Mastercard has unveiled a coffee-table book-Lasting Legacy – Honoring 25 Visionaries to Celebrate 25 Years of Priceless’.
The legacy piece highlights the journeys and impact of women across the globe including Kenya’s Environmentalist & Activist Wanjira Mathai, daughter of the late Wangari Maathai ,the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
Launched during Women’s Month 2023, the book marks the 25th anniversary of Mastercard’s renowned Priceless platform, which has been connecting people to their passions for a quarter of a century.
“This book has been a true labor of love for us, and a testament to the women who are driving progress and uplifting communities around the world. It is our hope that the stories in ‘Lasting Legacy’ will encourage readers, regardless of their gender, to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on society, to inspire generations to come,” said Beatrice Cornacchia, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.
Mastercard is committed to creating a more equitable world for all and this project marks the company’s latest milestone in unlocking opportunities and celebrating the role of women in society. By exploring the role of these trailblazers, the book aims to inspire readers to take action in their own lives and communities to close the gender gap and create a more inclusive future.
The full list of women featured are:
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF
Zainab Al-Eqabi, Para-Athlete
Nezha Alaoui, Founder, Author, Impact Influencer & CEO of Women Choice
Sarah Beydoun, Founder & Creative Director of Sarah’s Bag
Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Global Digital Magnate, Vice Chairwoman of Emaar Development Board & Former Founding Director General of Smart Dubai
Jennifer Blandos, Founder & CEO of Female Fusion
Ola Doudin, Co-founder & CEO of BitOasis
Nona Gaprindashvili, Chess Legend
Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for Eurointegration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
Jessica Kahawaty, Model, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Roya Khajeh, Assistant General Manager and Head of Cards and Payments at Commercial Bank, Qatar
Linda Kirkpatrick, President of Mastercard North America
Wendy Kopp, Co-founder & CEO for Teach For All
Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
Wanjira Mathai, Environmentalist & Activist
Sconaid McGeachin, Director of Communications and Marketing at COP28 UAE & Former Senior Vice President Communications at Expo 2020 Dubai
Raha Moharrak, Adventurer
Dr. Maya Morsy, President of the National Council for Women, Egypt
Sudha Murty, Author & Philanthropist
Ambareen Musa, Founder & CEO of Yabi by Souqalmal
Piwokuhle Nyanda, Athlete & Rugby Player
Devi Seetharam, Artist
Umut Shayakhmetova, CEO of Halyk Bank
Natasha Sideris, Founder & CEO of Tashas Group
Naoko Yamazaki, Astronaut & Engineer
Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), said “I was in Carnarvon recently addressing the community on the SKA telescope and in the audience we had learners that we sponsor at the high school. Seeing some of those faces light up when I was introduced as the Managing Director made my day. I hope these stories inspire young people to venture into unfamiliar territories.”
“’If you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you do good.’ As a female athlete success is the result of confidence and confidence comes from being yourself and expressing your beauty. In a male dominated sport, owning your space and being who you are and not who you are expected to be is winning, it’s true inner power,” said Piwokuhle Nyanda, Athlete & Rugby Player
Lasting Legacy -Honoring 25 Visionaries to Celebrate 25 Years of Priceless’ represents the evolution of Mastercard’s Priceless platform, which has progressed to reflect the company’s ongoing transformation and the changing world of consumers. As Priceless marks 25 years, Mastercard continues to tap into people’s passions as it enables opportunities for people the world over to pursue their passion and purpose.
