I’m Janina Peter, founder of Bridging Gaps, an award-winning, refugee-led nonprofit that empowers marginalized communities across the Global South through interest-free, pay-it-forward microloans and social entrepreneurship education. Our work connects grassroots changemakers with global supporters and is now expanding through digital-first, multilingual, community-driven solutions.

Alongside Bridging Gaps, I am a social entrepreneur, yoga teacher, and founder of Asana to Impact – a soulful program helping new yoga teachers become confident Yogapreneurs and build purpose-driven businesses rooted in service.

I've spent over a decade leading global change initiatives. I founded Bridging Gaps, which has trained over 800 entrepreneurs across Uganda, Brazil, the DRC, Madagascar, Zambia, and beyond. I also held leadership roles at the United Nations, where I launched innovation programs and championed entrepreneurship to support grassroots changemakers.

Academically, I hold a postgraduate degree in Social Innovation, a Master’s in Development Economics and International Studies, and a Bachelor’s in Business. I’m also a trained plant-based nutritionist and an independent consultant who has supported NGOs, companies, and changemakers worldwide.

Through my work, whether in social innovation or yoga, I aim to empower people to grow with clarity, purpose, and community.