Florida, USA — July 8, 2025 — The Inc Magazine has announced its prestigious list of “The 5 Best Iconic Business Leaders to Follow in 2025,” and among those honored is Nermine Khouzam Rubin, the Founder and CEO of Water 4 Mercy. Rubin, a passionate humanitarian and global peace advocate, is being celebrated for her pioneering work in sustainable development, humanitarian innovation, and her deep-rooted commitment to upholding human dignity in some of the world’s most underserved regions.
Rubin’s recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with her work. Since founding Water 4 Mercy in 2018, she has led a transformative movement that merges Israeli innovation, interfaith collaboration, and practical on-the-ground implementation to solve three of Africa’s most persistent challenges: thirst, hunger, and poverty.
A Vision Born of Compassion and Action
Rubin’s journey into humanitarian work began during a life-changing visit to Africa, where she witnessed the devastating effects of water scarcity firsthand. Inspired by her Catholic faith and a sense of moral responsibility, she left behind a successful career in corporate and healthcare sectors to launch Water 4 Mercy—a nonprofit organization focused on delivering long-term, dignified solutions through access to clean water, sustainable agriculture, and education.
“Water 4 Mercy is not about charity—it’s about justice,” Rubin said. “Access to clean water and food should be a right, not a privilege. With God’s grace, Israeli innovation, and local partnership, we’re transforming entire communities and offering a future filled with hope.”
Unmatched Model of Sustainability
What distinguishes Water 4 Mercy from traditional aid organizations is its commitment to sustainability and local empowerment. Through its unique partnership model with Innovation: Africa, CultivAid, and the Don Bosco Technical Institutes of Africa, the organization has created a scalable system that leverages proven Israeli technologies and a “train-the-trainer” educational approach.
Key aspects of Water 4 Mercy’s model include:
- Solar-powered water systems with remote monitoring to ensure zero breakdown and long-term functionality.
- Drip irrigation agriculture and agronomic education to achieve food sovereignty.
- Agricultural Innovation & Technology Centers (AITeC) that teach locals to become trainers, building long-term self-sufficiency.
Since its inception, the organization has transformed 28 villages across 6 countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, and Morocco. Over 87,000 people now have access to clean water and sustainable food sources. More than 12,800 farmers have been trained in agri-tech, and 450+ students are being prepared as the next generation of African agronomists.
International Leadership & Global Impact
Beyond Water 4 Mercy, Rubin’s commitment to peace and global development was recognized in April 2025 when she was appointed as an Eminent Peace Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA)—an NGO with consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). As a peace ambassador, Rubin champions diplomacy through development, interfaith understanding, and sustainable solutions that serve both people and the planet.
She also serves on several boards, including Clearwater Central Catholic High School, Enviro Projects International, Main Street Economics, and the Jewish National Fund (JNF), demonstrating her active engagement in faith-based and global community initiatives.
Flagship Programs Making a Difference
Among Water 4 Mercy’s standout initiatives is its AITeC program, which brings Israeli agricultural education to African students through Don Bosco institutions. The organization is also expanding its efforts through:
- Walk 4 Water Movement: A student-led campaign connecting U.S. schools and parishes to African villages.
- “The Most Wonderful Rain”: A children’s book co-authored by Rubin, used to educate young readers and donors about the life-changing impact of water access.
- Living Mercy Together Giving Circle: A new community-driven fundraising model launching this year.
- Future Initiatives: Exploring carbon credits, wine value chains for Tanzanian farmers, and new international partnerships under the Abraham Accords.
Accolades & Recognition
Rubin and Water 4 Mercy have received multiple awards for their impact, including:
- 2025 Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest standard for nonprofit transparency and accountability.
- 2024 “Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch” by Fortune Leader magazine.
- Appointment as a Dame in the Order of Parte Guelfa, a knighthood recognizing contributions to humanitarian service.
These honors reflect the broad recognition of Rubin’s leadership in transforming charitable work into a model of justice, sustainability, and empowerment.
A Model for the Future
Water 4 Mercy has proven that lean teams with smart partnerships can achieve global impact. By focusing on scalable solutions, local empowerment, and measurable results, Rubin has set a new standard for how humanitarian work can be done—efficiently, collaboratively, and with unwavering integrity.
As The Inc Magazine spotlights Rubin as a leader to watch, it reinforces a growing truth: the future of impact lies in combining innovation with compassion, strategy with faith, and global collaboration with local action.
To read the full feature on Nermine Khouzam Rubin, visit:
🔗 https://theincmagazine.com/the-5-best-iconic-business-leaders-to-follow-in-2025
To support or learn more about Water 4 Mercy, visit:
🌐 www.water4mercy.org
Media Contact:
Nermine Khouzam Rubin
Founder & CEO, Water 4 Mercy
📧 Nermine@water4mercy.org
📞 +1 (727) 439-4222
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