When Jensine Larsen was 19 years old, she went to the Amazon forest as a journalist and worked with women struggling to feed their families as a result of oil contamination. These women asked her to “be their messenger – to tell their story to the world.” Their plea was something she realized was universal and was something she heard again and again in her travels. By 2004, Jensine realized she needed to create a platform to unlock women’s voices worldwide. A place for the historically excluded to share their truths. A place where all experiences counted and were valued. A place like World Pulse.
Like many good things, World Pulse’s origin story can be attributed in part to the right people showing up at the right time. Jensine will be the first to tell you that the moment she voiced her dream, countless people stepped forward to help bring it to life. It’s obvious that from the very beginning she had the right people sharing her vision, all equally committed to creating something special. Jensine writes, “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.”
And it shows. Today, World Pulse is a sanctuary for those who have been silent. The feminist social network 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. The platform has also tripled its growth rate and engagement over the past year, and boasts a flexible five-year strategic plan, a talented global team, an evidence-based digital impact methodology, and a shared governance model.
With a decade of experience using the power of technology to grow women’s leadership across the globe, Jensine and her team have created a safe digital refuge where women unite to courageously tell their stories, share resources, start businesses, run for office, and launch movements. While the success of the vast online network for women is evident, it is never something taken for granted.
In fact, World Pulse has a bold ambition – to use digital technology to unleash the untapped creative potential of women everywhere. Jensine believes that World Pulse is not about the power of one voice, or one leader, but is about the power of many, which is why she is excited to announce her successor, Lourdes Rivas.
“This transition symbolizes the shift to collective leadership. Ultimately, a multitude of leaders— including you— will carry forward the mission of World Pulse,” Jensine writes. “I am confident in the formidable staff leadership, shared governance structure, and global advisory network in place to steer World Pulse’s future.”
Lourdes has been Head of Technology at World Pulse for the past three years, leading breakthrough advances in 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.
Jensine 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. She will then shift her focus to being a vocal World Pulse ambassador and advisor, “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,” Jensine writes. “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.”
To learn more about World Pulse, their 20th Anniversary Impact Fund, or to support the transition and next era of global impact, go to WorldPulse.com.