Julie Gichuru

Chief Public Affairs & Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation

Julie Gichuru is the Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, overseeing corporate, programmatic, policy & thought leadership communications and a team spanning Africa and Canada. Prior to her role at the Foundation, Julie had a two-decade career in the fields of broadcast, print, digital media and development communications.

At the start of her career, Julie pioneered investigative news television and programming. She conceptualised and launched numerous top news and current affairs shows and developed the pan-African television show, Africa Leadership Dialogues. Following the 2007 elections in Kenya, Julie’s peace specials resonated with viewers. As a result of her calls for non-violent action in 2008, she was awarded the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness. Following this pivotal period, determined to contribute towards a more informed and responsible generation, Julie established the Great Debaters Contest, a high school debate platform focused on teaching students that differences need not result in conflict and violence. Her career focus shifted to curating impactful engagements and driving conversations focused on African leadership, growth, and development.