The Team
Pablo Ivan Orozco
Pablo Ivan Orozco is a lawyer who specializes in global development law, as well as international trade law. He has undertaken consultancy activities for government and development donor organizations in Africa, the USA, Europe, and Latin America. He has vast experience in the development of public-private initiatives and is passionate about encouraging governments and private firms to support social enterprise activities. Mr. Orozco’s works are inspired by his firm belief that the world’s social and environmental challenges can be addressed effectively through scientific, technological, and market innovations, as well as progressive legal solutions. He holds a Master of Laws in international law with distinction from the University of Bristol, England. He currently works as the associate director of legal, policy, and regulatory affairs at the Alliance for Science, a Global South-focused initiative based at the Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, USA. He currently consults for the Guatemalan government and private firms, and encourages the entities to engage in social enterprise activities. Pablo’s passion is addressing social and environmental needs through scientific, technological, and market innovations, and progressive legal solutions. He has a bachelor’s degree in judicial and social sciences, is an attorney at law and notary public in Guatemala, and was awarded the degree of Master of Laws in international law with distinction from the University of Bristol, England.
Read Profile
Simon Turner
Simon Turner, is a former Intelligence Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and with a decade-long tenure as a Founder of two pioneering startups behind him, Simon’s journey from an Intelligence Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force to a catalytic force in Africa's entrepreneurial landscape is marked by audacity, boldness, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in inclusivity, opportunity, and growth. With a decade-long tenure as the Founder of two pioneering startups and distinguished military service, Simon's trajectory showcases his boldness and eagerness for new challenges. Upon arriving in Ghana in 2015, Simon embraced the opportunity to utilize his diverse global experiences, weaving civilian and military skills and expertise into an unconventional yet astutely effective approach. Approaching his initial role with resolve and drive, despite being fraught with expectations, Simon showcased his resolve, tenacity, and strategic acumen — all defining leadership traits. As the Country Director for the UK's Challenges Group in Ghana, he led with a hands-on, engaging, and all-inclusive approach, expanding access to opportunities and skill development for youth, entrepreneurs, and SMEs across the nation. His impactful influence extended to his role as a Director of the Meltwater Entrepreneurship School of Technology (MEST), overseeing the largest project in its decade-long history. Amidst the challenges of Covid, Simon and his team successfully launched three new programs in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and Catalyst Fund. However, it was Simon's spirited championing and cheerleading of African entrepreneurs, startups, and ecosystems on television that marked the next phase of his journey. Emerging as an outspoken, enigmatic, yet revered Judge on Ghanaian television, prominently featured in all seasons of "The McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge" and "The Circular Economy Challenge," these popular shows not only spotlighted outstanding Ghanaian Founders and their ventures but also underscored the role Simon - and others like him - play in building and nurturing Africa's future business leaders. As an instrumental stakeholder with skin in the game, Simon continues to push the ecosystem's boundaries. Over the past years, his pivotal roles as Managing Director at Founder Institute Ghana and a Founding Partner of Groundbreaking Africa, alongside several side hustles, underscore his dynamic engagement. Beyond his role as a formidable Judge on TV entrepreneurship challenges, Simon champions founder mental health with unwavering resolve. By sharing his own experiences, he becomes an authentic and empathetic mentor, empowering aspiring founders to embrace their potential and evolve into conscious leaders. Simon's recent appointment as one of three Ambassadors in West Africa for the city of Berlin ushers in new avenues to explore. To demonstrate that his dynamism knows no limits, he is in the process of building his first startup in 15 years. With an unshakeable belief in Africa's entrepreneurs and their potential to create transformative impact, Simon feels privileged to call Africa home.
Read Profile
Tawabech H .Molla
Tewabech (Teba) H. Molla is a highly accomplished individual who currently serves as the Chief Representative of Dubai International Chamber to Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. In this role, Teba is responsible for stakeholder management, policy advocacy, market intelligence, the promotion of Dubai as a global business hub, and the execution of major business events as well as B2B and B2G facilitation. Teba is also board member of Wabere University. With more than 25 years of experience in banking, consulting, strategy, management, and business development in the United States and East Africa, Teba has a proven track record in delivering large-scale projects and billion-dollar deals. One of her specialties is connecting global investors with exciting opportunities in Africa, which is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies. Teba is highly regarded for her expertise in trade, investment, development, finance, foreign affairs, event promotion, and business development. She has provided strategic advice for multinational Fortune 500 companies, as well as donor organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, UN, UNECA, and African Union. Before joining the Dubai Chambers, Teba held leading positions at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she managed portfolios covering Program Management and International Development at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). She was also the founder of Creative Global Solutions (CGS), which provided management and technology consulting services in Ethiopia. As a proud Ethiopian American, Teba is passionate about supporting the next generation of female leaders across the Globe, the environment and sustainability. She holds a Master of Science in Information and Telecommunications Systems from Johns Hopkins University, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Business and Communications from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Teba is the recipient of various awards for outstanding performance throughout her career and has lived in different countries including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Read Profile