The Just Economy Institute (JEI) connects, supports and educates financial activists who are shifting the flow of capital and power to solve social and environmental problems. Each year, JEI selects a cohort of financial activists leveraging capital as a tool for positive change.

Emergence is a new initiative at Stanford University that catalyzes entrepreneurship to tackle systemic challenges affecting the health of our society and planet. We create programs to support impact-driven innovators, fostering an ecosystem of partnerships and funding to catalyze and scale meaningful innovations. I co-lead strategic planning and organizational development, oversee the design and implementation of accelerator programs for student and faculty innovators, and cultivate networks with industry and investor partners to facilitate the translation of research into impactful innovations at scale.

I led the organization’s strategic planning, partnerships, finance, and general operations. In 2021, I transitioned from the CEO role to empower local leadership, aligning with our values of capacity building and fostering local leaders. I ensured ongoing alignment between work plans, budgets, and strategic goals while facilitating key relationships with both the public and private sectors to enhance the organization’s impact. Additionally, I supported the CEO in leadership development, fundraising, and financial capacity, while also building the local staff's ability to manage program needs. I also facilitated knowledge exchange and learning among mission-aligned partners working to improve educational outcomes in the region.

I founded, launched, and led ConnectED, a social impact organization dedicated to improving access, relevance, and quality of education in rural Central America. I collaborated with partners to co-create the Flagship Fellowship Program, which leverages leadership development, technology exchange, collaboration, and small grants to support rural education leaders. I engaged local communities, staff, and the board to develop the organization’s mission, vision, strategy, programming, and philosophy. Additionally, I managed all funding and budgets for operations and programs, as well as the organization’s strategic plan. I also led the foreign staff and supported fellows and students in the USA, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, while building strategic partnerships and alliances with government ministries, NGOs, universities, and private institutions to enhance the organization’s impact.

ECCN is a global learning network comprised of USAID staff and implementing partners all working together to increase equitable access to safe, inclusive, quality education for children and youth in crisis and conflict-affected environments.

Collaborated with partners, landowners, and an array of local stakeholders to identify and prioritize ecosystem and habitat restoration in Santa Cruz County. I led research projects on aquifer recharge, coastal habitat restoration and agricultural water quality including: The Irrigation and Nutrient Management Project ($750,000 grant funded by the State Water Resources Control Board), The San Vicente Watershed Assessment and Salmon Recovery Project ($250,000 grant funded by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife), The Managed Aquifer Recharge Suitability Analysis Project in Santa Cruz County ($200,000 grant funded by the Coastal Conservancy), and The Northern Santa Cruz Integrated Regional Water Management Plan ($750,000 grant funded by the State Water Resources Control Board). Created, tracked and managed project deliverables, partner communication, budget tracking and all associated invoicing and reporting.

Conducted country level research to determine appropriate postharvest technologies for improving market access and incomes for small scale horticultural farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Completed data collection and analysis to determine postharvest loss of specific crops, packaging materials and climates. Facilitated working stakeholder groups to create collaborative strategic plans to mitigate postharvest loss within specific regions.

Developed, implemented and monitored microfinance projects for small business and health initiatives. Managed partnerships with other NGOs, government organizations, and stakeholders working on sustainable development programs in Ghana. Worked with US Universities to integrate service-learning opportunities for graduate students into university curriculum/classes.