Poetry that moves people. Strategy that transforms systems.
TIME100 Next BBC's 100 Most Inspirational Women UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Aspen Ideas Fellow 2025 TED Speaker
44+ Countries | Rooms of 50k+ | Millions Reached | Tens of Millions Served | Global Impact | One Unforgettable Voice
Emtithal (Emi) Mahmoud is an Impact Investment Strategist and Global Policy & Governance Consultant specializing in mobilizing capital for resilience in emerging markets. A member of the Grand Challenges Canada Investment Committee—one of the largest global impact-first VC funds—she analyzes and authorizes deals in the millions, driving transformative capital toward innovative health, education, tech solutions and more in emerging economies. Leveraging a decade of high-level policy engagement (Juba Peace Talks, Geneva Humanitarian Consultations, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador engagements etc) and grassroots operations (IDP Humanitarian Network, Sickle Cell Nepal & more), Emi provides proprietary risk assessment and essential strategy for high level international partners. Named one of BBC's 100 Most Inspirational Women, a 2025 Aspen Ideas Fellow, and a World Champion Poet & Renowned Activist, the highly sought-after TED Speaker has worked with President Obama, the Dalai Lama, the World Economic Forum, Forbes 30 Under 30, Google, Cartier, The World Bank, and more, serving as a powerful catalyst for change from the UN General Assembly to the frontlines of Darfur.
"She has debated with presidents, been comforted by the Dalai Lama, and been called one of the world’s most inspiring women – but it’s as a poet that Emtithal Mahmoud truly shines.“ —The Guardian
RECENT PUBLICATIONS: Read Emi's New York Times Article | Read Emi's Devex Article
PRESS
"Emtithal Mahmoud makes the world a better place.“ —Marie Claire
Selected Keynotes
Emi receives a standing ovation after her keynote address at BT. The majority of Emi's talks garner a standing ovation including at the Kennedy Center, the World Economic Forum, and at Forbes 30 Under where Emi received the first and second standing ovation in the history of the conference!
