My leadership transition and the collective future of World Pulse!

Beloved World Pulse community,

With a great sense of fulfillment, I write to share the exciting and emotional news that I will transition my role as CEO of World Pulse into the capable hands of a successor by the end of 2024. This transition, which coincides with World Pulse’s 20th anniversary, is part of a long-standing plan to shift power to rising global leadership.

When I founded World Pulse in 2004, I was a 28-year-old woman with a burning dream of creating a platform to unlock women's voices worldwide. Despite not having a clear path to achieving this, the moment I voiced my dream, countless people stepped forward to help bring it alive.

The past two decades have been a whirlwind, from building our vision from scratch to navigating the digital age and waves of global progress and crises. Throughout this journey, I have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most dedicated and passionate people across the planet. Including you.

A Global Force

Today, because of you, World Pulse is a global force. We’ve built a vast online network for women and historically excluded voices, a platform for change, and a sanctuary for those who have been silent. Our feminist social network model connects women and allies from 200+ countries and territories who report growing their initiatives and movements to impact the lives of tens of millions. World Pulse has received dozens of global awards, including the UN Media for Social Impact Award and the UNESCO Gender, Peace, and Wellbeing Award. Our supportive social networking platform has tripled its growth rate and engagement over the past year. We have a flexible five-year strategic plan, a talented global team, an evidence-based digital impact methodology, and a shared governance model.

What’s more, the world is finally starting to recognize the power of technology as a key accelerator for gender justice movements. World Pulse's unique position to use technology to further activate the power of grassroots voices globally is why I am so excited to announce my successor.

Embracing New Leadership

I am thrilled to announce Lourdes Rivas as my successor to steer World Pulse’s next chapter. For the past three years, Lourdes has been Head of Technology at World Pulse, leading breakthrough advances in our social network design and community growth. She is an accomplished Argentinian technology leader and entrepreneur who is deeply dedicated to shaping feminist technology for social impact and gender justice. You will hear more from Lourdes in the coming weeks about the tremendous expertise and passion she brings to the role!

The Next Era is Collective

Lourdes and I believe that the next era of World Pulse is not about the power of one voice or one leader; it is about the power of many. This transition symbolizes the shift to collective leadership. Ultimately, a multitude of leaders— including you— will carry forward the mission of World Pulse. I am confident in the formidable staff leadership, shared governance structure, and global advisory network in place to steer World Pulse’s future.

Over the next four months, I will continue to serve as CEO, supporting the Boards and team, advancing World Pulse's strategic plan, and continuing to fundraise until Lourdes assumes the role on September 1.

I will then turn my focus to being a vocal World Pulse ambassador and advisor and doing more of what I love: activating the power of feminist technology and media to radically accelerate progress toward global gender justice.

It has been the honor of my life to lead the inception and growth of World Pulse. I’d like to give a special shout to each courageous, outspoken woman and ally of World Pulse around the world. You have always been and will continue to be my inspiration and driving force.

As we move forward, I am fully committed to World Pulse’s future success and its new leadership. I hope that you, too, will remain as committed as ever, providing hope, resources, truth, and support. You are the heart and soul of World Pulse.

If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me directly, here on World Pulse!

With excitement and gratitude,

Jensine Larsen,

Founder, World Pulse