“A single seed can start a forest; a single Fellow can spark a movement.”
In April 2025, the Aspen Global Leadership Network announced the recipients of the 2025 McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund. Among the six global awardees is ALI South Africa’s own Mpadi Makgalo (Class VI: Tshelela), honoured for her pioneering work with HEAL South Africa. This recognition places Mpadi and her venture alongside changemakers from Central America, the Philippines and the United States, all committed to building healthier and more equitable communities.
Mpadi’s journey with HEAL SA began with a deeply personal mission: to address the urgent mental health crisis facing South Africa’s youth. Drawing on her own experiences, she set out to provide free mental health counselling services and professional development to young people, educators and communities that have long been overlooked. Under her guidance, HEAL SA has become a beacon for those seeking support and hope, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of ethical leadership and a values-driven approach.
As Anne Welsh McNulty, President of the McNulty Foundation and trustee of the Aspen Institute, observed: “These organisations offer powerful new models for driving change. While they may be at an early stage, they are led by individuals whose deep expertise and connection to their communities mean they are uniquely positioned to make lasting change.”
Mpadi’s recognition by the McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund is a proud moment for the ALI SA fellowship and a clear reflection of the vision: moving from success to significance. Her work plays an important role in providing much needed support to young people who are facing serious mental health challenges and often have nowhere to turn to for help. HEAL SA is addressing disparities and strengthening the fabric of our Good Society.
About the McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund
The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund recognizes promising ventures led by Fellows of the Aspen Institute, AGLN and Aspen Global Innovators Group with significant early momentum and at critical junctures on their path to creating meaningful change. Learn more at mcnultyfound.org/catalyst-fund.
The Fund boosts leaders and their organizations, awarding up to $150,000 annually across five to seven recipients as well as non-monetary support to reach the next level of impact. Launched in 2017, to date, the fund has supported over 30 recipients from around the world.
The Catalyst Fund builds on more than fifteen years of impact with the John P. McNulty Prize, a $450,000 annual award that celebrates the boldness and impact of individuals using their leadership abilities, entrepreneurial spirit, and expertise to address the world’s toughest challenges.
“HEAL SA has become a beacon for those seeking support and hope, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of ethical leadership and a values-driven approach.”
For more about HEAL SA or to support their mission, visit heal-sa.org.za.
For more information on how to submit your venture for the McNulty Catalyst Fund or McNulty Prize, please contact Sulu at ALI SA on email: sulungeka@alisa.co.za.
