Global Epilepsy Leaders - Celebrating our Inaugural Cohort!

Published on March 10, 2026

17 months of hard work, 14 fantastic Global Epilepsy Leaders!

The Global Epilepsy Leaders programme is an IBE-run leadership programme launched in 2024 with the primary objective of empowering epilepsy advocates and chapter representatives through targeted training and experiential learning with the skills and confidence to become leaders on a national and global level.
We want to create a powerful global epilepsy community, inspire lifelong collaboration and co-creation, and foster friendship, solidarity, and mutual support.
The curriculum was co-created based on priority areas for stakeholders, and the pilot cohort were integral in helping us shape the programme as it went along with detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. We are so grateful to them and to our community for their support in enabling us to deliver the first cohort of the programme. 
 
With 14 incredible graduates from across IBE's seven regions, we're so proud to introduce you to our first ever Global Epilepsy Leaders!
 

Aline Pansani, Brazil

"I leave this course transformed and eager to advocate with greater competence for the epilepsy cause."

Ariel Dvir, Israel

"I’ll blend science and storytelling to improve seizure awareness, advocate for everyone with epilepsy, and elevate women’s unique struggles."

Cassie Corral, USA

"I’m moving forward with deeper commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and expanding what’s possible in meaningful epilepsy care."

Fred Kiserem, Kenya

"The sky is not the limit – you can go further!"

Hamdi Saddoud, Tunisia

"The GEL program was so fruitful and amazing. I got the chance to learn lots of new things about epilepsy, communication and research."

Ilona Wilmont, Netherlands

"I won't stop until lifestyle becomes a tool, not a footnote, in epilepsy care."

Leonie Wollscheid, Germany

"I will continue empowering people with epilepsy, amplifying unheard voices, shaping policy, fighting stigma, and building compassionate, informed communities stronger."

Mariola Lesiak-Bzdak, Poland

"Amplifying voices, influencing policy, and building global partnerships to improve the lives of people with rare and complex epilepsy and their families."

Matisse McCullough, Australia

"I look forward to educating people nationally and globally about epilepsy, its impacts and the importance of lived experience."

MyeongHui Lee, South Korea

"I will grow as a global leader, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders while strengthening my expertise as an epilepsy advocate."

Pooja Nandi, India

"As an epilepsy advocate, I hope to continue spreading awareness, building better understanding, and helping others with epilepsy lead fulfilling lives."

Shanaz Ramzi, Pakistan

"I hope to use my learning and experience to spread the word far and wide, especially through the media."

Swastika Shrestha, Nepal

"I see more advocacy and more returns in terms of changing the lives of people with epilepsy for the better!"

Vinay Jani, India

"IBE-GEL programme helped me move from awareness to action by bridging lived experience with research, communication and global advocacy."

 

Once again, a huge congratulations to our Global Epilepsy Leaders. We can't wait to see what they do next. 

We are now welcoming expressions of interest for the next cohort. Click here to express your interest or share the link with people in your network.

The Global Epilepsy Leaders Programme was made possible by sponsorship from:

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Francesca Sofia Reappointed as IBE President for a Second Term

June 4, 2025
We are pleased to announce that Francesca Sofia has been reappointed as President of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), beginning her second term following recent constitutional reforms that allow for consecutive presidential terms.In a message to the IBE community, Francesca expressed gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose, noting that this next chapter represents not just continuity