Mauricia, founder of the ElevateHER Network, an empowerment initiative for the increased inclusion of women and girls in ICT, is a, Social Entrepreneur, Researcher, Facilitator and Speaker. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Language and Communication and Gender Studies as well as an Honours degree specializing in Psychology.

Amongst the interventions Mauricia has developed is a rural community based educational support program, to encourage innovative thinking in youth, as well as a research based intervention aimed at bridging access to content development for the empowerment of marginalised communities in South Africa.

As a graduate of the African School of Internet Governance Mauricia served as a panelist for the AfIGF, ZAIGF, ICANN Next Generation of internet leaders and ICANN Ambassador for ICANN-62 Panama, South America. Mauricia is passionate about human development in Africa, innovation and the protection of human rights online.