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 billion in assets and transformative programs reaching millions across Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada. Since 2008, Reeta has championed bold, collaborative action—advancing youth employment, women’s empowerment, and vaccine equity through initiatives such as Saving Lives and Livelihoods. Guided by humility, listening, and co-creation, she remains a visionary voice for justice, opportunity, and transformative leadership across Africa and the world.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 founding member of The Elders, she continues to advance women’s economic empowerment, justice, and remains an enduring moral voice for dignity, equality, and transformative leadership across Africa and beyond.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 nation,” launching initiatives such as My Giving Moment and the Governor General’s Innovation Awards. Author of over 25 books and founder of the Rideau Hall Foundation, Johnston embodies integrity, humility, and lifelong service to Canada and humanity.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 leadership roles. Today, he serves on several global boards, including Cognizant Technology Solutions and TJX Companies. He is widely recognized for his values-based leadership, commitment to ethical governance, and dedication to empowering young people across Africa.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 Foundation, empowering girls across Africa through education and economic opportunity. Honored with the 2023 Polar Music Prize and TIME 100 recognition, Kidjo continues to use her art to inspire unity, justice, and social change.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 globally.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 empowerment worldwide. Her visionary leadership has earned her the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and fellowships with Ashoka and the Schwab Foundation. Jeroo’s fearless innovation and lifelong mission to give every child access to opportunities continue to shape global systems for social change.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 national awards—including the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year and the Oslo Business for Peace Award—Dr. Mwangi’s leadership extends to advisory roles with the IFC, Mastercard MEA, and Columbia University. A lifelong advocate for equitable growth, he continues to shape Africa’s economic and social transformation.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 transformative research in Zimbabwe, Ann shares how she uncovered the real barriers to girls' education—poverty, not cultural norms—and how CAMFED’s innovative model continues to drive sustainable change. Join us as Ann reflects on her journey, the powerful community of women she has helped build, and the legacy she continues to create in the fight for education equality.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/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

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 from her pioneering work in human rights, her role in elevating climate justice on the global stage, and her tireless advocacy for marginalized communities. Join us as we explore the profound legacy of a leader who has shaped history through bold actions and compassionate leadership. 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/transcending-boundaries-podcast/-------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.