Phoenix Ricks is the founder and CEO of Girl Friday, a global affairs agency based in Washington, DC.

Girl Friday was founded in 2020 with a newsletter focused on pressing international issues, and it has evolved into a consultancy and media platform.

Previously, Phoenix led SHEIN’s U.S. public affairs strategies and directed PepsiCo’s government relations initiatives in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Prior to joining the private sector, she worked in public diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State.

Phoenix is an alumna of Howard University, American University, and the University of Cambridge. She serves on the board of directors for Social Current, The Samburu Project, Tidey Ocean Foundation, and Partnerships for Trauma Recovery.