Julie Gichuru

Julie Gichuru is the Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Mastercard Foundation. Julie is a communication specialist with a 20-year career in the fields of broadcast, print, and digital media.

Her profile in Kenya grew as she pioneered investigative television and programming on political and current affairs. She conceptualized and launched numerous top shows and developed the pan-African television show, Africa Leadership Dialogues. Following the 2007 elections, Julie’s peace specials resonated with viewers. As a result of her calls for non-violent action in 2008, she was awarded the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness.  Julie also established the Great Debaters Contest, a high school debate platform focused on teaching students that differences need not result in conflict and violence. Her career focus shifted to curating impactful engagements and driving conversations focused on African leadership, growth, and development. Over the past decade, Julie has worked very closely with partners like the World Bank, the IFC, the African Development Bank, various UN agencies, Uongozi Institute, and the World Economic Forum.

She sits on several Boards and is part of a number of Fellowships, including the Tutu Fellowship, the Aspen Global Leadership Network/Africa Leadership Initiative, and the Young Global Leaders under the World Economic Forum.

Julie has received numerous awards and recognitions. Most recently, Avance Media listed her as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women of 2019, and New African listed her as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2019.