Transcending Boundaries: Conversations with Reeta Roy

On the season finale of Transcending Boundaries, our host, Reeta Roy, steps into the guest seat, with philanthropist Ann Cotton hosting this special episode.Reeta Roy is a globally respected leader and advocate for equity, inclusion, and shared prosperity. As President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, she has built one of the world’s largest and most impactful philanthropies, with over $50 billion in assets and transformative programs reaching millions across Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada. Since 2008, Reeta has championed bold, collaborative action—advancing youth employment, women’s empowerment, and vaccine equity through initiatives such as Saving Lives and Livelihoods. Guided by humility, listening, and co-creation, she remains a visionary voice for justice, opportunity, and transformative leadership across Africa and the world.Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better.Learn more here: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

Graça Machel is a globally revered humanitarian, liberation leader, and tireless champion for women’s and children’s rights. From Mozambique’s independence struggle—where she served as Minister of Education and raised school enrolment from 40 to over 90 percent—to her landmark 1996 UN report on children in armed conflict, her influence spans continents. As founder of the Graça Machel Trust and founding member of The Elders, she continues to advance women’s economic empowerment, justice, and remains an enduring moral voice for dignity, equality, and transformative leadership across Africa and beyond.Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better.Learn more here: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

The Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada’s 28th Governor General, is a distinguished scholar, statesman, and advocate for civic leadership. A Harvard graduate and former university president at McGill and Waterloo, he has dedicated his life to advancing education, innovation, and volunteerism. During his tenure as Governor General (2010–2017), he championed the vision of a “smart and caring nation,” launching initiatives such as My Giving Moment and the Governor General’s Innovation Awards. Author of over 25 books and founder of the Rideau Hall Foundation, Johnston embodies integrity, humility, and lifelong service to Canada and humanity.Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better.Learn more here: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

Zein Abdalla is a globally respected business leader and Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors. A former President of PepsiCo, Inc., he led operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driving growth and transformation. Educated at Imperial College London with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Abdalla began his career at Mars Inc., where he rose through diverse leadership roles. Today, he serves on several global boards, including Cognizant Technology Solutions and TJX Companies. He is widely recognized for his values-based leadership, commitment to ethical governance, and dedication to empowering young people across Africa.Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better.Learn more here: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.

Angélique Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award–winning Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist celebrated for her powerful voice and vibrant fusion of African rhythms with global sounds. Born in Ouidah, Benin, she rose from performing in her mother’s theatre troupe to becoming one of the world’s most influential artists. Beyond music, she is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Batonga Foundation, empowering girls across Africa through education and economic opportunity. Honored with the 2023 Polar Music Prize and TIME 100 recognition, Kidjo continues to use her art to inspire unity, justice, and social change.Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better.Learn more here: ⁠https://mastercardfdn.org/en/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.