The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership is pleased to announce this year’s Emerging Leader Award recipient, Samir Lakhani, founder of the nonprofit Eco-Soap Bank a global soap-recycling organization which operates in 11 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

This annual celebration recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who, relatively early in their professional careers, have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and high promise of future contributions.

Samir Lakhani is a social entrepreneur dedicated to restoring health and dignity to developing countries through environmental initiatives. Prior to founding Eco-Soap Bank in 2014, Lakhani was deeply involved in climate-resilient aquaculture and nutrition projects in northern Cambodian villages. To date, Eco-Soap Bank has reached over 1.3 million people with recycled soap and free hygiene education. In 2017, Samir received a CNN Heroes Award and Rotary Presidential Peacebuilding Award for his work with global hygiene. Samir Lakhani graduated in 2015 from the University of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Environmental Studies in the Department of Geology.

We look forward to you joining us to honor Samir Lakhani!