Who we are

Evoca Foundation was founded by Naza Alakija in 2018 and is run by a small team of London-based creatives and specialists. 

We work across climate action, education and supporting women and girls to deliver our vision of a world which is prosperous, sustainable and equitable for all.

Investing

We invest in creative, grassroots ideas that help girls, women and the planet to thrive.

Advocating

We advocate for the education to which children and young people—especially girls—are entitled, so they can take control of their futures and the future of the planet.

Accelerating

We accelerate progress through campaigns that draw attention to some of the issues that hold back girls, women and the health of our planet.

Responding

We respond to humanitarian crises by supporting critical interventions and providing emergency aid.

OUR FOCUS AREAS

Climate
Action

The effects of climate change are not felt equally across the world. They impact disadvantaged population groups the hardest, despite the fact they’re often less likely to have contributed to our rising CO2 emissions. These groups frequently have fewer resources or lack infrastructural resilience, so when they’re hit hard, they struggle to bounce back. 

The climate crisis takes existing disparities and dials them up, which is why women and girls are especially vulnerable. They are also much more likely to be affected by climate-related disasters: 80% of people displaced by climate change are women and girls.

The environmental challenges we face present an existential crisis, and when parts of our world are already bearing the brunt, it’s essential that we share the responsibility.

Education

Women are the pillars of our communities, but in many settings their potential for creativity and innovation goes unsupported. Evoca advocates for the rights of women and girls to complete their education, develop skills, build confidence and participate in the decision-making that shapes their own futures, and the future of this planet. 

Supporting
Women & Girls

In the context of the climate crisis and its exacerbation of existing inequalities, women and girls’ access to basic human rights is compromised. Too often they are overlooked and undervalued, and are much more likely than boys to be taken out of school, which means they miss out on learning essential skills. Women and girls are especially vulnerable to systemic violence and exploitation, and in times of crisis, these issues are amplified.

Our Team

  • Naza Alakija

    Founder & CEO

    Naza is the Founder and CEO of Evoca Foundation. Alongside her work with the Foundation, Naza advises institutions, governments and global investors on strategy and cross-sector collaboration. Born in Tehran and raised in the United Kingdom, Naza holds a Master’s in International Relations from Queen Mary University of London. She is currently a Gender Equality Philanthropy Fellow at the LSE Marshall Institute, and speaks fluent English, Farsi and Portuguese.

  • Pandora Haydon

    Chief of Staff

    Pandora has worked for over 12 years in strategic communications, press, media and creative campaigns. She shapes evidenced-based narratives to deliver lasting policy change across international development, health inequalities, sustainability and human rights.

  • Ivana Lucic

    Project Manager

    Ivana's journey began as a refugee from the Balkan wars in the 1990s, instilling in her a profound commitment to supporting causes that uplift and empower women. With a professional background in marketing, advertising, and innovation strategy, she is passionate about driving purpose-led initiatives that create meaningful impact.

  • Eliza Haydon

    Operations Officer

    Eliza spent a year at the London School of Economics studying Economics before going on to run a small hotel in Greece. She has experience in communications and administrative roles with small charities and UK-based businesses, supporting them with operational challenges, copywriting needs and keeping on top of day-to-day requirements.

  • Naedine Martin

    Head of Digital Storytelling & Engagement

    Naedine brings eight years’ experience in digital marketing, specialising in social content, brand strategy and campaign production. She has led multi-platform storytelling for clients across fashion, tech and culture, combining creative leadership with data-led insights. Advocacy for women and girls is a driving force behind her work, influencing her creative direction and the initiatives she supports.