Sophia Grinvalds

Award-winning social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in emerging markets across Africa. Co-founded AFRIpads in 2010 with husband Paul Grinvalds, pioneering the first reusable sanitary pad manufacturing enterprise in Sub-Saharan Africa. Scaled AFRIpads from startup to high-impact social business reaching over 5 million women and girls across 40+ countries with affordable menstrual health products and reproductive health education. Built operations across 3 African countries employing 175+ team members. Recognized as global expert on menstrual health and passionate advocate for menstrual equity, women's health, and market-based development. Awarded Meritorious Service Cross by Government of Canada in 2021 for extraordinary impact. Following exit from AFRIpads in 2022, serves as Advisor for the Sanitation & Hygiene Fund, a dedicated UN fund. Based in Nairobi, Kenya.