Her Excellency President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a world-renowned scientist, educator, author, and global leader who made history as the first woman to serve as President of the Republic of Mauritius, serving as the country’s sixth president from 2015 to 2018.
Long before entering the presidential State House, President Gurib-Fakim built an extraordinary career in science. As a professor of organic chemistry and biodiversity scientist, she has spent decades studying the incredible variety of plant life found in Africa and exploring how plants can contribute to medicine, human health, and sustainable development. She also co-authored the first African Herbal Pharmacopoeia, documenting African medicinal plants and their potential uses.
Her journey has taken her from academia and scientific research to some of the highest levels of international leadership. She has served as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Mauritius and has held numerous international leadership and advisory roles focused on science, climate, sustainability, agriculture, energy, and global development.
President Gurib-Fakim has authored or edited more than 30 books and contributed to more than 100 scientific publications and book chapters. Her accomplishments have earned international recognition, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science, the African Union Commission Award for Women in Science, France’s Légion d’Honneur, and recognition by Forbes as one of the world’s 100 most powerful women.
Perhaps most inspiring for students is the journey behind those accomplishments. President Gurib-Fakim has described her own story as the journey of a “village girl to the State House.” Her life demonstrates how education, curiosity, perseverance, and a passion for learning can take someone places they may never have imagined.
When Her Excellency President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim joins us, students will have the opportunity to learn about her remarkable journey, careers in science and sustainability, breaking barriers as the first female President of Mauritius, leadership, and the advice she has for young people who want to make a difference in their communities and the world.
