The expedition for women philanthropists started in March 2026. There are 29 Explorers. They are from right across the world all at different stages in their philanthropy. Some are starting out, some are engaged and want to do more and others are well into their journey. They span countries, ages and issue areas. Some are doing their philanthropy on a large scale while others are operating on a modest scale and would hardly describe themselves as philanthropists. All involved are philanthropists themselves, none are simply advisors or consultants to philanthropists. 20 women philanthropists have joined as Guides. WE Guides are women who are generous in sharing their insights on leadership with women on expeditions.

Everyone involved in this expedition is clear that it will not be about how women philanthropists give but about how they lead. This is important because, despite the increasing number and influence of women in philanthropy, many continue to face a multitude of challenges in their leading. Above all they deal with a difficult form of imbalanced power and disproportionate level of authority as their role sits alongside the role of a funder, and they know that they must learn how to use it appropriately and effectively. During this expedition, these philanthropists are discovering their own approach to leading, and sharing it on the WE Hub, so that philanthropists across the world benefit from it and choose to lead or lead more.