Here's an overview of her background and achievements:
Early Life and Inspiration
Lotte Davis was born in South Africa during the apartheid era.1 At the age of 10, her family moved to Canada to escape the hostility of apartheid, but the experience left a lasting impact on her.1 Growing up in South Africa made her acutely aware of racial discrimination and injustice, which shaped her future endeavors.2
Entrepreneurial Success
Davis co-founded AG Hair, a successful hair-care business, with her husband in North Vancouver.1 Over 30 years, the company grew significantly, becoming Canada's only manufacturer of professional haircare products.2
Founding One Girl Can
In 2008, leveraging her entrepreneurial success, Davis founded One Girl Can, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education for girls in Africa.2 The organization's key initiatives include:
- Building and renovating schools in Kenya
- Providing scholarships for high school and university education
- Mentoring students through workshops and conferences
- Preparing young women for the job market
Impact and Achievements
Under Davis's leadership, One Girl Can has made significant strides:
- Built or fully renovated 136 buildings
- Mentored over 35,000 students through formal workshops
- Awarded over 1,000 high school and university scholarships
- Partners with 10 girls' high schools in Kenya
Recognition
Lotte Davis has received several accolades for her work:
- Winner of the 2016 YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation1
- Recipient of the 2021 BIV Influential Women in Business Award1
- Recognized as a Global Impact Honoree by the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) in 2019 and 20211
- Canadian regional honoree for the 2021 YPO Global Impact Award2
Role in YPO
Davis has served as the Education and Gender Equality Chair of YPO's People Action Network (PAN).1 Her work with One Girl Can aligns closely with YPO's focus on making sustainable and scalable impact in areas affecting people, prosperity, peace, and the planet.2
Lotte Davis continues to be a powerful force in the fight against gender inequality, using her business acumen and passion for social change to create opportunities for girls in Africa.
Highlights
On this #internationalwomensday2021, as I reflect on an unprecedented year and advancements of women's rights over the years, I want to share some of the lessons I've learned.
@ypocanada #leadershiplesson #womeninbusinesss #mentorships
I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by the love and support that we received for our Virtual No Gala, Gala fundraiser last week. We weren’t at all sure how a virtual fundraiser could play out for us but I am amazed at what a like-minded group of individuals can achieve to create change in the world.
This crisis has changed all of our lives and has challenged our views on what we once took for granted. The education of so many One Girl Can sponsored girls was at risk, yet we came together in a time of crisis and really stood up for those who need us the most. The virtual event we hosted last Thursday exceeded all expectations.
You became a part of something special, a part of our community and you made it possible for 66 girls to continue to receive an education so that they can escape the cycle of poverty and have a chance to contribute to society.
Our goal is to provide scholarships for every girl in our program before school starts in September. If you didn't get a chance to donate and still want to, we continue to accept donations. https://lnkd.in/dukVsWT
Hear from some girls in our scholarship program in their own words about how they’ve fought for the basic right to be educated and how your support can generate real results for these girls in Kenya.
