Our Team

Our team came together through a shared passion for impact, having first met while working within the same organization. Dr. Erica Bass-Flimmons' deep love for South Africa and Nobuhle Renqe's experience in Atlanta sparked a partnership in March 2020 that laid the foundation for Global Women of Change. In March of 2024 we met in Johannesburg with Dr. Melissa Speight Vaughn, the vision for a movement dedicated to empowering women, fostering leadership, and creating global opportunities took shape.

Joining us in this mission are Sinenhlanhla Luthuli, a trailblazing engineer and advocate for young black women in STEM, and Lindokuhle Matoti, a rising leader in public relations and youth advocacy. Together, we bring diverse expertise spanning education, automotive innovation, research, international development, and mentorship, and entrepreneurship all united by a common goal—to break barriers, uplift women, and drive meaningful change on a global scale.

Founding Director

NOBUHLE RENQE

Nobuhle Renqe is a trailblazing leader in the automotive industry, committed to empowering women, driving industry transformation, and advancing Africa’s industrialization.

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Founding Director

DR. ERICA BASS-FLIMMONS

Dr. Erica Bass-Flimmons is a visionary leader, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to bridging global education and workforce development, fostering innovation, and creating transformative opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM.

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Founding Director

DR. MELISSA SPEIGHT VAUGHN

Dr. Melissa Speight Vaughn is a visionary educator, researcher, and cultural exchange advocate dedicated to empowering youth, advancing Indigenous knowledge systems, and fostering global partnerships that bridge cultures and transform education.

Director-Board Member

SINENHLANHLA (SINE) LUTHULI

Sinenhlanhla Luthuli is a pioneering engineer, mentor, and advocate dedicated to empowering young black women in STEM, breaking barriers in the automotive industry, and driving inclusive leadership and policy change in South Africa.

Director-Board Member

LINDOKUHLE MATOTI

Lindokuhle Matoti is a passionate public relations professional, youth advocate, and champion for women's empowerment, committed to amplifying voices, challenging societal norms, and inspiring young women from rural communities to pursue both professional success and personal fulfillment.