Ayda's Story

Ayda Zugay is an award-winning leader, published author, and activist. She is a believer in people’s individual capacity to drive global change. As a refugee trailblazer, Ayda uses her multinational, diverse field expertise to create and mobilize positive change across government, market, and civil society. She has lived and worked in Europe, North America, and Africa either as an implementing partner of UNHCR, leading nonprofits and companies, consulting for heads of state, or speaking internationally about human rights, policy, and her experience as a refugee. Ayda also serves as a founding member of the Refugee Storytellers Collective, an initiative of people who have experienced forced displacement in the United States who believe in sharing their perspectives and experiences for social change. She is also the Founder of the Impact Investments Fund, a cross-sector partnership that advances socially responsible business performance for the well-being of people and the planet.In 2021, Ayda was chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Leaders by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. She was also honored as one out of ten leaders selected to participate in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program whose goal is to inspire collaborative innovation in cities across the U.S. to bring shared prosperity to America’s communities. In 2022, Ayda was selected as one of the global “Resilient 100” leaders by the Refugee Investment Network, honoring Advancing Agency.Links to Check Out:Refugee Congress WebsiteAdvancing Agency Website (Ayda's Company)Ayda's LinkedInRefugee Storytellers Collective websiteRefugee Storytellers Collective nomination form (we accept nominations year-round!)Refugee Advocacy Lab WebsiteRefugee Advocacy Lab on Twitter: @RefugeeAdvcyLabRefugee Advocacy Lab on Instagram: @refugeeadvocacylabRefugee Advocacy Lab on Facebook - The Refugee Advocacy LabRefugee Advocacy Lab LinkedInEmail the Refugee Advocacy Lab - @Kate Brick & @Sarah ShefferFollow Daughters of Change:Website:Facebook:InstagramLinkedInMarie's LinkedIn:Daughters of Change Podcast Producer:  Sarah StaceySarah's LinkedIn Profile