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Michelle Yue appointed as new Chair of the Council of Advocates

Press release
February 25, 2021

London: The Freedom Fund is pleased to announce that Michelle Yue has been confirmed as the new Chair of the Council of Advocates. Michelle, who joined the Council in 2017, succeeds Molly Gochman, Founder and President of Stardust Fund and member of the Freedom Fund’s Board of Directors. Molly was the founding Chair of the Council and intends to remain a member.

Michelle is a philanthropist and social entrepreneur focused on maximising the potential of women and girls to change the world. She is Co-Founder and Chair of The Millby Foundation, a Trustee of the Robert HN Ho Family Foundation and previously served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for Women for Women International UK. Most recently, Michelle co-founded The Beam Network, a membership-based program that aims to empower women to have greater involvement in the management of their wealth and finances. She is an alumna of The Philanthropy Workshop and a member of Women Moving Millions.

“I am honoured to take on this new role with the Council of Advocates,” said Michelle Yue. “Learning and engaging alongside my fellow members has been an important part of my journey as a philanthropist, and I am excited to find new ways to advance the Freedom Fund’s mission.” 

The Council of Advocates is a select group of passionate leaders, activists and philanthropists dedicated to substantially supporting the Freedom Fund’s mission to end modern slavery. Members play an important role in informing the Freedom Fund’s strategy and driving impact by contributing their intellect, passion, advocacy and financial support. To date, the Council has been instrumental in building the Freedom Fund’s global profile and advancing its work in the areas of gender justice, survivor leadership and equity.

“It is my privilege to pass the Chair role to Michelle,” said Molly Gochman. “She is a committed and thoughtful advocate for the Freedom Fund’s work. I’m looking forward to working with her as the Council moves into its next phase.”

“We are delighted to welcome Michelle into this new role,” said Nick Grono, Freedom Fund CEO. “Her expertise in strategic philanthropy and passion for gender justice have been great assets to the Council thus far. The Council plays a critical role in supporting the Freedom Fund’s impact and reach, and we look forward to its growth under her leadership. 

“We are also deeply grateful to Molly Gochman for her efforts to build and guide the Council since its inception. She will continue to be an essential partner in our work through her participation on both the Council and Board.”

About:

The Freedom Fund is a leader in the global movement to end modern slavery. We identify and invest in the most effective frontline efforts to eradicate modern slavery in the countries and sectors where it is most prevalent. Partnering with visionary investors, governments, anti-slavery organisations and those at risk of exploitation, we tackle the systems that allow slavery to persist and thrive. Working together, we protect vulnerable populations, liberate and reintegrate those enslaved and prosecute those responsible.

Written by
The Freedom Fund