Celebrating a New Chapter: U.S. Ambassador Tatiana Gfoeller-Volkoff Launches Her Latest Novel
On May 20, 2025, the ACE Health Foundation hosted a remarkable book launch luncheon at the historic DACOR-Bacon House in Washington, DC, honoring the celebrated romantic novelist and ACE Health Foundation’s Ambassador-at-Large, U.S. Ambassador (ret.) Tatiana C. Gfoeller-Volkoff.
The event marked the unveiling of her latest novel, “Becoming Virginia,” and highlighted her inspiring journey as a novelist in her second inning, while she continues her work to advance women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit globally. The luncheon, organized by ACE Health Foundation’s Founder and President, Philanthropist and Humanitarian, Ms. Pooja Chandra Pama, brought together a select audience of literary aficionados and creative minds. An acknowledgment and a moment of silence were observed in honor of the American legend, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis, the Founding Co-Chair of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network at the ACE Health Foundation. Her remarkable contributions to American diplomacy, women’s economic advancement and leadership development continue to inspire us all, reminding us of the impact one individual can have on countless lives globally. Guests were welcomed by Ms. Pama, who underscored the importance of women successfully navigating their second acts, embracing new opportunities, and leveraging their life experiences for impactful contributions.
In Loving Memory
Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (Ret.)Co-Chair and Co-Founder, ACE Global Leaders of Excellence
Network
ACE Health Foundation
With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we share the passing of our beloved friend, mentor, and co-founder, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis. As Co-Chair of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network, Ruth shaped not only the future of women leaders but forever transformed those of us blessed to walk beside her.
Born into a segregated world, Ruth defied the odds with unyielding strength and dignity. She rose to become the first African American woman to serve as Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service and the U.S. Foreign Service Institute. Ruth was a distinguished Career Ambassador and also the first female Senior Watch Officer in the State Department.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Her Majesty for her unwavering commitment to supporting women’s empowerment initiatives and fostering global connections
On a momentous occasion, Poonam Patnaik, a distinguished member of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network of ACE Health Foundation, played a pivotal leadership role as AIDE President and spouse of the Indian Ambassador to Spain, as the board proudly met Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain at the Zarzuela Palace. During this special occasion, the proceeds from the 2024 Gala Dinner were presented to the Reina Sofía Foundation. Her Majesty graciously engaged with Board members from various nations, sharing reflections from her travels and inspiring conversations on empowerment and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Her Majesty for her unwavering commitment to supporting women’s empowerment initiatives and fostering global connections.
A huge congratulations to Carissa Gonzalez, recipient of the award, and Christopher Hattayer, runner-up!
The ACE Health Foundation proudly congratulates the recipients of the inaugural Ruth A. Davis Mid-Career Award for Excellence, instituted by the U.S. State Department to honor Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.), Co-Chairwoman of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence. This prestigious award reflects Ambassador Davis’s legacy of exceptional leadership, intellect, and integrity, celebrating those who embody the highest standards of service in the U.S. Foreign Service.
A huge congratulations to Carissa Gonzalez, recipient of the award, and Christopher Hattayer, runner-up!
Pooja Chandra Pama stated "Ambassador Davis’s remarkable contributions continue to uplift leaders and advance communities worldwide. At ACE Health Foundation, we are honored to work alongside such an extraordinary trailblazer."
CELEBRATE SUZETTE BATHER-TAYLOR ON HER SELECTION FOR NEW YORK CITY & STATE’S INAUGURAL TRAILBLAZERS IN ECONOMIC
ACE Health Foundation is proud to celebrate Suzette Bather-Taylor on her selection for City & State’s inaugural Trailblazers in Economic Development list!
As a distinguished member of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network in the Global Partners category, Suzette’s innovative work and dedication to creating jobs and advancing the economic well-being of New Yorkers are receiving well-earned recognition. Her achievements are highlighted online and in a special commemorative magazine alongside other trailblazing leaders in government, business, academia, and advocacy.
Please join us in celebrating Suzette’s outstanding contributions and this well-deserved honor!
ACE GLOBAL LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE NETWORK’S ADVISOR MEMBER TERESA PERALES PARS WITH MICHAEL PHELPS
ACE Health Foundation’s founder Pooja Chandra Pama is thrilled to announce, congratulate, and pay tribute to Teresa Perales Fernandez , the Spanish swimmer and an esteemed advisor member of the ACE Health Foundation’s ACE Global Leaders of Excellent Network (AGLEN) on her remarkable achievement of winning the bronze in the 50m backstroke at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This victory marks her seventh consecutive medal and brings her total count of Paralympic medals to an astonishing 28, making her the most decorated female swimmer, and placing her alongside the legendary Olympian, American swimmer, Michael Phelps.
Teresa Perales Fernandez is an exceptional athlete, entrepreneur, politician, activist, motivational speaker, and a devoted advocate for women’s empowerment. Co-Chairs of AGLEN US Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.) and Philanthropist and Humanitarian Pooja Chandra Pama, and ACE Health Foundation’s ambassador-at-large, Ambassador Tatiana Gfoeller-Volkoff express immense pride in having Teresa as part of the organization, praising her ability to inspire and drive positive change. Pama states, “Teresa encapsulates the spirit of ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network (AGLEN). She is a leader who exemplifies striving for excellence by addressing challenges with unwavering perseverance and determination fueled by transformation.”
Congratulations to Teresa Perales Fernandez on her extraordinary accomplishments.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMBASSADOR RUTH A. DAVIS!
Your life is indeed tuned in to the frequency of grace and that makes it a joy for all of us blessed to know you and to wish you a memorable birthday on May 28th.
You have no idea what retirement means, and we are glad for you motivating us to forge ahead and to excel. You remain determined to inform/educate our colleagues of all hues the accomplishments of women of color in diplomacy. Your recent publications about African American Women Ambassadors will be a permanent resource for the instrumental role many of us played in resolving conflicts worldwide.
Women’s History Month: More Inspiring ‘Firsts’ by Female African American Ambassadors
Celebrating Women's History Month by spotlighting the article "More Inspiring ‘Firsts’ by African American Female Ambassadors." written by Ambassador Ruth A.Davis (ret.), co-chair of ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network. Thank you for paving the way with legendary grace and strength.
ACE GLOBAL LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE NETWORK LAUNCHES KENYAN CHAPTER NAIROBI, KENYA
The ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network (AGLEN), an ACE Health Foundation program, held its inaugural chapter meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Four Point Sheraton on February 16, 2024. The event brought together women leaders from various professional, political, civil societies, private sectors, and development organizations. Meeting participants aspired to establish a vibrant, focused team within the Kenyan Chapter, fostering collaboration and strategic planning. Participants enthusiastically contributed ideas and recommendations for the Chapter's future direction, emphasizing the importance of unity and a culturally sensitive collective approach to regional development.
2024 MasterMinds 503 class
ACE Health Foundation Welcomes the Kenyan Chapter of ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network, and presents a program on Reshaping Our Role in the Continent’s Growth and Development
2023 MasterMinds MasterClass
On December 2, 2023, MasterMinds 503 Speaker series in East and West Africa, ACE Health Foundation proudly presents "The Business Fundamentals" session.
ACE Health Foundation Celebrates 2023 United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child
In recognition of the 11th anniversary of the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child, ACE Health Foundation celebrates, and embraces the themes, Digital generation. Our generation ” and Invest in Girls Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well being ACE supports, empowers, and uplifts girls worldwide by making concerted efforts to bridge the leadership and digital gender divide by providing resources, and implementing educational programs and mentoring opportunities for social and economic empowerment. ACE recognizes the urgency of advancing and developing spaces that pave the way for girls to contribute to the decisions that impact their concerns and well-being.
U.S. Ambassador Harriet L. Elam-Thomas (ret.) Joins ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network
"It is my honor to accept the invitation from the Founder and President of ACE Health Foundation, Pooja Chandra Pama to join the work of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network. Your track record speaks for itself. I am pleased to be associated with an organization committed to concrete actions to uplift talented global women.
While the Chinese proverb about women holding up half the sky is well known, my life experience with individuals like those with the ACE Global Leaders Network is living proof that women hold up the entire sky. The ACE Health Foundation’s work is confirmation that with heightened self-esteem and opportunity, women will transform the world."
- U.S. Ambassador Harriet L. Elam-Thomas (ret.)
ACE HEALTH FOUNDATION STATEMENT- CEREMONY PRESENTING INAUGURAL SECRETARY OF STATE'S AWARD FOR GLOBAL ANTI- RACISM CHAMPIONS – August 9, 2023
On August 9, 2023, Career Ambassador Ruth A. Davis( ret.) co-chair of ACE Global Network for ACE Health Foundation and co-founder of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) and Founder and President of ACE Health Foundation Pooja Chandra Pama joined US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken, Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Desiree Cormier Smith, Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Richard Verma; OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov; UNESCO Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences Gabriela Ramos; and other distinguished guests from the International community to honor the 2023 recipients of the U.S. Department of State inaugural Secretary of State's Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions.
Ambassador Ruth A. Davis 80th Birthday Celebration
We are excited to be a part of celebrating and honoring ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network Co-Chair Ambassador Ruth A. Davis for her 80th birthday!
Summit for awareness of the significance of democracy in empowering women across the globe
A global competition was held on March 27, 2023 by ACE Health Foundation, a consistent partner of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program ( AWE), to raise awareness of the significance of democracy in empowering women across the globe.
An overwhelming success, the endeavor was launched in conjunction with the U.S. sponsored Summit for Democracy and reached a target audience worldwide, resulting in over 400 participants. The event, focused specifically on the integral link between democracy and gender equity as it pertains to entrepreneurship, furthers the initiatives currently supported through ACE Health Foundation’s work with AWE.
The contest, through the submission of a 60-second video (#SummitForDemocracy), sought to underscore the critical advantages inherent in democratic governance for women, their empowerment, and their predicted success as entrepreneurs. Advocating those democratic practices and principles such as access to education, training, funding opportunities and decision-making through political participation equip women to start and grow their own businesses, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of their communities, participants were asked to share their own personal stories of democracy and its impact.
Three outstanding awardees were chosen, with Uganda’s Christine Leeven securing the 1st prize, followed by Ndong Rexson Chanjoh of Cameroon in 2nd place, and Brenda Laker in 3rd. Christine and Brenda were two graduates of the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Uganda. AWE has globally empowered its cohorts of women through mentorship MasterMinds 502 curriculum created by an Indian born US Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Pooja Chandra Pama, and supported by ACE Health Foundation. and the US Department of State’s AWE Program.
The inaugural competition successfully encouraged the support of Democracy while increasing an understanding of gender equity’s critical role in the economic growth of communities.
2023 ACE Summit for Democracy
The 2023 Summit for Democracy is only days away and therefore, requires our immediate attention! The Summit, hosted by the United States, is intended to renew awareness and commitment to Democracy globally.
ACE Health Foundation supports “The Status of Women is the Status of Democracy” which will build upon the 2021 initiative (“Empowering Prosperity: Advancing Women to Advance the Status of Democracy”) that focused upon the importance of gender equity and equality to democratic societies and the necessity of women’s civic and political participation.
Congratulations to Pooja Chandra Pama, founder of Ace Health Foundation
Teresa Perales and Pooja Chandra Pama
Congratulations to Pooja Chandra Pama, founder of Ace Health Foundation, for receiving the 15th annual International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge Award in Madrid, Spain. The International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge Foundation gathered business women owners from five continents in Madrid to recognize their success stories and offer networking opportunities around thought sessions on leadership worldwide. The IWEC Foundation’s constituents represent some of the most influential businesswomen from the world’s most important emerging and established regions.
ACE Global Bridges: Women Entrepreneurship Day 2022 Madrid, Spain
ACE Health Foundation extends our heartfelt gratitude to the participants and sponsors for their remarkable contributions to the ACE Global Bridges: A Conversation and Networking Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, commemorating the worldwide Women's Entrepreneurship Day on November 11, 2022, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid.
Pooja Chandra Pama said , “I valued your commitment to carve out time to attend and prepare for the conversation. Your enthusiasm, professionalism, knowledge, and inquisitiveness contributed significantly to the event's success. It was impressive to witness a cohort of women entrepreneurs coming together, taking their seats at the table, and embracing the space for extended comradery opportunities. I was delighted to engage in the conversation, sharing everyone’s stories and experiences, and my bedrock motto noting - with Privilege comes Great Responsibility. I look forward to teaming up with you and building ACE Global Bridges Leadership Network together for Leadership Development, and to power up our networks and resources to close the equity gap for women entrepreneurs globally, by building resilient, educated, and financially empowered communities.”
Ambassador Ruth A Davis, Retd Remarks
Global Bridges: A Conversation and Networking Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
Commemorating 2022 Women Entrepreneurship Day
When and where
Date and time Fri, November 11, 2022, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM CET
Location
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid 3 Calle de Sevilla 28014 Madrid Spain
About this event
With over 25 years of business experience, the host of Global Bridges, Pooja Chandra Pama, CEO and Founder of ACE Health Foundation and Praemium ACE Foods, is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and humanitarian.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to further its partnership with ACE Health Foundation in support of ECA’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). ECA’s partnership with ACE Health Foundation expands the learning and business growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs globally in direct support of the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality.