Elizabeth Ngonzi

Professor Ngonzi is the Founder and CEO of The International Social Impact Institute® and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University's Center for Global Affairs. Since 2009, she has been a dedicated faculty member at New York University, developing and teaching courses that empower working professionals to leverage emerging technologies for effective stakeholder engagement. Her exceptional teaching abilities have been recognized with the NYU SPS 2021 Teaching Excellence Award. Additionally, she served as the faculty developer for the Center for Global Affairs at NYUSPS's Professional Certificate Program in Digital Fundraising.

A highly regarded educator, social entrepreneur, and international speaker and consultant, Professor Ngonzi specializes in leveraging technology for social impact. Her areas of expertise include digital storytelling, fundraising, emerging technologies, and generative AI.

Through The International Social Impact Institute®, Professor Ngonzi provides invaluable guidance to social impact leaders and institutions, assisting them in cultivating robust stakeholder ecosystems. The Institute has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Candid, Cornell University, GivingTuesday, the King Baudouin Foundation United States, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Nelson Mandela University, the Obama Foundation, The Resource Alliance, USAID/Power Africa, and others. By utilizing impactful storytelling and technology-enabled stakeholder engagement strategies, the Institute drives positive change and transformation.

Professor Ngonzi's professional journey includes her role as the turnaround CEO of Afrika Tikkun USA, a nonprofit organization endorsed by Nelson Mandela and based in South Africa. Her expertise has been sought after by prestigious institutions, including her involvement as a member of the U.S. Speaker Program at the U.S. Department of State. She has also worked as a "Big 4" management consultant and tech marketer.

An alumna of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Syracuse University's iSchool, and the United Nations International School, Professor Ngonzi exemplifies a commitment to service excellence, ongoing innovation, and global impact. She is widely recognized for her contributions to social impact and advocacy, receiving notable accolades such as being named a member of the "Most Influential People of African Descent" (MIPAD 100) in 2019 and receiving the African Diaspora Awards "Advocate of the Year" Award. Professor Ngonzi is an esteemed member of the invitation-only President's Council of Cornell Women, an inaugural member of the Experts Council of the Global Generative AI Award, and serves as a board member of the Court of Master Sommeliers. Starting July 1, 2023, she will also serve as a member of the Cornell University Council.

Professor Ngonzi's expertise in leveraging technology for social impact, combined with her commitment to excellence in teaching, makes her a valuable asset to students and professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects and make a significant impact in the workplace.

Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi, CFRE