The Ford Foundation recently announced the 2026 cohort of the Ford Global Fellowship, comprising 32 visionary leaders from various sectors around the globe. This year’s cohort exemplifies Ford’s long-standing commitment to promoting social justice and tackling systemic inequalities by empowering grassroots leaders.
Since its inception in 2020, the Ford Global Fellowship has been a crucial initiative aimed at investing in individuals who are deeply engaged in social change efforts. Over the next decade, the program, backed by a $50 million investment, aims to reshape how philanthropy can support leaders in social innovation. With this announcement, the fellowship grows into a network of over 150 fellows, united by a shared mission of driving transformative change across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Adria Goodson, director of the Ford Global Fellowship, expressed that this cohort reflects a strategic evolution of Ford's mission, highlighting the importance of connecting leaders from various backgrounds to enhance their capacities to counter inequality effectively. Noorain Khan, chief innovation officer at the Ford Foundation, emphasized the philosophy that those with lived experiences are the best agents of change, pointing to the critical role they play in building a just world.
The Ford Global Fellowship supports a diverse array of leaders from fields including arts, education, law, science, and advocacy. This year’s fellows were selected based on their capabilities to bridge divides and spearhead institutions that generate impactful ideas for their communities. Some notable members of this year’s cohort include:
- - Beinerth Chitiva Mosquera: As the General Director of the English Learning Center in Colombia, he advocates for equitable access to quality education.
- - Chinenye Uwanaka: The founder of The Firma Advisory in Nigeria, Uwanaka focuses on creating inclusive and responsive governance through law and policy.
- - Dr. Darshana Joshi: Head of VigyanShaala International in India, she is dedicated to dismantling barriers in STEM education for underprivileged youth.
- - Enrique Salanic: A queer actor from Guatemala, he uses his platform to make Indigenous and queer stories visible.
- - Febriana Firdaus: An award-winning journalist from Indonesia, she highlights human rights and environmental issues in her reporting.
These leaders, among others, will contribute to a collaborative effort aimed at cultivating solutions to pervasive injustices. The fellowship emphasizes a communal approach, providing fellows with the support, resources, and networks necessary to sustain their initiatives.
As the Ford Foundation moves forward, this fellowship marks a significant step in fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity. The 2026 cohort emphasizes Ford’s belief that a robust civil society requires comprehensive support systems, catering not just to leadership but also to the communities they represent. By bringing together activists, researchers, educators, and creative professionals, the program enriches perspectives and drives collective action towards dismantling systemic inequality.
In conclusion, the Ford Global Fellowship continues to set a benchmark in philanthropy, showcasing how effective partnerships across various disciplines can lead to lasting social change. As the fellowship amplifies voices and visionaries globally, it seeks to inspire and cultivate a new generation of leaders who prioritize justice, equity, and sustainability in their action plans. To find out more about the Ford Global Fellowship and its impact, visit
Ford Foundation's website.