Plan International USA welcomes new members to board of directors

PRESS RELEASE

New board members bring diverse expertise to strengthen Plan USA’s mission of gender equality and youth empowerment. 

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 12, 2024 — Plan International USA announces the addition of four new members to its board of directors, who joined in September 2024. Each brings valuable expertise and a commitment to advancing children’s rights and gender equality, further enhancing Plan’s ability to drive impactful programs worldwide. 

“We’re excited to welcome these new members to our board,” Shanna Marzilli, president and CEO of Plan International USA, said. “Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we deepen our advocacy, strengthen community partnerships and expand our resources to support girls and young people in overcoming the challenges they face. Each member’s unique background — whether in shaping innovative technology, advancing health equity or fostering sustainable development — will help us build an even stronger foundation for achieving gender equality.” 

The new board members include: 

— Daniela Muhaj — Associate director for research and technology initiatives at Georgetown University’s Baratta Center for Global Business, Daniela has held roles at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the International Monetary Fund and Amazon Web Services. Her work centers on the impact of technology on global business practices and economic equity. On her motivation to support Plan’s work, Daniela said, “I am honored to support Plan’s mission of advancing children’s rights and achieving gender equality. Growing up in a small village in Albania, I saw firsthand how education can transform lives, especially for young girls. I look forward to contributing my expertise to drive long-term impact.” 

— Maham Sewani — A passionate youth advocate with Plan since 2021, Maham has helped shape Plan’s Youth Leadership Academy and represented the organization at high-profile venues like the White House Gender Policy Council and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. “Plan has played such an integral role in my development as a young leader. The organization holds a close place in my heart, as it gave me the tools and space to pursue my passion in gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights,” Maham said. “I’m excited to extend this commitment to youth voices and help bridge Plan’s youth network and the board. I look forward to collaborating with the Youth Advisory Board and fostering advocacy opportunities for others.” 

— Marek Wolek — Senior vice president and chief strategy and commercial officer at Fluence, Marek leads the company’s global strategy, partnerships and mergers and acquisitions, overseeing sustainable energy solutions. Formerly managing director at The AES Corporation, Marek has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the energy sector. As a longtime donor and supporter of Plan, Marek shares a deep commitment to its mission. “I’ve been involved with Plan since 2002, and I’m continually impressed by the impact this organization has created,” Marek said. “As a father of two girls, I believe empowering girls has the power to change the world. I’m excited to help amplify Plan’s reach and create lasting change for young people everywhere.” 

Each of these new board members will serve a three-year term, bringing fresh perspectives and strengthening Plan’s capacity to support children, especially girls, in reaching their full potential. To learn more about Plan’s board of directors, please visit www.planusa.org/about-us/leadership. 

About Plan International

Plan International is an international development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We are there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until we are all equal. 

For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org. 

For more information or interviews, please contact: 

Vannette Tolbert

Senior Manager, Communications

Email: vannette.tolbert@planusa.org

Mobile: +1 240-778-9077

www.planusa.org