TIME has named Yousriya Loza-Sawiris to its inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list, honoring 100 of the world’s most influential philanthropic changemakers. The list celebrates visionaries who have dedicated their resources, expertise, and time to creating lasting, transformative impact in communities around the wo
Loza-Sawiris, Chairwoman and founder of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), joins a distinguished group of global philanthropic leaders, recognized for their lifelong commitment to social equity and human dignity.
Since establishing the foundation in 2001 with the support of the Sawiris family, Loza-Sawiris has championed initiatives that have transformed the lives of thousands across Egypt—advancing quality education, expanding access to healthcare, fostering economic empowerment, and providing emergency relief. With her leadership, the foundation has adopted an evidence-based, impact-driven approach, marked by strategic investments and informed decision-making. This is to ensure the most effective use of resources and lasting social impact.
Mrs. Sawiris firmly believes that meaningful change begins through genuine collaboration with local communities — a principle that has shaped the Foundation’s approach since its inception. By forging strategic partnerships with government, the private sector, and civil society, the Foundation has launched sustainable development initiatives that have delivered tangible, lasting impact in Egypt’s most underserved areas.
Her journey in philanthropy, however, began long before the foundation was established. In 1979, she committed herself to supporting one of Cairo’s most underserved communities—the garbage collector community, whose residents had relied on informal waste collection and recycling for survival since the 1940s. Her work has since remained grounded in the belief that meaningful development must be built from the ground up—through trust, humility, and shared purpose.
Reflecting on the recognition, Loza-Sawiris said: “It is an honor to be included in TIME’s first-ever Philanthropy100 list, but this recognition is not a personal achievement—it represents years of collective effort, shared vision, and deep partnerships with individuals who truly believe in the power of social change. What we’ve accomplished is the result of honest collaboration among those who see development not as a project with an endpoint, but as a moral and human obligation that demands consistency, knowledge, and deep respect for those we serve.”
She continued: “This honor carries an even greater responsibility. It serves as renewed motivation—not only out of duty, but out of a profound belief that every person deserves equal opportunities for a dignified life. I’ve always believed that investing in people is the most valuable and lasting investment. A just society can only be built through inclusive partnerships, thoughtful policy, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of hope.”
She added: “This recognition goes beyond me—it is a tribute to Egypt’s development journey, and to the value of purpose-driven work rooted in belief, integrity, and collective effort.”
Mrs. Loza-Sawiris is the only Egyptian included in this prestigious global list, alongside prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Melinda Gates, Micheal Bloomberg, Peter Singer, Mackenzie Scott, as well as members of the British royal family, Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales.
The full list will appear in the June 9, 2025 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, May 30, and now at time.com/time100-philanthropy
