Macire Aribot Ashford is an emerging global and strategic leader with a background in international development, social impact, and public policy. She is the co-founder of NoirUnited International, a global development and humanitarian organization bringing together Africa and the diaspora to develop and implement community-based initiatives through youth and education, research and advocacy, and community resilience programs. Macire has led international projects across the US, Europe, and Africa, developed strategic partnerships with major philanthropic and humanitarian organizations, and liaised with government and civil society to advocate for the equitable distribution of resources to communities in need.

Most notably, she led NoirUnited’s humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis, mobilizing over half a million dollars to support over 1,500 African refugees and students displaced by the war, with emergency relief, legal, mental health, and educational assistance.

Her experience also includes managing programs on digital and creative industries and climate finance at the Atlantic Council, consulting for UNICEF on youth entrepreneurship initiatives in Kenya, conducting policy research at Columbia University, and managing democracy-strengthening programs across Africa at the National Democratic Institute.

Macire holds a Master of International Affairs in Economic and Political Development with an Africa specialization from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She received her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Global Development Studies from Mercer University.