Cara-Jean Petersen

Driving transformation in education access, Cara-Jean Petersen, 35, is reshaping how tertiary funding supports young South Africans. As chief executive of The Feenix Trust, the public benefit organisation surpassed its 2025 fundraising target six months early, secured R117-million in funding, and doubled annual donations, marking a historic shift in education philanthropy. Cara-Jean introduced Feenix Masterclasses — a staff development programme focused on practical skills in project management, B-BBEE and personal mastery. Her approach to leadership is future-focused, cultivating internal capacity while mentoring young professionals who have since advanced into executive roles. With a background in global education advocacy, Cara-Jean has worked with the World Health Organisation, led youth development research, and coordinated Cape Town’s first Youth Indaba. Recognised by the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business for her role in expanding access to education, she also speaks internationally on social impact and educational justice. At every level, she brings vision, empathy and rigour — building systems that not only fund futures, but shape ethical, empowered generations who are equipped to lead.

• Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree, University of the Western Cape (*summa cum laude)
• Social Media and Marketing, University of Cape Town
• Women in Leadership, Organisational Leadership, Stellenbosch University Business School
• Short courses completed: Finance and Governance for NPOs (Turning Point Accountants), Emotional Intelligence and Personal Mastery (IMSIMBI), Impact Management and Measurement (Next Generation Impact Experts), Business Development (TSIBA Ignition Academy) and Media Training (Alkemi Collective)

• Appointed as the first woman of colour to lead Feenix (2022–present)
• Launched a pro bono masterclass initiative leveraging partner expertise to upskill Feenix’s predominantly youth-led team
• Selected for the international Tony Elischer Foundation Mentorship Programme (2025)
• Invited speaker at the International Fundraising Conference (IFC) in the Netherlands (2024 and 2025)
• Honoured by the University of Cape Town’s Graduate Business School in 2024 at the 25th Annual Women in Business Conference
• Partnered with the World Health Organization on the Global Early Childhood Development Study (2015–2016), including a research collaboration in Switzerland with international experts
• Led the coordination of the City of Cape Town Youth Indaba (2014) in partnership with the Department of Social Development and Early Childhood Development, hosted at the University of the Western Cape while working for the UWC HIV & AIDS Programme
• Mentored several young professionals, with four promoted within two years and one appointed as chief executive of an impact-driven start-up affiliated with the Maharishi Institute

• The most influential role model has been my mother, whose resilience and dedication provided the foundation for personal growth despite significant hardship. Her unwavering support for education created a secure environment that enabled success.
• Leana de Beer, group chief executive, played a critical role as a mentor during the early stages of leadership. Her patient, practical guidance and ongoing support contributed significantly to my professional development and eventual appointment as chief executive
• Nyasha Njela, Damian Chapman, Joachim Jacobs (late), Megan September and Chantel Cooper have shaped a leadership style grounded in purpose, generosity and empathy through their honesty, humour and continued guidance.