Celebrating a Milestone: LAUDACE’s founder honored as a Women of the Future Rising Star in ESG
On a rainy Monday at the Financial Times offices in London, I had the honor of joining the Women of the Future team and an inspiring cohort of leaders for a day of celebration and reflection. As a newly recognized Rising Star in ESG, I was thrilled to connect with passionate women committed to driving change across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sectors. The event not only honored our achievements but also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of ESG when fueled by visionary leadership.
LAUDACE's Founder announced on the 2024 Women Of The Future list.
About the Women of the Future: 50 Rising Stars in ESG Award
The Women of the Future: 50 Rising Stars in ESG annual award celebrates young women leaders under 35 from around the globe who are making waves in the ESG space. It’s more than an accolade—it’s a platform that amplifies the voices of those tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and sustainability to equity and accountability. This recognition underscores ESG as an investment in the future, reminding us that this work isn’t just for today but for the generations to come.
Led by Pinky Lilani CBE DL, the Women of the Future program galvanizes a community of women leaders across various industries, promoting collaboration, kindness, and inclusivity. This campaign acknowledges these women’s achievements and seeks to demystify ESG, translating its principles into accessible and actionable insights for a broader audience.
Highlights from the Event
In the opening remarks, Pinky Lilani, founder of the Women of the Future program, set the tone perfectly: "Today is about celebration, today is about inspiration." This sentiment carried us through an insightful panel discussion led by Rukasana Bhaijee, the Financial Times Global Head of DEI, featuring leaders like Esther Leffering (Rabobank), Belinda NG (ERM), and Julieta Martinez Oyarzun (Tremendas) and Laura Jardine Peterson (CONCAT Tech).
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion
The panel offered insights that will stay with me throughout my work with LAUDACE and beyond. Here are some of the points that resonated deeply:
ESG as a People-Centric Value Creator: The discussion emphasized that ESG is not a distant, abstract concept but a framework that centers around people and future generations. It’s an investment, not a cost, a message that deeply resonates with LAUDACE’s mission to embed ESG principles in everyday organizational culture and decision-making.
Data for Transparency and Accountability: The panelists emphasized that data enables transparency and efficiency—cornerstones for accountability. Yet, the conversation underscored the need to balance quantitative metrics with qualitative stories. I asked how we might advocate for qualitative data within corporates that focus solely on numbers. The response was both candid and insightful. While many leaders demand numerical data, we must make them reflect on how ESG impacts their own lives to appreciate the full narrative that data—both quantitative and qualitative—can reveal.
The Power of Reclaiming Narratives: A key theme was the role of narratives, particularly for the global south, in driving ESG conversations. Too often, the global south is seen as a passive recipient of ESG efforts, yet it is home to leaders, researchers, and innovators with valuable expertise, especially in areas like climate change and menstrual equity. In these contexts, the global south actively contributes sustainable, culturally informed solutions that can shape and strengthen global ESG initiatives. Consumers also have a role in reshaping these narratives, underscoring that each of us can influence the global story on sustainability and social impact. By reclaiming these narratives, we acknowledge the essential contributions of the global south as equal partners in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
Youth as Catalysts for Change: Julieta Martinez’s insights on youth voices were particularly powerful. She described youth not just as a demographic but as people across various roles, from students and entrepreneurs to farmers and civil society leaders. Co-creation between youth, companies, NGOs, and the private sector is where the magic happens. This resonates with LAUDACE’s commitment to inclusion and intersectionality, as we believe diverse voices play a critical role in shaping transformative, inclusive workplaces.
For us, understanding and embracing youth perspectives, including those of Gen Z, offers a pathway to lasting change. As a generation, Gen Z tends to prioritize social responsibility and sustainability, often seeking employers whose values reflect these ideals. Their influence is already reshaping workplaces to focus on inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and transparency. Embracing these perspectives can drive meaningful transformation, and we believe organizations have much to gain by collaborating with the next generation to build a more equitable, sustainable future.
The event concluded with a brunch, networking, and photographs—a time to connect with other honorees, share ideas, and celebrate the shared commitment to advancing ESG. Meeting these inspiring leaders affirmed LAUDACE’s vision for a world where ESG is seamlessly integrated into every organization and impacts the lives of people worldwide.
What This Recognition Means for LAUDACE
This recognition is a powerful milestone for LAUDACE, achieved only 1.5 years after our founding. It’s a testament to the work we’ve been doing to drive intersectional DEI strategies and make ESG principles accessible and actionable for our clients. Being part of the Women of the Future network is both an honor and an opportunity to expand LAUDACE’s impact.
With this new platform, we hope to continue shaping the future of our society and our planet. We aim to keep the momentum going, putting ESG at the heart of everything we do. LAUDACE will continue to push for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity—cornerstones of sustainable change.
Thank You to Women of the Future and Its Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to Pinky Lilani and the entire Women of the Future team for creating this platform and bringing together a community of courageous leaders. To the sponsors and partners, like Tesco, PwC, and the Financial Times, whose support underscores the importance of placing ESG and DEI at the forefront of our collective work. May we continue to inspire and amplify the work of women worldwide, and together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future.
LAUDACE's Founder Axelle Ahanhanzo amongst other Women Of The Future Nominees (On the lower row, 4th position starting from the right)
Celebrating this Milestone with the LAUDACE Community
I invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone for LAUDACE. Connect with us on social media, follow our journey, and stay tuned for upcoming initiatives. As we look ahead, we are excited to engage with new partners, expand our network, and drive even greater impact across our communities. Let’s work together to make ESG a central part of our society and create workplaces where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.
Axelle Ahanhanzo,
DEI Changemaker & Founder of LAUDACE
To access the full, visit the Women of the Future ESG Rising Stars website.
