Betty Adera is a distinguished International Development and Public Health specialist, renowned for her transformative impact across Africa and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, she has spearheaded initiatives in health systems strengthening, digital health, food security, HIV research, gender-based violence prevention, maternal and child nutrition, and sexual reproductive health, especially for adolescent girls and young women. Currently, she is part of Kenya’s COVID-19 response team and serves as the Chief Executive of the Betty Adera Foundation International.
Betty’s leadership extends to various African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria. Her contributions at Global Communities and FHI 360 have set new standards in project cycle management and advocacy, focusing on rights-based approaches to development. Notably, she has led the DREAMS Initiative, a USAID-funded PEPFAR program targeting adolescent girls and young women in Nairobi’s informal settlements, and served as the Acting Country Director and Chief of Party for the HOPE Programs at Global Communities.
Her academic credentials reflect her commitment to excellence: a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of the Western Cape, a Postgraduate Diploma in Children, Youth, and Development from Erasmus University in the Netherlands, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nairobi. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Public Health at EUCLID University, specializing in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
As the Founder and President of the Betty Adera Foundation International, she champions the prevention of gender-based violence and advocates for women’s and girls’ rights. Her foundation addresses critical issues such as unemployment, disability, talent nurturing, peacebuilding, and climate action. Through initiatives like “On Becoming a Woman Leader,” Betty inspires young women to challenge stereotypes and build leadership skills, promoting gender equality in leadership.
Betty’s remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Humanitarian Medal of Honor (2019) by the World Peace and Diplomacy Organization, the Global ICON Award (2019) by Passion Vista, and the Outstanding Women’s Voice Award (2023) by Humanitarian Awards Global. She is also a Global Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and the recipient of the CEO of the Year Award (2018) by Global Communities.
As a Patron of the Young Women’s Forum in Africa, Betty continues to mentor and empower the next generation. Her passion for youth advocacy is evident in her mentorship roles with programs like the Global Give Back Circle, where she supports young women from Rwanda and Kenya.
