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Repositioning for Greater Impact: GPFA-USA Ushers in a New Era of Peacebuilding Leadership

By Isabella Louis

In a world where sustainable peace and equity remain urgent goals, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA (GPFA-USA) is stepping into a powerful new chapter—one grounded in strategic growth, bold leadership and deeper alignment with global movements for justice.

Founded by Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee in 2014, GPFA-USA has long championed grassroots leadership across Africa, investing in women and youth as transformative agents of peace. This August, the organization announced a strategic repositioning aimed at expanding its global impact, amplifying African voices and accelerating systemic change—alongside the appointment of a dynamic new Executive Director, Richelle Todd-Yamoah.

What This Means for the Peacebuilding and Advocacy Community

For those of us working to build just and peaceful societies, GPFA-USA’s shift represents a call to action and collaboration. The foundation is:

The repositioning introduces several key areas of organizational growth and focus:

🔹 Expanding strategic partnerships
🔹 Increasing support for educational and leadership programs
🔹 Elevating African voices in global policy spaces
🔹 Deepening donor engagement through transparent and impact storytelling
🔹 Refreshing brand identity and digital platforms to reflect expanded scope and priorities

Through these changes, GPFA-USA aims to amplify its reach and deepen its impact in the peacebuilding and development sectors.

Leadership Rooted in Justice and Experience

With over 20 years in international development and social justice, Richelle Todd-Yamoah brings both global experience and local grounding. A former Peace Corps Volunteer and advocate for equity, Richelle has worked across more than 10 countries and is poised to guide the foundation into its next phase of impact.

“Together with our partners, we will deepen our investment in youth and women, build stronger communities, and advocate for peace and opportunity across borders,” she shared.

An Invitation to the Movement

This moment is more than a leadership transition—it’s a renewed commitment to the collective work of peacebuilding. GPFA-USA is extending an open invitation to activists, advocates, and nonprofit leaders to connect, collaborate, and co-create.

To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, visit: www.gboweepeaceusa.org

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