World Food Prize Foundation President Mashal Husain has been named one of Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of 2026, a distinguished recognition celebrating women whose leadership, vision and impact are helping shape organizations and communities around the world.
Husain joins an accomplished group of women leaders selected for the significant responsibilities they carry, the influence they have built and their commitment to driving meaningful progress. This year’s honorees span industries and institutions around the globe, from healthcare, finance and technology to organizations shaping workplaces, communities and public life.
The recognition is particularly significant at a time when women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of organizational leadership. According to the World Economic Forum, women hold fewer than one-quarter of C-suite roles globally, with their share of new C-suite appointments remaining near 27 percent since 2022.
Against that backdrop, Women We Admire’s 2026 list celebrates women who are not simply reaching the highest levels of leadership, but using those positions to advance their organizations, strengthen their communities and create lasting impact.
As president, Husain leads the organization’s efforts to advance its mission of elevating innovations and inspiring action to increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all. Her recognition happens during a milestone year for the Foundation as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize.
“I am honored to be included among The Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of 2026,” Husain said. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside extraordinary people who are committed to creating a more food-secure world. This recognition belongs to the many colleagues, partners, Laureates, educators, scientists and young leaders who continue to advance this important work. As we celebrate 40 years of the World Food Prize, I am especially inspired by the opportunity to help carry Dr. Borlaug’s legacy forward and prepare the Foundation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Husain has been a member of the Foundation leadership team since joining the organization in 2008 as director of development and finance. She subsequently served as vice president, senior vice president and chief operating officer before being named president in February 2025.
Throughout her tenure, Husain has played an integral role in strengthening the Foundation’s operations, partnerships and global reach. She has led the planning of major international gatherings that bring together thousands of leaders, scientists, policymakers, educators and advocates from around the world to address the challenges facing global food and nutrition security.
Husain’s international perspective is also central to her leadership. Raised in Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand and the Philippines, she developed an appreciation for the interconnected nature of global challenges and the importance of collaboration across cultures and borders.
“This recognition is a reflection not only of Mashal’s exceptional leadership, but of the impact of the entire Foundation team and the global community we are privileged to work with,” said Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. “Mashal brings a unique combination of strategic vision, operational leadership and a deep commitment to our mission. Her leadership is helping position the Foundation for its next 40 years of impact.”
Under Husain’s leadership, the Foundation continues to build on the legacy of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and World Food Prize Founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug by convening leaders and elevating innovators working to ensure a food-secure future.
The Women We Admire’s recognition comes as the Foundation prepares for its 2026 World Food Prize Week of Events, starting October 20 in Des Moines. The week will feature the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, bringing together international leaders, experts and scientists to address critical issues facing global food security.
About the World Food Prize: The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide. The Prize was founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his work that contributed to increases in agricultural outputs which was termed the Green Revolution. Since then, the Prize has been awarded to 56 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.
SOURCE: DAILY AGRIC NEWS
