Transcending Boundaries: Conversations with Reeta Roy

On the season finale of Transcending Boundaries, our host, Reeta Roy, steps into the guest seat, with philanthropist Ann Cotton hosting this special episode. Reeta Roy is a globally respected leader and advocate for equity, inclusion, and shared prosperity. As President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, she has built one of the world’s largest and most impactful philanthropies, with over $50 b...

Graça Machel is a globally revered humanitarian, liberation leader, and tireless champion for women’s and children’s rights. From Mozambique’s independence struggle—where she served as Minister of Education and raised school enrolment from 40 to over 90 percent—to her landmark 1996 UN report on children in armed conflict, her influence spans continents. As founder of the Graça Machel Trust and fou...

The Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada’s 28th Governor General, is a distinguished scholar, statesman, and advocate for civic leadership. A Harvard graduate and former university president at McGill and Waterloo, he has dedicated his life to advancing education, innovation, and volunteerism. During his tenure as Governor General (2010–2017), he championed the vision of a “smart and caring nat...

Zein Abdalla is a globally respected business leader and Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors. A former President of PepsiCo, Inc., he led operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driving growth and transformation. Educated at Imperial College London with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Abdalla began his career at Mars Inc., where he rose through diverse lead...

Angélique Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award–winning Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist celebrated for her powerful voice and vibrant fusion of African rhythms with global sounds. Born in Ouidah, Benin, she rose from performing in her mother’s theatre troupe to becoming one of the world’s most influential artists. Beyond music, she is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Batonga F...

Dr. Leroy Little Bear is a renowned Blackfoot scholar, legal thinker, and Professor Emeritus whose lifelong work has redefined Indigenous education, law, and knowledge systems in North America. A founding architect of Canada’s first Native American Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge and a key contributor to Section 35 of Canada’s Constitution Act, he has advanced Indigenous rights...

Jeroo Billimoria is a globally celebrated social entrepreneur whose groundbreaking ventures have transformed the lives of millions of children and young people across more than 100 countries. As founder of MelJol, Childline India, Child Helpline International, Aflatoun International, and Child and Youth Finance International, she has pioneered child protection, financial literacy, and youth empowe...

Dr. James Mwangi, CBS, is a visionary business leader, philanthropist, and financial inclusion pioneer whose work has transformed lives across Africa. As Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, he has championed inclusive finance, entrepreneurship, and social impact, positioning Equity as one of Africa’s most impactful financial institutions. Honored with multiple global and nati...

In this inspiring episode of Transcending Boundaries, Reeta Roy is joined by Ann Cotton, a pioneering advocate for girls' education and the founder of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED). Ann’s work has impacted millions of young girls across Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering them to access education and break the cycle of poverty. From her early experiences teaching in London to her transform...

In this episode of Transcending Boundaries, get to hear from H.E. Mary Robinson, a remarkable leader whose career spans decades of advocacy for justice, equality, and climate action. As Ireland’s first female president and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Robinson’s contributions to global peace and human dignity have set a standard for transformative leadership. She shares insights f...

In this thought-provoking episode of Transcending Boundaries, Reeta Roy sits down with Patrick Awuah, a trailblazing educator and founder of Ashesi University, whose groundbreaking vision is redefining higher education in Africa. From his early life in Ghana to his transformative journey at Microsoft and the bold decision to return home, Patrick shares the pivotal moments that inspired him to crea...

In this compelling episode of Transcending Boundaries, Reeta Roy sits down with Rt. Hon. Baroness Valerie Amos, a visionary leader, humanitarian, and education advocate who has paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable world. From her early days in Guyana to breaking barriers in British and international leadership, she shares her transformative journey. Join us as Baroness Amos reflects on...

In this inspiring episode of Transcending Boundaries, Reeta Roy sits down with Roberta Jamieson, a groundbreaking Mohawk leader and advocate for Indigenous rights. From becoming the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a law degree to serving as Ontario’s first female Ombudsman, Roberta’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to social justice. Join us as Robe...

In this first episode of a series of conversations on Transcending Boundaries, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a trailblazer, a beacon of resilience, and a global icon of leadership and empowerment shares among other things, the untold stories of her rich and vast heritage, being the first woman president on the African continent; steering her country from the aftermath of a brutal civil war to stabil...

In this powerful episode of Transcending Boundaries, Louise Arbour, a pioneer in international law and a staunch defender of human rights, takes us on a journey through her illustrious career. From her groundbreaking role as Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda to her transformative tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Arbou...

Kennedy Odede’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, community-driven change, and the transformative power of hope. From a childhood in Kibera’s challenging environment to global recognition as a leader and advocate for marginalized communities, Kennedy’s story inspires us all. Through SHOFCO, he has brought education, healthcare, clean water, and empowerment to millions, proving that ev...

Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better. Learn more here: ⁠https://mastercardfdn.org/en/t...