Mpule Kwelagobe is the founder and CEO of the MPULE Institute for Endogenous Development, a New York City-based, Africa-focused advocacy and public policy think tank that engages globally with thought-leaders on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. In 1999, at the tender age of 19, Mpule Kwelagobe became the first delegate to represent Botswana at the Miss Universe pageant – and she won – making history as the first African woman to be crowned Miss Universe. She holds a degree in International Political Economy from Columbia University. She sits on the board of African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the Agriculture and Food Security Center at Columbia University, and is a member of the Africa Policy Advisory Board for the ONE Campaign.