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Kate Roberts    

Global Champion for Women's Leadership Through Business, Philanthropy, Sexual Health & Art

Kate Roberts' late father was a ship’s captain. By the time Roberts was twelve she had seen more of the world, its beauty, vastness and social inequities than most people would see in two lifetimes. These early life imprints, coupled with several harrowing experiences she endured while working in Eastern Europe, fueled in her a fierce determination to make a difference in the lives of women around the globe.

From 1999 until recently, Roberts was Senior Vice President for Population Services International (PSI), a Washington, DC based $500M global NGO, that operates in 50 countries. By establishing meaningful relationships with a number of successful business women and philanthropists, she has raised hundreds of millions of dollars; created public and private partnerships and impacted the lives of women across the world. As a leader in global philanthropy and social change Roberts has parlayed her business acumen and marketing background into a “Madison Avenue” approach; setting concrete goals and delivering measurable results.

To that end, in 2012 Roberts founded Maverick Collective (a PSI initiative) to develop impactful projects in the developing world with which to tackle women’s health issues. Engaging Melinda Gates, Dr. Precious Motsepe and the Crown Princess of Norway as Co-Chairs, Maverick Collective is redefining what it means to be an effective philanthropist and innovator. Roberts describes herself as a pioneer in developing a new type of philanthropy – going beyond the checkbook, using time, talent, and treasure to become a more powerful and efficient advocate for mission-driven philanthropy to end extreme poverty.

Historically, Roberts’ energies have been focused on global initiatives. Recently, her vision has brought her focus closer to home. Early in 2020 Roberts launched Ikigai Company, a private consulting practice dedicated to advising families, individuals and organizations on strategies to design and execute customized and purpose-driven fundraising.

Inspired by the importance of empowering women at the most fundamental level, early 2021 Roberts founded The Body Agency, an ecommerce, femtech start-up and a global movement making it easy for women to have access to body health and sexual wellness products, services and education. Her aim is to provide women of all ages and cultural backgrounds an online sanctuary for exploring their body health and intimacy in a modern, affordable and fearless way.

Public speaker, and producer of documentaries, and speaking five languages, Roberts routinely appears on TV and in print media, reprising her role as a champion for all that supports the ethos of women. Examples include: 2007 Young Global Leader at The World Economic Forum (WEF), Founding Curator of WEF Global Shapers, Fox News Power Player of the Week, Public Policy top 100 Thinkers, Fast Company Top 100 Most Creative, Vogue 100 Top women, CNN Hero, Jack Valenti AIDS Leadership Award and Fortune's Most Powerful Women.

At the core of her being, is her desire to raise her daughter Lilly in an environment where passion and purpose are the norm and young girls are encouraged to develop into tomorrow’s leaders and be free to embrace all of life’s opportunities.

News


Female Founders: Kate Roberts of The Body Agency On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman Founder
People will not understand your vision. For a founder it’s super clear and logical what your vision is but you need to be able to articulate it in your business plan for your investors and with your team who will execute on it. Don’t develop a 100 slide presentation. Keep it short and punchy with very clear ROI. You can’t get the numbers right off the bat, but get a clear understanding of the market and what gap you are filling.
Women’s History Month - Meet Today’s Innovative Leaders
Women’s rights are human rights, and supporting those rights is a year-round responsibility. But this month offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate those working tirelessly to uplift and celebrate women who otherwise would be forgotten and pushed aside.
Sex, Body, and Soul Podcast
Let's talk about the marvel that is our bodies, all they can do and what they need to thrive. We'll discuss topics like sexual wellness, fertility, periods, parenting, menopause, and even the health benefits of a really good orgasm. Plus, we have scoured the globe to provide you the latest and greatest in products and services through our one-stop shop, The Body Agency.
How A Princess And A CEO Are Applying The VC Model To Philanthropy
"It was overwhelming, actually,” recalls Kate Roberts, CEO of the philanthropic initiative the Maverick Collective, of the emotions that flooded in when she gave birth to her daughter in 2011. As a senior vice president at the not-for-profit Population Services International (PSI), she knew the challenges women face all over the world, including gender-based violence and lack of access to contraception. And she knew that despite all the rhetoric about investing in women, just two cents of every development dollar actually goes toward programs for girls.
A Consuming Cause
Kate Roberts stepped out of her aerobics studio into the crackling wind and paralyzing cold of a late winter night in Moscow. Her red leotards, thick gray sweater and sneakers seemed flimsy protection against the snow and subfreezing temperature, but she gambled that she could quickly hail a ride. As she expected, an approaching Lada slowed and the old man driving the cab pulled over to give her a lift. But the trip didn't last long. A large black Mercedes soon pulled alongside the Lada, edging closer and closer and finally forcing it off the street. Two men emerged from the Benz. One took a gun and began banging on the driver's side window, Roberts recalls. The old man rolled down the window, a few words were exchanged. He stepped out and returned with a message: Get out.
The Body Agency is Revolutionizing Health and Sexual Wellness
We’re providing a single source for all things fem-care, normalizing the conversation around women's natural being and eliminating fem-shame once and for all.

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