Meet your instructor

Julia Wiklander

A social entrepreneur, development & gender economist
and a strategic optimist here
 to support you to create a positive and lasting impact in the world.

My passion is to mobilize and support people around the world to create waves of positive change. I am proud to have built Girls’ Globe – a global community of activists, advocates, experts and organizations working to make this world a better place. Our audience spans every country of the world and reaches tens of thousands every month.

So, why did I leave a comfortable job at a global organization 
to start a digital media platform?

When I was working at the United Nations, I realized that there was a big gap between grassroots changemakers and international decision makers.

There was a lack of representation of girls, women and minorities in the rooms where their lives were being discussed. The stories and needs of those “on the ground” weren’t heard or understood.

I saw brilliant and passionate activists, leaders and organizations creating change. Yet, they were struggling because their stories weren’t prioritized or considered newsworthy.

I had this nagging desire to do more for the individuals and organizations that inspire me every day. 

I took matters into my own hands and created a digital platform to amplify voices for gender equality, human rights and social justice. 

With solidarity and optimism as cornerstones, I founded Girls’ Globe.

Through Girls’ Globe hundreds of individuals and organizations have been heard on topics like sexual and reproductive health and rights, sustainable development, mental health and feminism. We have members from more than 35 countries, across 5 continents. We’ve brought young women activists and advocates to more than 14 global events in the past few years.

As a Swede who grew up in Egypt, Pakistan and India,
my global citizenship is in my roots. 
I know that we have so much to learn from each other,
across communities, cultures and continents. 

To create any impactful change, we need to truly connect with our WHY – the thing that makes us come alive. For very many of us, that is connected to supporting others and making an impact beyond ourselves. 

When I can help someone see their potential to create change in their lives and the lives of others – that makes me come alive.

Mentoring young women, changemakers and leaders is the most rewarding work I get to do through Girls’ Globe. 

They inspire me every day to do more, learn more and not give up.

In the past few years, I’ve had the chance to speak at schools and at global events.

I still have to pinch myself when I think about the time I was invited to speak in New York City in the place of Pulitzer prize winning journalist Nicholas Kristof who had canceled last minute.

Starting a new organization has been really scary, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – a close second to choosing my life partner and having our two lovely kids! 

I know what it’s like to jump into uncertainty and follow your heart, because you know you’ve got more to give to the world. 

For me, life is so much more than abiding to the many norms that surround us. Life is richer than a 9-to-5 job that doesn’t fulfill our inner desires. 

That is why I’ve decided to have a learning mindset and why I’m a strong advocate for self care. 

When we learn, we grow. If we stop learning how to take better care of ourselves, others and our planet, we stop growing. When we don’t grow, we’re not living to our fullest potential. 

The Girls’ Globe Learning Platform is a new support system for a global community of changemakers. And here I am, over the moon excited to serve you. 

I truly believe that we’re all capable of creating change. 

The change you want to see in the world begins with you, and I’m ready to support you to make it happen! 

– Julia

Digital Storytelling for Impact

This course teaches activists, advocates and social entrepreneurs how to strategically use storytelling for impact online. You will learn how to build a powerful communications strategy. As you create clarity around your vision and strategy you will become more confident in your work – enabling you to create a lasting impact in the world.  

Enrollment to this course by Julia Wiklander is now open.