Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg is a visionary leader and cultural polyglot with a track record of turning bold ideas into lasting institutions. She currently serves as Managing Director for Africa at the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, part of CGIAR. In her role, she leads a team of 600+ scientists across 19 countries, shaping climate-smart, inclusive agricultural innovation.

A dynamic speaker and experienced board member, Wanjiru brings insight and executional rigor across sectors. She is the founder of Akili Dada and Black Women in Executive Leadership (B-WEL), and previously led initiatives at the Ford Foundation, Schmidt Futures, and AWARD.

Named a White House Champion of Change and one of the 100 Most Influential Africans, Wanjiru is sought after for her strategic clarity, global perspective, and commitment to stopping the waste of human potential. In addition to speaking five languages, Wanjiru is fluent in research, activism, and impact—always bridging worlds in service of creating a more equitable future.