A passionate gender champion and a seasoned expert in gender equality, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and girls. As a dedicated community mobilizer and advocate, she actively mentors women and girls while engaging with policy stakeholders to promote, support, and implement laws and policies that protect and advance women’s rights. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to empowerment, advocacy, mentorship, and policy implementation—key pillars she believes are essential for sustainable societal transformation. Plangnan has collaborated with several organizations on impactful projects centered on inclusion and the rights of women and girls, underscoring her unwavering dedication to social change. She is an alumna of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre and a Fellow of the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science and a fellow of the Open Mind Young Voices Fellowship.

Vanessa Iveren Akpelan is a passionate development practitioner and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) professional with a strong track record of designing, implementing, and assessing impactful development programs across Nigeria. With a keen focus on evidence-based decision-making, she has contributed significantly to initiatives that promote accountability, learning, and sustainable outcomes within the development sector. Vanessa is a dedicated advocate for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 4—Good Health and Well-being, and Quality Education. She channels her expertise into advancing access to equitable healthcare and inclusive, lifelong learning opportunities, especially for underserved communities. Her commitment to these goals is reflected in her collaborative work with stakeholders across government, civil society, and donor organizations to strengthen systems and amplify community voices. Whether facilitating learning events, conducting rigorous program evaluations, or contributing to strategic planning, Vanessa brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach rooted in empathy and data. Beyond her technical work, she also supports youth-focused initiatives and social impact campaigns that inspire collective action for a healthier, better-educated future. Vanessa holds an unwavering belief in the power of data to drive change, and in the power of people—especially young leaders—to shape a more just, informed, and compassionate world.