Worldβs 20 Emerging Women Leaders Redefining Success in 2025
Company: Kleczyk-Strout Foundation
Designation: Co-Founder
Country: United States
Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk stands as a powerful voice in the intersection of data science, healthcare equity, and philanthropic innovation. Nationally recognized for her contributions to healthcare analytics and real-world evidence, Dr. Kleczyk has continuously championed the role of data in improving patient outcomes and advancing access to care. In her current senior leadership position at a respected healthcare research organization, she leads strategic operations, shaping the trajectory of medical research and insights that impact public health policy and practice.
Her dedication to healthcare advancement is matched by her deep commitment to social impact through philanthropy. Alongside her husband, James R. Strout, Dr. Kleczyk co-founded the Kleczyk-Strout Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing inequalities in education and healthcare. Their work reflects a shared belief in creating pathways for opportunity and empowerment, especially in communities that face structural barriers to success. Rooted in values of equity and service, the foundation operates as a catalyst for change, supporting initiatives that foster long-term, sustainable improvement.
A central focus of the foundation is education, specifically through the Kleczyk-Strout Family Scholarship. This scholarship supports graduate students pursuing advanced studies in Economics and related disciplines, with a particular emphasis on assisting international and underrepresented students. The initiative not only provides financial support but also offers professional mentorship and access to career development resources. By targeting systemic barriers in higher education, the scholarship aims to uplift future leaders in economics, data science, and public policy. The selection process prioritizes candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and a clear vision for social impact through their work, aligning with the foundation’s mission of fostering meaningful change through knowledge and leadership.
In parallel, the foundation is actively involved in healthcare initiatives in rural Maine, a region with deep personal significance to both Dr. Kleczyk and Mr. Strout. Their efforts are focused on expanding access to cancer care in underserved communities. Collaborating closely with local hospitals and health administrators, they identify service gaps and implement solutions that enhance the patient experience. These efforts are designed to ease the burden on cancer patients and their families by addressing not just medical needs, but also logistical and emotional challenges. Their commitment extends to working with organizations like Wheels for Hope, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. These partnerships reflect the foundation’s hands-on approach and its broader vision of comprehensive, compassionate care.
Beyond the foundation’s programmatic work, Dr. Kleczyk is a prominent advocate for public engagement and thought leadership in healthcare and education. Through speaking engagements, online forums, and live discussions, she addresses critical topics such as healthcare disparities, executive leadership, women’s representation in STEM, and the essential role of data literacy in decision-making. Her voice not only amplifies the mission of the Kleczyk-Strout Foundation but also inspires broader dialogue around building equitable systems that empower individuals and communities alike.
As their foundation continues to expand its footprint, Dr. Kleczyk and Mr. Strout remain firmly grounded in their belief that philanthropy should be purposeful, collaborative, and future-focused. Their vision of change is not driven by charity alone, but by a strategic commitment to long-term empowerment. Through education, healthcare access, and advocacy, they are working to build a world where opportunity is not dictated by circumstance, and where individuals are supported in reaching their fullest potential. Dr. Kleczyk’s multifaceted leadership, spanning data science, healthcare innovation, and philanthropic action, cements her place as a leader redefining success in 2025 and beyond.