Who we are

Evoca Foundation was founded by Naza Alakija in 2018 and is run by a small team of London-based creatives and specialists. 

We work across climate action, education and supporting women and girls to deliver our vision of a world which is prosperous, sustainable and equitable for all.

Investing

We invest in creative, grassroots ideas that help girls, women and the planet to thrive.

Advocating

We advocate for the education to which children and young people—especially girls—are entitled, so they can take control of their futures and the future of the planet.

Accelerating

We accelerate progress through campaigns that draw attention to some of the issues that hold back girls, women and the health of our planet.

Responding

We respond to humanitarian crises by supporting critical interventions and providing emergency aid.

OUR FOCUS AREAS

Climate
Action

The effects of climate change are not felt equally across the world. They impact disadvantaged population groups the hardest, despite the fact they’re often less likely to have contributed to our rising CO2 emissions. These groups frequently have fewer resources or lack infrastructural resilience, so when they’re hit hard, they struggle to bounce back. 

The climate crisis takes existing disparities and dials them up, which is why women and girls are especially vulnerable. They are also much more likely to be affected by climate-related disasters: 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and girls.

The environmental challenges we face present an existential crisis, and when parts of our world are already bearing the brunt, it’s essential that we share the responsibility.

Education

Women are the pillars of our communities, but in many settings their potential for creativity and innovation goes unsupported. Evoca advocates for the rights of women and girls to complete their education, develop skills, build confidence and participate in the decision-making that shapes their own futures, and the future of this planet. 

Supporting
Women & Girls

In the context of the climate crisis and its exacerbation of existing inequalities, women and girls’ access to basic human rights is compromised. Too often they are overlooked and undervalued, and are much more likely than boys to be taken out of school, which means they miss out on learning essential skills. Women and girls are especially vulnerable to systemic violence and exploitation, and in times of crisis, these issues are amplified.

Our Team

  • Naza Alakija

    Founder & CEO

    Naza Alakija is an Iranian humanitarian and the Founder & CEO of Evoca Foundation, an NGO which works across the pillars of climate action, education and supporting women and girls. Naza advocates for girls’ and young women’s access to education and funds innovative grassroots movements that deliver holistic solutions to the climate crisis and build equitable futures for all. Naza is a Senior Adviser to UNICEF and a number of other leading global institutions.

  • Pandora Haydon

    Director of Communications

    For the last decade, Pandora has worked in strategic communications, press, media, and creative campaigns, shaping research-driven, evidenced-based narratives to deliver lasting policy change across international development, health inequalities, sustainability, global food systems, and women and children’s rights.

  • Ivana Lucic

    Project Manager

    Ivana's journey began as a refugee from the Balkan wars in the 1990s, instilling in her a profound commitment to supporting causes that uplift and empower women. With a professional background in marketing, advertising, and innovation strategy, she is passionate about driving purpose-led initiatives that create meaningful impact.

  • Shanley Mitchell

    Digital Campaigns & Design Manager

    Shanley is a creative director, strategist, and storyteller who believes in the power of design and narrative to address the pressing environmental and social issues of our time. With experience spanning strategic design, environmental and social advocacy, and creative communications, Shanley combines her passion for storytelling with a commitment to meaningful change.