Prof. Francine Ntoumi is a distinguished scientist and leader in global health, renowned for her work on malaria and capacity-building in African research. She is the Founder of the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research (Republic of Congo) and serves as Professor and Research Group Head at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany. A respected advisor, she sits on multiple scientific committees across Africa and Europe and contributes her expertise to the African Union’s High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies.

Dedicated to strengthening Africa’s research ecosystem, Prof. Ntoumi has trained scientists in immunology and molecular epidemiology. She spearheads two major networks: the Central Africa Network on Clinical Research (CANTAM) and the PANDORA-ID-Net, advancing biomedical research across the continent. Her exceptional contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award for Women (2012), the Georg Forster Prize (Germany, 2015), the Christophe Mérieux Prize (France, 2016), and the Gold Medal for Scientific Research from the Republic of Congo (2016).

Beyond research, Prof. Ntoumi champions social impact as UNICEF’s National Ambassador (since 2024) and was named among Forbes Afrique’s Top 50 Femmes Africaines (2025).

Eric Vilain, MD, PhD, is a renowned physician-scientist and leader in differences of sex development (DSDs), genomics, and precision medicine. As Associate Vice Chancellor for Scientific Affairs at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Health Affairs and Director of the UCI Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, he drives innovation in biomedical research and translational medicine. Previously, he chaired the Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine at George Washington University and directed the Center for Genetic Medicine Research at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

A pioneer in the genetics of sex development, Vilain’s research deciphers the molecular mechanisms of DSDs using genomic sequencing and animal models. His work extends to sex differences in the brain, sexual orientation biology, and gender identity, earning him recognition as “one of the world’s foremost experts on the genetic determinants of DSDs” (Nature).

Vilain holds leadership roles in major scientific organizations, including: Fellow, American College of Medical Genetics.Member, International Olympic Committee Medical Commission. Advisor, NIH’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Board of Scientific Counselors. His expertise bridges research, clinical translation, and policy, shaping the future of genetics and personalized medicine.

Duc Ntsomi, DrPH, stands at the forefront of the global health equity movement, transforming the principle of healthcare as a human right into bold, measurable action. As Executive Director of the Petronille Healthy Society (PHS), he leads pioneering programs that bridge policy and practice, delivering sustainable solutions for rare disease populations and underserved communities across the United States and Africa.

Dr. Ntsomi was among the pivotal group of advocates who shaped the landmark Rare Disease Equity Act, unlocking $2.3 billion in federal funding and establishing mandatory rare disease representation in FDA approval processes. In Maryland, he launched the Tour of Maryland Supporting the Rare Disease Community, a grassroots initiative that has evolved into a statewide model. He also co-authored the Nealo’s Act, a transformative bill that supports families whose children undergo bone marrow transplants.

Internationally, Dr. Ntsomi is ushering in a new era of precision medicine across Africa. Through the Rare in Africa Initiative, a Pan-African Consortium for Rare Diseases, he leads cutting-edge efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into diagnostics and therapeutic discovery, accelerating breakthroughs with the potential to save millions of lives.

Through strategic war room diplomacy, Dr. Ntsomi is working to elevate rare diseases onto the G20 health agenda, while laying the groundwork for unprecedented technology transfers from global pharmaceutical giants.

Now leading the Rare in Africa Initiative - a $100 million continental effort to revolutionize rare disease care - Dr. Duc Ntsomi is helping position Africa as the global epicenter for equitable solutions. Through Africa's first regulatory-grade rare disease registry and AI diagnostic platform, this initiative demonstrates how strategic diplomacy and scientific innovation can converge to transform lives. His work proves that when cutting-edge technology meets unrelenting advocacy, no community is too remote, and no disease too rare, to be seen, heard, and healed.

Darche Bansimba has established herself as a prominent advocate and expert in the field of rare diseases, driven by her extensive healthcare background and dedication to improving lives. Her career reflects a deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases, combining advocacy, policy development, and community engagement to create meaningful change.

A tireless voice for rare disease patients in the U.S., Darche has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that enhance care and accessibility. Her advocacy has raised awareness of critical needs within the rare disease community, leading to tangible policy improvements. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, she has received multiple awards and honors, underscoring her impact in advancing research, treatment access, and patient support.

Beyond her advocacy work, Darche serves as Communications Coordinator for the Petronille Healthy Society, where she applies her expertise in health communication and community engagement. She develops strategic campaigns that amplify public health messaging and foster partnerships with organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders. Her efforts have been instrumental in expanding healthcare access, particularly through innovative financing models that benefit underserved populations.

Darche’s work bridges rare disease advocacy and broader public health initiatives, demonstrating her ability to drive progress across multiple fronts. Her leadership continues to inspire action, ensuring that healthcare systems become more inclusive and responsive to those who need it most.

Dr, Ivan N. Zama is a dedicated hematologist and Director of the Sickle Cell Clinic at UM Capital Region Medical Group. A passionate advocate for sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, he leads clinical care, research, and community engagement efforts across Maryland and beyond.

Dr. Zama is deeply involved in advancing SCD awareness, treatment access, and support programs, working closely with patients, advocacy groups, and healthcare providers to improve outcomes. His expertise spans innovative therapies, pain management protocols, and holistic care models tailored to the needs of the sickle cell community. A sought-after speaker and educator, he frequently collaborates with national organizations to shape policies that address disparities in sickle cell treatment.

Through his leadership, the clinic has become a regional hub for cutting-edge care and patient empowerment. His commitment and vision have made him a trusted leader in the sickle cell community.

Anna Majano is a seasoned finance leader with a distinguished 35-year career spanning executive roles at Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. Her expertise in corporate treasury management and financial risk assessment positioned her as a trusted advisor at each institution.

During her tenure, Anna spearheaded several transformative initiatives including the digital modernization of foreign exchange operations at JPMorgan Chase and the restructuring of commercial lending protocols at Bank of America that reduced default rates by 22%. At Citigroup, she led the Asia-Pacific treasury services division through the 2008 financial crisis, maintaining 98% client retention.

Since retiring from her position as Managing Director of Global Treasury Solutions at Wells Fargo, Jane serves on the board of the Financial Literacy Foundation and volunteers with Women in Banking International. She frequently lectures at her alma mater, Wharton School of Business, sharing her insights on emerging financial technologies.

Now retired, Anna remains active as a mentor to young professionals and an advocate for financial education in underserved communities. Her legacy as a principled leader and change-maker continues to inspire the next generation of finance professionals.

Professor Anna Kolwaski is a trailblazer in biomedical research, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and therapies. As the Director of the Center for Molecular Neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine, she leads a cutting-edge research program focused on unraveling the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease. With a PhD from Harvard University and postdoctoral training at MIT's Koch Institute, her work has redefined understanding of protein misfolding in neural degeneration, earning her recognition as one of the field's most influential voices.

A prolific scholar, Prof. Kolwaski has authored over 85 high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Neuroscience and Cell, and secured major grants from the NIH and Michael J. Fox Foundation. Her team's discovery of a novel biomarker for early Parkinson's detection paved the way for a breakthrough diagnostic tool now in global clinical use. This work garnered prestigious honors, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences and election to the National Academy of Medicine. Beyond her research, she is a sought-after speaker at international forums, from the World Science Summit to the WHO's Global Neurology Initiative.

Driven by the belief that "science must serve humanity," Prof. Kolwaski partners with clinicians and communities to ensure her work impacts patient care. Current projects include developing an alpha-synuclein-targeting gene therapy now in Phase II trials, demonstrating her commitment to turning discovery into real-world solutions. Whether in the lab or policy arena, her vision continues to accelerate progress toward equitable access to next-generation neurological treatments.