From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Girls in Diplomacy (GID) Institute has conferred Permanent Founding Membership of its Vanguard Fellowship – Executive Professional Track, Inaugural Cohort 2026 on the Chief Executive Director of Falconscare Initiative for Women with Disabilities Empowerment, Ms. Uzoamaka Ike, following her successful completion of the prestigious global leadership programme.
The institute said the fellowship brought together accomplished women leaders from across the world for an intensive executive programme focused on diplomacy, multilateral negotiations, institutional leadership and policy development.
As part of the fellowship, Ike joined other participants in co-authoring the inaugural Executive Policy Memorandum, which will be submitted to a relevant multilateral institution as the cohort’s contribution to global policy discussions.
The institute noted that the permanent founding membership recognises Ike’s active participation and commitment to advancing the fellowship’s vision of nurturing women leaders equipped to shape policy and strengthen global diplomacy.
Reacting to the honour, Ike described the fellowship as a transformative experience that deepened her commitment to promoting inclusive diplomacy and ensuring greater representation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making.
She expressed appreciation to the Founder and Executive Director of the Girls in Diplomacy Institute, Winnie Kennedy, for creating a platform that empowers emerging women leaders.
She also acknowledged the mentorship of Ambassador Maria Brewer, a two-time former United States Ambassador, whose diplomatic expertise enriched the fellowship.
Ike further thanked the Girls in Diplomacy Institute Secretariat, mentors, facilitators and fellow Vanguard Fellows for what she described as an inspiring and impactful learning experience.
She pledged to apply the knowledge, skills and global networks gained through the fellowship to advance Falconscare Initiative’s work in disability inclusion, women’s empowerment, humanitarian action, gender equality and inclusive leadership.
The Girls in Diplomacy Institute said the recognition reflects its commitment to building a global network of women leaders who will drive inclusive governance, influence policy and promote sustainable development across sectors.