Gemma Bulos

Social Entrepreneur, Speaker, Singer

Session:

Closing Keynote (December 13th at 10:00 AM)

Bio:

Gemma Bulos is a globally renowned social entrepreneur who launched three award-winning social impact organizations on three continents through her exceptional innovation and leadership. As a co-founder of 'A Single Drop for Safe Water,' Gemma initiated a groundbreaking movement in the Philippines, fostering income-generating, community-led water service organizations in remote and disaster-prone regions. Her innovative approach garnered international recognition, including prestigious Best Social Entrepreneur awards from Echoing Green, Ernst Young, and the World Economic Forum.

Driven by her passion for creating positive change, Gemma expanded her impact to Sub-Saharan Africa, answering Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai's call to launch a transformative 'Global Women's Water Initiative' (GWWI). At GWWI, Gemma played a pivotal role in training grassroots women to become proficient in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), equipping them with the skills to lead their communities towards a brighter future of health and wealth. Gemma's pioneering efforts were recognized on the global stage where GWWI was shortlisted for the 'Humanitarian Water and Food Award,' was recognized as one of the 'Top 10 Water Solutions Trailblazers' in the world by Reuters Foundation, and nationally she was honored as the 'Most Influential Thought Leader and Innovative Filipina in the United States.

Collectively, Gemma's organizations have positively impacted the lives of over one million people across Asia and Africa, reshaping and uplifting women’s important role in the provision of clean water and sanitation.

Beyond her organizations, Gemma serves as a mentor and judge for hundreds of social impact startups worldwide. Her insights and expertise have been instrumental in coaching promising ventures, many of which have gone on to secure millions of dollars in awards and investments. She has lent her expertise to programs such as the Hult Prize, Global Innovation for Science and Technology (US State Department), Echoing Green, Dell Social Innovation Challenge, Clinton Global Initiative University, Vital Voices, and Kravis Lab's International Moonshot House, nurturing the next generation of changemakers.

Gemma is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also an inspiring speaker and thought leader. She has delivered over100 talks and keynotes including three impactful TEDx Talks. She has shared her insights and experise at prestigious forums, including the US Congress, Clinton Global Initiative University, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations. to name a few..

Prior to her illustrious career in social entrepreneurship, Gemma was a professional musician who harnessed the power of music to promote peace and unity. Her song, often dubbed 'the new human world anthem,' earned her recognition at the United Nations in response to the tragedy of 9/11. She performed the theme song for the launch of UN Women and received the CG Vibes Award from Queen Latifah and Covergirl for her transformative contributions to the world through music. She utilized this award to launch 'A Single Drop' in the Philippines, illustrating her unwavering commitment to meaningful change.

Gemma's journey has taken her to over 60 countries, where she has built a global movement for positive transformation. She is also an award-winning filmmaker, further extending her reach through the art of storytelling.

After launching her three organizations, Gemma was invited to Stanford University as a Social Entrepreneur en Residence Fellow (SEERS). During her time there, she played a pivotal role in launching a social innovation curriculum, providing students with unique opportunities to collaborate with award-winning social entrepreneurs through service-learning seminars, internships, and fellowships. Her impact also extended to City College of New York, where she trained faculty and established a Campus Engagement Network dedicated to fostering innovation across the institution,  and currently to Claremont McKenna College, where she is the founding Director of Kravis Lab for Social Impact.

Gemma Bulos is a visionary leader, a catalyst for change, and a relentless advocate for creating a better world. Through her multifaceted talents and boundless dedication, she continues to inspire and empower youth and women to embrace their purpose and raise their voices to join her in the pursuit of global progress and social justice.