Global Leaders Program

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. We're building the workplace of the future at EY, a place that's smarter, more inclusive, more dynamic, and more flexible. We're embracing change and helping our clients to adapt - to create more inclusive economic growth.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. We Invent and Simplify. Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify. They are externally aware, look for new ideas from everywhere, and are not limited by “not invented here.” As we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that cities, universities, and state departments of transportation make a Transition Plan to address sidewalk accessibility issues. This legislation was passed in 1992 and less than 11% of communities have an updated plan today. This has led to massive lawsuits across the country. The Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) are the specific design standards for sidewalk systems. These are in the process of being formally adopted by the Department of Justice. DeepWalk’s automated measurement platform streamlines planning, construction, and inspection for cities. Our product helps municipalities create sidewalk inspections and transition plans required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Laura Adiwasito is an impact-driven senior strategist with over 11 years of experience in creative communications, design thinking, consulting, and project management in multiple subject matters including: social innovation and entrepreneurship, sexual and reproductive health, and sustainable development.

Laura has worked with organizations in the nonprofit, multi-lateral, public, and private sectors in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and South Asia. A political scientist based in Bogotá, Colombia, she is passionate about working in international and multicultural environments, particularly with social impact initiatives that drive change.

Richard (Richy) Bikko's initial work experience was an internship at TASSC International, a human rights organization in Washington, D.C. He moved back to Kenya in 2012 where he joined DIPAD, a peacebuilding and development organization that works at the intersection of restorative justice, trauma healing, and leadership development. His initial work experiences gave him a deeper understanding of the liberating and transformative power of both formal and informal education.

In 2013, Richy joined Global Minimum Inc. (GMin) as a volunteer and was captivated by the organization’s vision of engaging and inspiring young Africans to be at the forefront of creating a more just and equitable world through unique learning experiences. Since then he has been instrumental to the growth of the organization and played a key role in the development and facilitation of workshops on Design Thinking, Project Based Learning, as well as leadership and social entrepreneurship. He has also played a key role in the development of GMin programs to be more accessible and inclusive for all young leaders. Mentoring young leaders at GMin is one of his most treasured moments as he gets to see firsthand the impact and transformational journey the youth are making toward creating social change in their communities. 

Richy’s education journey led him to attain a B.A. degree in Justice, Peace & Conflict Studies from Eastern Mennonite University. His education strengthened his resolve to champion social justice and exposed him to a multidisciplinary and multicultural educational environment.

Michelle Ngure is a learning experience designer who has contributed to the development of STEM curriculum in primary and secondary schools. She has led an afterschool STEM program serving over 700 marginalized youth in low-resourced schools at Global Minimum, a non-profit organization that provides youth with the opportunity to harness their potential as changemakers. In her role as East Africa - Regional Manager, she established STEM learning centers in Kampala and Nairobi or STEMCafe. She is a member of the International Development Innovation Network (IDIN), a program led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where her experience in immersive human-centered design, through training engagements and coaching, has facilitated learning and project development for diverse groups of teams in Africa.

In her most recent role as a Project Lead at inHive, a non-profit organization that strengthens access to youth’s social capital strong networks, and relatable role models, she advised on the structure and operations of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nairobi and is pursuing a Master of Education in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology at Harvard University.

Shannon Johnson serves as the Climate Specialist at Environmental Incentives, LLC. She supports the USAID Climate and Cross-Sectoral Strategy branch connecting with partners and coalitions to help implement the new USAID climate strategy. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and has lived in Boston, Washington State, and now Washington, D.C. She is passionate about climate and environmental justice, especially thinking through strategic partnerships and policies. She was a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin, West Africa and completed her graduate studies in Geneva, Switzerland. In her free time, she loves hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, swing dancing, exploring with her dog, and making stew for friends.

Lucas O’Bryan (he/him) is a social worker, designer, and educator. Lucas graduated from University of Illinois in 2019 with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Upon graduating, he remained in Champaign-Urbana as part of the programmatic team at the Siebel Center for Design. As a Design Fellow he developed curriculum integrating human-centered design into courses across the University while also leading several projects focused on community engagement with partners such as Carle, the University of Illinois Foundation, and STEM Illinois.

Lucas recently earned his Master of Social Work with a concentration in Community-Centered Integrative Practice from the University of Washington (UW). For the last year, he’s supported community-engaged courses at UW as Program Manager for Community Partnerships in the Community Engagement & Leadership Education Center. Most recently he joined Harborview Medical Center’s Suicide Care Research Center as a Human Centered Design Research Scientist.

Aditi is an Associate Design Strategist at the Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design at University of Illinois at Chicago. She is also an alumna of UIUC with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in resource conservation and restoration ecology from the College of ACES.

 Aditi roots her design work with the principles of designing for dignity and justice with a trauma-informed approach. She blends a unique background in natural resources and environmental sciences with a passion for healthcare that helps her view things at a systemic level and acknowledge the importance of approaching the work she does as a healthcare delivery designer in a holistic way. Outside of her work, she enjoys cooking, music, dabbling in any hobby that interests her at any given time, building community, and coffee. To learn more about her and the work she has done, check out her website: www.aditijha.me.