Imagine a world where every girl has the chance to go to school, learn, and become a leader. Lena Alfi ’05 is determined to make that dream a reality. As the CEO of the Malala Fund, she spends her days helping girls around the world get access to the education they deserve. 

Ms. Alfi’s journey into leadership started because she was curious about the development of societies. Why did some struggle more than others or develop at different rates? Her questions led her to the Middle East where she helped with fundraising and humanitarian projects in Jordan and the West Bank. Over time, she realized the importance of education, and its impact on the development and well-being of society. She worked with a variety of organizations, trying out different roles, from museums about women’s rights to helping in war zones. All of this gave her experience and made her even more passionate about the impact of policies on girls’ access to and quality of education in different countries.

Reflecting on her approach to leadership, Ms. Alfi said, “Leadership happens on big decisions, but leadership happens less so on that and much more on the tiny day-to-day interactions here and there, making sure everyone feels included, respected, and valued. Those are the real moments where leadership shines, far more than the big, visible decisions.”

Ms. Alfi said that every country faces its own unique challenges, so solutions must be tailored accordingly. “When more women are educated, communities are more comfortable,” she said. “There’s so many benefits to the world when women are educated. It’s like a power that actually would be the thing that solves so many issues we have.” 

As the CEO, she faces tough decisions every day, comparing it to “building another muscle.” She tries to do what will help the most girls in the long run. Sometimes she has to choose one project over another if she thinks it will make a bigger impact. Her main goal is to make sure her work is really helping girls get the education they deserve.

Working with a strong team is super important to Ms. Alfi. She works closely with her colleagues, sharing ideas and making decisions together. She says good communication, understanding different opinions, and knowing about money are important skills for leaders. Trust and honesty are also really important in her work.

Ms. Alfi has seen how strong and brave girls can be, even in really hard situations. She remembers visiting refugee camps where girls had been through so much but still found hope through school. She believes that school isn’t just about learning facts, it’s about helping girls build confidence, find their voice, and grow into strong women.

Her work isn’t only about challenging current policies or raising money. Ms. Alfi also works with governments, local groups, and communities to make sure education systems are better. She says real change happens when people in communities are involved and know what they need.

Ms. Alfi’s message to us is simple: education is the most powerful way to change the world. She encourages everyone to learn about global issues, support organizations like the Malala Fund, and speak up for girls’ rights to go to school.

As a Westridge graduate, Ms. Alfi is a great example of how leadership, kindness, and dedication can make a real difference. Her work demonstrates that helping girls get an education isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the key to a better future for everyone.”Leadership, kindness, and dedication can make a real difference—especially when focused on empowering girls through education, because when women are educated, communities thrive, and the future becomes brighter for everyone,” she said.