ABOUT US
Our Team
Building a more inclusive organization from the inside out
Our own executive leadership and staff is built around the knowledge that our diverse skill sets and backgrounds help us develop innovative financial products and services that will make a meaningful impact for women, their families and communities.
Women’s World Banking, Inc.
Women’s World Banking, Inc. is a New York-formed not-for-profit corporation classified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Women’s World Banking is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of recognized leaders in banking, finance, law, and women’s economic participation. The Women’s World Banking Board has fiduciary responsibility for the organization and is charged with approving the organization’s policies, strategies, and annual budgets. The Board meets quarterly.
Officers
Directors
Honorary Members for Life
Stichting to Promote Women’s World Banking Board of Directors
Women’s World Banking is a Dutch registered Stichting, or charity organization. Women’s World Banking is governed by a Board of Directors, all of whom are long-standing champions of Women’s World Banking and are recognized leaders in law, business, and finance. This Board is responsible for overseeing the activities of SWWB in its capacity as an international organization supporting Women’s World Banking, Inc.’s programs and activities.
Directors
For inquiries about the board, please email board@womensworldbanking.org.
Southeast Asia Advisory Council
Formed in 2018 under the auspices of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Southeast Asia Advisory Council informs Women’s World Banking’s regional strategy and advocates for women’s financial inclusion across Southeast Asia.
Council Members
Christina Anand
Christina is the Events Producer at Women’s World Banking. She has worked on fundraising events for both national and international non-profits, and most recently she served as the Development & Events Manager at NYLCV. Prior to that, she was the Operations manager at Open Primaries and a Development Associate at Wingo, Inc. Born in New York City, Christina grew up mostly in Frankfurt and London until returning to the US for college. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Boston University and a Master’s of Arts in Political Science from New York University.
Elisabeth Ballreich
Elisabeth Ballreich is an Investment Specialist at WWB Asset Management, which directs equity investment into inclusive finance institutions. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Elisabeth was an Investment Officer with the IDB. Before joining the IDB, Elisabeth worked as a Project Leader for Dalberg Global Development Advisors, the IFC and the Boston Consulting Group. Elisabeth holds a Master’s in International Economics and International Relations and has completed all three levels of the CFA Institute exam. She is fluent in German, English and Spanish.
Jaclyn Berfond
Jaclyn Berfond is a Manager for the Research, Monitoring and Evaluation team of Women’s World Banking. She leads the monitoring and evaluation initiatives for the organization. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, she worked at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and Economics from Boston University, and a Master’s of Business Administration in International Organizations from the University of Geneva.
Diana Boncheva Gooley
Diana Boncheva Gooley leads digital financial services initiatives for Women’s World Banking. Previously, Diana headed Strategic Partnerships and Projects at Mondato as well as launched and managed projects such as mobile parking, ticketing, and debt collection for Paythru, a Fintech startup in the UK. She began her career in digital finance as an analyst in mobile money. She holds an international affairs and economics undergraduate degree from Sweet Briar College and a graduate degree from SAIS Johns Hopkins.
Sarah Buitoni
Sarah is responsible for designing and delivering learning solutions that help global financial inclusion leaders better serve women customers and build diverse talent. Prior, Sarah consulted on post-conflict and alternative education initiatives for UNICEF. Sarah holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University and a BA in Latin American studies and Spanish from Barnard College. She is trained in the Co-Active® coaching methodology and certified in the Center for Creative Leadership Benchmarks® 360 Assessment Suite, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) and the Neethling Brain Instrument (NBI™).
Molly Burns
Molly Burns joined Women’s World Banking as a Development Associate. Prior to joining the Global Team, Molly worked at Mercado Global, a nonprofit that empowers women artisans through market access, providing connection to major retailers, community-based education, and microloans. At Mercado Global, Molly worked in development and community outreach. Before that, Molly worked for Abriendo Mentes in Costa Rica and Della LA in Los Angeles. Molly has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in History from Loyola Marymount University.
Katherine “Kate” Cavanaugh
Kate Cavanaugh is a Content Producer on the Knowledge & Communications team. In this role, she writes articles, presentations, reports, and other external communications. Prior to Women's World Banking, Kate worked at Vox Media as a writer and video story producer on the branded content team and at Edelman in a digital communications role. She graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in English and Spanish Literature.
Muktesh Chhabra
Muktesh is a Manager for the Development and Strategic Partnerships Team where he develops and manages relationships with bilateral and multilateral organizations. His previous experience includes working with Ernst & young in development advisory services for South Asia, Oxfam in fundraising & corporate partnerships. He also worked with the corporate sector in India in marketing and relationship management positions for leading Insurance companies. He holds a Bachelor degree in Commerce and an MBA with dual specialization in Marketing & Finance. He speaks fluent Hindi and Punjabi.
Marina Dimova
Marina Dimova is a designer with 12 years of experience developing, implementing and scaling innovative solutions to social problems. She focuses on transforming the strategic ideation and solution design processes of the organization, and identifying and designing innovative financial solutions for its clients. Prior to that, she worked at ideas42 and the World Bank. Marina holds an MPA in International Development from Harvard Kennedy School and a BA in Economics and Government from Franklin & Marshall College.
Yashmin Fernandes
Yashmin Fernandes is a Director for the Development Team where she develops and maintains strategic relationships with corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Her previous experience includes roles at the US Justice Department, CEB, Accenture, Wachovia and TD Ameritrade. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Politics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She speaks fluent Spanish and conversational French.
Enrica Ferrarotti
Enrica is a Board Relations Associate at Women’s World Banking. In this role, she works with the Office of the President to support all Board-related activities. Prior to Women’s World Banking, Enrica worked for a foreign policy non-profit and volunteered for several months with Save the Children in Rome to aid with the refugee crisis. She holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from McGill University and a data analytics certificate from Cornell. Enrica is fluent in English, French, and Italian.
Rachel Field
Rachel Field is the Director of Leadership and Diversity at Women’s World Banking. She is responsible for the design and implementation of programs that enhance leadership capacity and foster gender diversity in the financial inclusion sector. Rachel’s previous experience includes Avon and AXA. Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a BA in Psychology. She is trained in the Co-Active coaching methodology and certified in the Lominger 360 assessment tool and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Leila Freedman
Leila is a Manager on the Development and Partner Engagement Team at Women’s World Banking. Since 2018, she has been responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with corporations and foundations to support Women’s World Banking in achieving its mission and expanding its funding base. She has prior experience in economic development and partnerships in Latin America and South East Asia. Leila holds an MA in International Affairs from Columbia University and a BA in International Studies from the University of Monterrey. Leila is a native Spanish speaker, English speaker and fluent in French.
Sam Gagakuma
Sam Gagakuma serves as Office Manager on the Administration’s team of Women’s World Banking. He has been part of the organization since 1992, managing the general workspace of the organization and providing logistical and administrative support onsite and for external events. He graduated from New York University as a Certified Translator, and as a Legal Secretary from Lehman College at the City University of New York. Before joining Women’s World Banking, Sam worked with the University of Ghana, Air Afrique and Gaseteria Oil Corporation.
Ying (Susan) Gao
Ying (Susan) Gao joined Women’s World Banking through the “Women for the World” post-graduation internship created between the organization and her alma mater, Bryn Mawr College, in 2013. Now, she provides support for different aspects of solutions work as a project manager. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College. She is a native English and Chinese (Mandarin) speaker.
Kathryn Glynn-Broderick
Kathryn Glynn-Broderick is a Manager for Women’s World Banking Research, Monitoring & Evaluation team. She has extensive experience in both qualitative and quantitative research and is charged with managing various programmatic research initiatives and designing and implementing key research questions and methodology. Kate has a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University and an MBA and BA from Emory University.
Angie Goenaga
Private Equity Investment Analyst, Women’s World Banking Asset Management [BIO] Angie Goenaga joined Women’s World Banking as Private Equity Investment Analyst with Women’s World Banking Asset Management. In this role, she conducts financial analysis on portfolio companies and prospective investments, as well as sector and market research. She previously worked as an investment banker for Dinamo and Titularizadora Colombiana. Angie has an MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a B.E. in Industrial Engineering at Universidad de los Andes.
Casey Gregory
Casey Gregory is the Accounting Director at Women’s World Banking, responsible for maintaining Women’s World Banking’s financial records as well as developing and implementing systems for collecting, analyzing, verifying, and reporting financial information. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Casey worked as a public accountant for ten years, serving both for-profit and nonprofit entities throughout New York City. She holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Management from Wagner College.
Carolyn Hagerty
Carolyn Hagerty serves as a Finance Associate on the Women’s World Banking Finance and Operations team. In this role, Carolyn is responsible for monitoring, updating, and analyzing all project budgets and expenses. Previously, she served as a Senior Budget Analyst for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget. She holds a BA in Economics and Public Policy & Administration from Wagner College and an MS in Finance from the University of Rochester Simon Business School.
Rokaya Helfer
Rokaya Helfer serves as the Manager of Executive Communications and Board Relations in the Office of the President. In this role, she works closely with Women’s World Banking’s Boards of Directors and Leadership Team to ensure the successful delivery of all governance obligations and board initiatives. Rokaya previously worked at Richards, Kibbe & Orbe LLP and Thomson Reuters. She holds a B.A. in History and International Affairs from Boston University.
Freeha Ihsan
Freeha Ihsan joined Women’s World Banking as a Fellow in the Project Management Office. She supports project implementation for our market solutions work. She previously worked as a Program Officer at World Learning Inc., in Pakistan. She holds a BA in Public Administration from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan and a Master’s Degree of Science in Management from University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan.
Veronica Karpoich
Veronica Karpoich serves as a Project Manager in Women’s World Banking’s Project Management Office, where she supports partner institutions in market and client research, institutional diagnostics, product design, and product piloting and rollout across Women’s World Banking’s credit and digital financial services projects globally. Her previous experience includes economic development work with a local Community Development Financial Institution and at an academic research institute focused on development in Brazil and Cuba. Veronica holds a Master’s degree in International Political Economy and Development from Fordham University.
Anjum Khalidi
Anjum Khalidi is a Project Manager, Fund Launch for Women’s World Banking Asset Management, a subsidiary of Women’s World Banking. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Anjum was a Client Relationship Manager at MIX. Previously, she has worked for the New America Foundation, MicroFinance Transparency, UNDP, CARE India, the MicroCredit Summit Campaign, CECOEDECON and Project Enterprise. Anjum holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Syracuse University. She is fluent in Hindi/Urdu and English.
Anne Kroeger
Anne Kroeger serves as a Qualitative Research Specialist on Women’s World Banking’s Design & Innovation team, where she works to understand the customer using a range of qualitative and ethnographic research methods. Her previous experience includes international development work with the Asian Development Bank, Sovereignty First, and with the University of Oklahoma’s WaTER Center. Anne holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma.
Gil Lacson
Gil Lacson is the Director of Business Development and Network Management at Women’s World Banking. He started working for the organization in 1999 and is work focuses on finding and creating opportunities to strengthen and grow the network. He earned a B.S. in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines School of Economics and a Master’s in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management. Before joining Women’s World Banking, Gil worked for TSPI Development Corporation in the Philippines.
Andrew Landry
As the Director of Project Management at Women's World Banking, Andrew Landry’s role is primarily to lead delivery teams, drive operational efficiency, establish program governance and align capacity planning. Andrew has 15 years of global leadership experience with a focus on identifying paths to improved profitability, coaching and growing teams, and driving long-term relationships with senior stakeholders within a variety of sectors and industries. Andrew has a MPA from Columbia University and a BA from Sonoma State University.
Yrenilsa Lopez
Yrenilsa Lopez is an Investment Officer of Women’s World Banking Asset Management, a subsidiary of Women’s World Banking. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Yrenilsa was an Investment Officer with BlueOrchard Finance based in Lima, Peru and the Relationship Manager for Latin America for Developing World Markets based in Stamford, Connecticut. Yrenilsa began her career with SME Finance Department of the Overseas Private Investment Corporations (OPIC). She has completed all three levels of the CFA Institute exam series and speaks fluent English, Spanish and conversational Portuguese.
Hong Mah
Hong joined the organization in 2017 as IT Associate, assisting his manager in keeping the organization’s hardware infrastructure in working order. He resolves staff’s requests in emailing, Jabber phone, BOX, and Salesforce issues. Hong also provides on-boarding IT & Salesforce training to new staff. Hong was promoted to Senior Associate position in 2018. He previously worked at Millennium Partners Sports Club Management, where he has completed Microsoft Windows Server training courses.
Angelika Mendes-Lowney
Angelika Mendes-Lowney is a Manager on the Development team. Before joining Women’s World Banking, Angelika worked for Jesuit Refugee Service in eastern Africa and their head office in Rome and for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. She holds a Masters in Philosophy and Theology from University of Munich, a Certificate in Fundraising from New York University and a Certificate in Development Studies from Munich School of Philosophy. Angelika volunteers for the Refugee Immigration Fund, serves on the advisory board of Voices of Faith, and sings in the Choral Society of Grace Church.
Mehrdad “Mehi” Mirpourian
Mehrdad (Mehi) Mirpourian is a Senior Data Analyst with the Research team. In this role, Mehi deploys advanced analytics to support different projects. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, he was a Statistician (Fraud Data Scientist) with the New York City Department of Finance. Mehi holds an MS in Statistics (Baruch College), an MS in Management (Polytechnic University of Milan), and a BS in Industrial Engineering (K.N.Toosi University of Technology). He is a member of the Social Innovation Group of Polytechnic University of Milan and the Iranian Society of Industrial Engineers.
Thiviya Navaratnam
Thiviya Navaratnam is a Senior Associate for Finance and Compliance at Women’s World Banking. In her role, Thiviya enforces procurement guidelines and negotiates and executes agreements. She also facilitates financial transactions with vendors and consultants. Prior to joining the organization, Thiviya worked at the Ralph Lauren Corporation. She earned her BA in Political Science and Economics at Skidmore College and her MA in Development Economics at Fordham University. Thivya volunteers with PEARL, an organization that promotes the advocacy of rights of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka.
Ryan Newton
Ryan Newton is a Manager on the Product Development team at Women’s World Banking. Since 2011, she has been responsible for growing the savings practice at Women’s World Banking. She has prior experience developing financially inclusive products and promoting financial capability both in the nonprofit and private financial services sectors. Ryan holds an MA of International Affairs from Columbia University, a B.A. in International Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Spain. Ryan is a native English and Spanish speaker and fluent in French.
Fiona Okumu
Fiona Okumu joined Women’s World Banking in 2017 as administrative assistant to the Executive Leadership Team. In this role, Fiona provides support to the most senior members of the team, managing calendars, processing expense reports, handling travel arrangements, ensuring proper document management, and coordinating donor communications. Formerly, Fiona was a Legal Assistant at Silverstein & Saperstein Attorneys. She has a B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology and MA in Criminology and Justice from St. John’s University and is fluent in Swahili and English.
Jorge Ordonez
Jorge Ordonez is the Information Technology Manager for Women’s World Banking. He joined the organization in 2012, assisting with the installation, maintenance, and operation of local area networks and associated computer hardware and software. His work allows staff to reliably use this web of networking technology to communicate, share, store, and process information. He holds a BS in Computer Information Systems. Before becoming part of Women’s World Banking, he was Staff Sergeant at the USARMY. He is fluent in Spanish.
Gilles Renouil
As a Director on the Product Development Team, Gilles Renouil manages all insurance-related engagements, replicates existing products, develops new services and provides strategic direction in the insurance area. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Gilles served as a Director at Swiss Re Company Ltd. where he held different roles in risk management and group underwriting strategy. Prior to Swiss Re, Gilles worked for Allianz. He holds a MSc. from École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. He speaks fluent French, German, English, Spanish and conversational Modern Greek.
Maria Sanchez-Smith
Maria Sanchez Smith is a Specialist for Women’s World Banking’s Leadership and Diversity Programs. In this role, she co-designings, delivers, and customizes leadership and diversity programs. Prior to joining the Leadership and Diversity Programs team, Ms. Sanchez was a Senior Associate in Women’s World Banking’s Network Engagement Group. Prior to that, Maria conducted market research for Arc Finance and the Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy (BASE). She has a double degree from Columbia University in Economics and Latin American Studies. Ms. Sanchez is fluent in Spanish and English.
Nithyashri Sharma
Nithyashri Sharma joined Women’s World Banking in 2016 as a Specialist on the Strategy team. In this role, Nithya supports the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Nithya worked as a Senior Consultant at BluePrint Research Group and as a consultant at IMS Consulting Group. She received her BA in English and Economics from Dartmouth College, her MBA from the Yale School of Management and her MA in International Development Economics from Yale University.
Shilpi Shastri
Shilpi Shastri is a Microinsurance Specialist for the Product Development team. In this role, she supports partner institutions on research, diagnostics, product design, insurance partner selection and negotiation, product piloting and rollout. Prior to joining the organization, she worked as an Operations Officer at the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group). Shilpi received her BA in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Malviya National Institute of Technology and her MBA from the Indian Institute of Management. Shilpi is fluent in English, Hindi and Marathi.
Ana Singh
Ana Singh is the Digital Media Associate for Women’s World Banking’s Knowledge and Communications Team. She joined the team in 2017 and contributes to the creation and curation of digital content. Prior to working at Women’s World Banking, she held communications positions at the Columbia School of Social Work and the Princeton Club of New York. She holds a BA in American Studies from Carleton College and a Master’s in Journalism from the Columbia School of Journalism.
Kerry Stephens
Kerry Stephens is a Marketing and Proposal Writing Specialist for the Development and Strategic Partnerships team at Women’s World Banking. In this position, Kerry leads grant, marketing and proposal writing initiatives and manages the related processes for the organization. Prior to joining Women’s World Banking, Kerry worked at Verint Systems, Inc. as a Proposal Manager and at Xerox Corporation as a Strategy & Communications Manager. She received her BA from Alfred State College.
Praswistiadi “Tio” Syamsuri
Praswistiadi “Tio” Syamsuri joined Women’s World Banking as Project Manager, Southeast Asia, to help our financial inclusion agenda in Indonesia and to help expand Women’s World Banking’s presence in Southeast Asia. For the last 4 years, Tio was engaged by the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Economic Governance to provide support in planning and coordinating the work plan between the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs (CMEA) officials, including the Minister.
Sophie Theis
Sophie Theis is a Qualitative Research Specialist at Women’s World Banking. She joined the organization after positions at the International Food Policy Research Institute and the World Bank leading qualitative research to evaluate women’s economic empowerment programs and design new solutions to serve low-income women. She brings diverse regional experience studying gender dynamics, empowerment, and social change in agrarian communities in East Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Sophie holds an MS and BS from Stanford University with a focus on environmental anthropology and speaks Spanish and Portuguese.
Ker Thao
Ker Thao joined Women’s World Banking as a Design Specialist with the Design and Innovation team. In this role, Ker uses a spectrum of design techniques and methodologies to develop highly effective innovative financial inclusion solutions for women, in order to establish Women’s World Banking as a thought leader and industry expert. He has a BFA, Graphic Design from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and an MFA in Transdisciplinary Design from Parsons School of Design.
Anna Tyor
Anna Tyor began her role as Senior Associate on the Development and Strategic Partnerships team in November, 2018. In this position, she focuses on grant reporting and also helps to develop and maintain relationships with individual donors. Prior to joining Women's World Banking, she worked for Restless Development, an int’l development agency in New York, and worked in Colombia and in Argentina as a teacher, translator and journalist. She holds a MSc in International Relations from University College London and a BA from Appalachian State University.
Manasa Yeturu
Manasa Yeturu is a Specialist on the Design team where she drives design for solutions development projects and shapes design implementation at Women’s World Banking. Manasa’s past experience includes positions at the California Department of Justice, Good Worldwide Inc, Good/Corps and Teach for India. Manasa holds a BA in International Development Studies from University of California, Los Angeles, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and an MS in Design Innovation from the Segal Design Institute from Northwestern University.
The Women’s World Banking Speaker Bureau offers senior experts on topics ranging from financial services for women to behavioral science and leadership development. For inquiries, please email speakerrequest@womensworldbanking.org with the name, date, location and topic of the event.
Senior Leaders
Our Senior Leaders are seasoned presenters at large scale events as well as intimate settings who can offer insights on a variety of topics from across Women’s World Banking’s areas of work.
Technical Experts
Our Technical Experts are leaders in their field and experienced presenters who can share Women’s World Banking’s hands-on expertise in women’s financial inclusion as well as the following subtopics. Please click to read their full bios.
Get Involved
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We are always searching for talented individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our team.
Please have a look at our current openings if you are interested in making financial inclusion a reality for more women around the world.
