Announcing our new Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA Announces Strategic Repositioning and New Leadership
New York, NY — Sept 9, 2025 — The Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA (GPFA-USA), founded by Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, today announced a strategic repositioning to expand its global impact, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate its mission of investing in women and youth as catalysts for peace and sustainable development. The announcement coincides with the appointment of Richelle Todd-Yamoah as the organization’s new Executive Director.
GPFA-USA, the U.S.-based partner of the Liberia-based Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, has long championed grassroots initiatives across Africa, supporting scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development programs. The repositioning aligns the organization more closely with its sister foundation while engaging a broader global audience.
“This repositioning marks a new chapter for GPFA-USA,” said Leymah Gbowee, Founder and President. “We are sharpening our focus, leveraging our global network, and ensuring our work uplifts communities in Africa and inspires action across the world.”
Key elements of the repositioning include expanding strategic partnerships, increasing support for educational and leadership programs, elevating African voices in global policy spaces and deepening donor engagement through transparent and impact storytelling as well as new outreach tools. GPFA-USA also will refresh its brand identity and digital platforms to reflect its expanded scope and priorities.
As part of this transformation, GPFA-USA unveiled its renewed mission and vision:
Vision: A world where every woman and girl enjoys her full rights and dignity, leads with courage and transforms her community.
Mission: We create opportunities for women and youth leaders in Liberia and beyond to advance peace, further justice and drive reconciliation. We do this by investing in education, leadership development and policy engagement.
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment. In April 2025, Richelle Todd-Yamoah joined GPFA-USA as Executive Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in social justice, international development and nonprofit leadership. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, Richelle has worked in more than 10 countries and holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an MPA from Rutgers University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Richelle,” said Gbowee. “Her global experience and deep commitment to equity make her the right leader to guide our mission forward.”
“I’m honored to lead GPFA-USA during this exciting time,” said Todd-Yamoah. “Together with our partners, we will deepen our investment in youth and women, build stronger communities and advocate for peace and opportunity across borders.”
With renewed leadership and strategic direction, GPFA-USA invites individuals and institutions to join in its mission to transform lives through education, leadership and peacebuilding.
About Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA
GPFA-USA is the U.S. affiliate of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, founded by Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee. The Foundation supports women, youth and communities through education, leadership and social justice advocacy. Learn more at https://www.gboweepeaceusa.org.