Canada-based media strategist and Women of Rubies founder joins a distinguished group of leaders championing women, creating opportunities and advancing meaningful change.
Award-winning media strategist, women’s advocate and Founder of Women of Rubies, Esther Ijewere, has been appointed a Women of Inspiration® Global Ambassador by the Universal Womens Network™.
The appointment recognizes Ijewere’s longstanding commitment to amplifying women’s voices, increasing the visibility of women leaders and creating platforms that help women communicate their value, access opportunities and receive recognition for their contributions.
Ijewere was named alongside an accomplished group of Women of Inspiration® Award recipients who have demonstrated purposeful leadership, championed other women and made lasting contributions within their industries and communities. As a Global Ambassador, she will support the vision of the Universal Womens Network™ and the Global Women of Inspiration® Summit while contributing to efforts that connect, recognize and advance women leaders globally.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed a Women of Inspiration® Global Ambassador. This opportunity represents more than a personal milestone. It is another platform through which I can continue to amplify women’s voices, champion their achievements and help create pathways for greater visibility, recognition and access.”
— Esther Ijewere, Founder and CEO, Women of Rubies
Ijewere received the 2023 Women of Inspiration® Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award in recognition of her work advancing women through media, advocacy, community building and strategic visibility.
Through Women of Rubies, she has spent more than a decade creating opportunities for women to share their stories, strengthen their public profiles and gain recognition for their leadership and impact. Her work includes editorial storytelling, public relations, strategic communications, visibility training, media advocacy and the Media Visibility Bootcamp, which has empowered more than 600 participants across five cohorts and is preparing for its sixth edition.
Global Ambassadors Represent Nearly a Decade of Women’s Leadership
The newly announced Women of Inspiration® Global Ambassadors are:
• Donna Dahl — 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Selection Committee Co-Chair
• Yvonne E.L. Silver — 2018 Mentorship Award recipient and Global Ambassador Chair
• Patricia Gagic — 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Selection Committee Co-Chair
• Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D — 2021 Authentic Leader Award recipient
• Shannon Smadella, MBA — 2022 NEST Award recipient
• Chantal Brine — 2022 Mentorship Award recipient
• Catherine R. Bell — 2023 Vision Builder Award recipient
• Esther Ijewere — 2023 Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award recipient
• Preethi Balasubramanian — 2024 Rising Leader Award recipient
• Laura McLand, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP — 2025 Authentic Leader Award recipient
The ambassadors bring experience across entrepreneurship, media, advocacy, mentorship, leadership, innovation, community development and organizational transformation.
In announcing the appointments, Monica Kretschmer, Founder and CEO of the Universal Womens Network™, described the ambassadors as women who consistently lead by example and create opportunities for others.
“These women embody what it means to lead by example. They continue to champion women, build meaningful connections and help shape the vision of the Global Women of Inspiration® Summit and the Universal Womens Network™.”
— Monica Kretschmer, Founder and CEO, Universal Womens Network™
Advancing Women Through Visibility and Storytelling
Ijewere’s appointment reflects the central message behind much of her work: women should not have to wait for someone else to decide that their stories, achievements and perspectives deserve attention.
As a media strategist, she helps women communicate their expertise, strengthen their credibility and position themselves for media opportunities, partnerships, leadership roles and professional recognition.
“Visibility is not simply about being noticed. It is about ensuring that women’s work, perspectives and contributions are represented in the media, professional spaces and conversations shaping our communities and industries.”
— Esther Ijewere
Through Women of Rubies, Ijewere has amplified the stories of women across business, leadership, entrepreneurship, advocacy, technology, social impact and community development. Her work particularly supports women whose stories may otherwise be overlooked, including immigrant women, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, advocates and women creating impact outside traditional centres of influence.
Ijewere said she looks forward to building relationships with the other ambassadors and contributing to collaborations that support women across cultures, industries and communities.
“When women intentionally use their voices, networks and influence to support one another, we create opportunities that extend far beyond individual success. I am excited about the journey ahead and the collective impact we can create.”
— Esther Ijewere
About Esther Ijewere
Esther Ijewere is a multi-award-winning Canada-based media strategist, speaker, author, columnist and women’s advocate. She is the Founder and CEO of Women of Rubies, a media and communications platform and boutique PR company dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and providing visibility solutions for entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and organizations.
She is also a Guardian newspaper columnist and the convener of the Media Visibility Bootcamp. Through her work in media, storytelling, advocacy and strategic communications, she helps women communicate their value, build credible brands and gain recognition for their leadership and impact.
About Women of Rubies
Founded in 2015, Women of Rubies is a women’s media, communications and visibility platform committed to amplifying women’s voices globally. Through editorial storytelling, public relations, media strategy, training, Women of Rubies Academy, the Media Visibility Bootcamp, the Media Pitch Challenge and community-focused initiatives, the organization helps women strengthen their voices, share their stories and position themselves for greater opportunities.
About Universal Womens Network™
Universal Womens Network™ is a global platform committed to advancing women in business, leadership and the workplace. Through the Women of Inspiration® Awards and its wider community, the network recognizes accomplished women and SupportHER™ champions who advance women’s voices, careers, leadership and opportunities.
