Dr Gloria Maimela

Dr Gloria Maimela joins NextGen for Earth as a Senior Mentor on a voluntary basis, generously offering her time, wisdom, and leadership while continuing in her senior executive role at the Foundation for Professional Development in South Africa. With over two decades of experience in public health and recently climate and health systems strengthening, policy and governance, research, and capacity development across Africa, Dr Maimela brings a rare blend of strategic vision and expertise. She has worked with governments, multilateral agencies including the World Health Organization, and continental research institutions to advance climate-responsive policies. Yet beyond her distinguished career, what defines Dr Maimela is her deep commitment to mentoring African youth. She firmly believes that a sustainable, climate-resilient future depends on empowering the next generation of scientists, leaders, and innovators. She actively encourages early-career researchers to move beyond academia, translating evidence into policy and action, stepping into leadership spaces, and engaging decision-makers with integrity and excellence. At NextGen for Earth, Dr Maimela voluntarily mentors early-career climate scientists, helping them turn ideas into action, write fundable grant proposals, engage confidently with policymakers and decision-makers to shape Africa's climate and health agenda.