The core team of the FE+MALE Think Tank is a dynamic group of professionals passionate about advancing gender equality and creating lasting social impact. Committed to innovation and inclusivity, the core team plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing strategies that empower women and marginalized communities worldwide.
Angad Malik
Head of Learning Programs and Project Manager
“As an entrepreneur with a background in behavioral science, I’ve seen the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in business. I’m driven to apply scientific insights to my work and believe innovation knows no demographic. This fuels my passion to join a think tank focused on addressing gender bias in startup funding and raising awareness of overlooked opportunities.”
Agota Balai
Head of Project / Marketing / Event
“My journey as a woman entrepreneur and mother of 3, coupled with my background supporting mother-led businesses, has instilled in me a profound awareness of the need for greater equality in the business world. This experience fuels my commitment to supporting the FE+MALE Think Tank’s vital work in closing the gender gap, creating a level playing field, and expanding opportunities for all.”
Tim Born
Marketing and Communications Manager
“I believe entrepreneurial individuals shape the world, but the gender imbalance means it’s mostly shaped by men, leaving important issues under-addressed. Through my role at FE+MALE THINK TANK, I aim to help build a more inclusive and sustainable society.”
Nicholas C. McCoy
Chief of Resources Development and Fundraising
“I am an advocate with over 15 years of experience supporting marginalized communities and closing gender gaps globally. With a background in public and NGO work, I’ve built partnerships to improve outcomes for families across the U.S., Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. I’m excited to help create a more inclusive future.”
Sara Higuera Durán
Head of INNOVA
“With a strong interest in social innovation, female empowerment, and inclusive leadership, I am committed to advancing approaches that foster lasting, meaningful change. My work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers that limit opportunities for underrepresented groups and on translating research into tangible, real-world impact. FE+MALE’s commitment to equality and inclusivity reflects values I believe are essential for shaping a more just, sustainable, and resilient society. “
Fatima Candiotti
Support Marketing Communications
“With approximately 20 years of experience in IT consulting, I have seen firsthand what it means to work in a male-dominated industry. While I’ve had many positive and enriching experiences collaborating with male colleagues, I’ve also come to appreciate how women in IT bring not only strong technical skills but also valuable strengths in communication and organization. I am proud to support the FE+MALE Think Tank initiative, which champions gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. I personally believe that it’s also essential to actively include underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship—particularly mothers, professionals aged 50+, and expats. By working closely with business users and leveraging my technical expertise, I like to contribute to spreading the message of innovation and inclusion promoted by the FE+MALE Think Tank. I do this through the strategic use of diverse digital tools across multiple platforms. “
Katja Einesalo
Ambassador, FE+MALE Think Tank, Investor & Advisor, Sarida Ventures
“After a career in investment banking, consulting, and sustainable finance, I now focus on investing and mentoring startups with an impact focus. Having witnessed firsthand the biased treatment female founders often face with investors, I joined the Fe+Male Think Tank because I believe diversity is both an ethical imperative and a driver of innovation, stronger decisions, and long-term results. I value their research-based, systemic approach that includes men in the discussion, and I am excited to contribute my expertise to shaping a future where biases are consciously challenged and diversity is the standard.”
Lidia Zabala
Special Facilitator
“Experienced trainer and facilitator with a vast experience in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Unconscious biases shape the way we see the world, and it’s important to reflect on how we make decisions. As a certified Worldblu freedom-centered leader, #IAmRemarkable facilitator, and Lean In Switzerland co-leader, I support individuals to tap into their strengths and build resilient teams. Proficient in English, German, and Spanish, I thrive in multicultural environments and look forward to collaborating with you.”
Bruna Toubia
Special Facilitator
“Dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainer and facilitator with a strong background in unconscious bias, intercultural competence, and team development. I’m fluent in English, French, German, and Italian.
I have partnered with global organizations and academic institutions across sectors to help individuals recognize and address the subtle, often unintentional biases that influence decision-making and behavior. Passionate about lasting change, I bring both empathy and expertise to every session.”
Ambassadors
Isabelle Vionnet
“Balancing family and career is important to me, and I advocate for equal opportunities for women and men. As a mother, bonus mom, and godmother to strong young women, I want them to reach their full potential and pursue what matters most to them. I envision a world with no barriers, where all children have access to education.”
Gabriel Zarnauskas
“Since teaching during my PhD, supporting others’ development has always been rewarding. Now as an entrepreneur, I still find great satisfaction in helping colleagues grow. A just society where everyone reaches their full potential requires empowering women in entrepreneurship and achieving gender equality. I’m excited to contribute to this initiative and help move closer to that ideal.”
Andrea Cristancho
“As a 4x international female entrepreneur, I’ve experienced bias firsthand across the globe. I believe bridging the funding gap for female founders and fostering awareness through regular conversations is crucial, and I’m here to support that. I hold a Bachelor’s in International Studies, a Master’s in International Business, and am pursuing a Master’s in Preneurship for Regenerative Food Systems at ZHAW.”
Jana Konle
” My main interest lies in the political representation of women, but I have come to realize that the heterogeneity of women in society not only fails to be reflected in the political process but also in business and entrepreneurship. Those with brilliant new ideas should be able to bring these to life and take the necessary risks, no matter their gender. Therefore, I wholeheartedly support FE+MALE’s mission to translate evidence-based research into tangible solutions for a more gender-balanced and inclusive business landscape.”
Anouck Diaz
“As a young communication science and media student, I dream of starting my own business or contributing to a creative venture. I’m inspired by organizations focused on empowering female entrepreneurship. I am eager to seize opportunities to bring this vision to life for myself and fellow aspiring female entrepreneurs.”