From Shy child to Global Advocate: Navyn Salem’s Decade-Long Fight Against Malnutrition Gains Momentum
ASPEN, CO – A childhood decision to “make a difference” has propelled Navyn Salem from crippling shyness to a leading voice in the global fight against malnutrition. Speaking at the 2025 Resnick Aspen Action forum, Salem, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), detailed her personal transformation and unwavering commitment to ending malnutrition worldwide, a mission she’s pursued with increasing impact for over a decade.
Salem, described as “the shyest child on planet Earth,” recounted the daunting first step in her journey: overcoming the fear of public speaking. “One day I decided that I wanted to make a difference in the world. And the most scary part of that was getting on a stage for the first time and having to even utter a sentence,” she shared. “But overcoming that fear was the first step I had to take to do the work I do now. And now you can’t get me to shut up or get away from this microphone.”
Her dedication extends beyond simply voicing concerns. Salem emphasized the critical need to “speak up even louder, to voice what we care about and the issues that we’re passionate about, because that is the only way that we can make change.” She acknowledges the weight of leadership, admitting that she is often “more afraid of,” “what if this idea works?” because success demands sustained responsibility and follow-through.
The AGLN,a network of nearly 4,000 entrepreneurial leaders spanning over 60 countries,provides a platform for Salem and her peers to connect,collaborate,and address global challenges. Fellows, drawn from business, government, and the nonprofit sector, are united by a commitment to “enlightened leadership.” The 2025 Resnick Aspen Action Forum, which brought together over 500 leaders – including nearly 100 young leaders – from more than 30 countries, centered on the enduring question: “What does it meen to lead with purpose in times of profound uncertainty?” – a question first posed by the Aspen Institute 75 years ago.
Salem’s story exemplifies the AGLN’s core values and serves as an inspiration for continued action. Further content from the 2025 Resnick Aspen Action forum, exploring leadership and change-making, is available at https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-global-leadership-network/events/2025-resnick-aspen-action-forum/.
