An international path to driving change
Snapshot
Hometown
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FILLER
Madison, WI
Nairobi, Kenya
Senior Project Leader, Open Capital Advisors
Senior Program Manager, Vanguard
Maternal & Child Health Consultant, US Peace Corps in Rwanda
Volunteer Program Manager, Central City Concern
Health Education Volunteer, US Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan
An international path to driving change
I started my career in the social sector in both international and domestic roles for seven years. My excitement regarding impact-oriented work began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Kyrgyzstan and continued when I returned to the US and worked as a Program Manager working to end houselessness in Portland, OR. Immediately prior to Fuqua, I sought out international work yet again, serving in the Peace Corps for a second time as a Maternal and Child Health Consultant tackling malnutrition issues with mothers and children in rural Rwanda.
After graduating from Fuqua in 2021, I wanted to continue to build on my MBA learnings in a corporate setting and I had a wonderful experience in Vanguard’s MBA Leadership Development Program. Eventually my passion for international impact pulled me abroad once again and I joined Open Capital Advisors, a pan-African management consulting and financial advisory firm headquartered in Nairobi.
In my current role, I spend my days…
Managing project teams across multiple client engagements, working directly with Development Finance Institutions, philanthropic organizations, national aid bodies, private organizations and others to facilitate capital, implement programs, and conduct research with a focus on Africa. Oftentimes, this looks like driving timelines and agendas, leading team brainstorms, managing expert consultations, conducting field visits, overseeing the development of written and visual deliverables, leading client meetings and presentations, and building relationships.
A recent impact highlight I am proud of
Last year, I led a team that supported Durdur Water Enterprise in raising over USD 600,000 in grant and debt financing to connect more than 20,000 Somalis to clean water and develop a growth strategy to reach hundreds of thousands more over time. Durdur, a subsidiary of Adeso Africa, is tackling water insecurity issues in Somalia by providing access to clean, reliable, and sustainable drinking water in rural and remote areas. Through the engagement we partnered with the Durdur leadership team to pressure-test assumptions, evaluate commercial expectations, and develop investment materials. We created a five-year plan outlining expansion opportunities in over 10 water-scarce communities to help secure water access for over 500,000 people. Since we completed our work in early 2024, Durdur has leveraged the strategic plan and associated funding to implement their growth plan. You can read more on the outcomes that we helped support via this blog post and video.
A mindset I have cultivated in my impact work
One value that resonates across sectors, but particularly in impact, is “owning outcomes.” Most KPIs are based on outputs (e.g., households impacted, total dollars raised, etc.) and too often we’re merely checking boxes on a donor’s impact form rather than understanding how (or if!) those metrics translate to truly positive changes for the beneficiaries. By going beyond simply meeting reporting requirements and instead ensuring that the impact is clearly defined and aligned with what beneficiaries value, impact leaders can move the needle in a more meaningful way toward the changes they aim to achieve.
My advice to Fuqua students
Have coffee with as many of your classmates as possible. At Fuqua, you’re likely to be surrounded by the most diverse group of individuals with whom you’ll ever share space. Take advantage of this and get to know people beyond your C-Lead Team and section. My advice is not to approach these conversations with an agenda beyond simply getting to know the person sitting across from you. Sure, they may be able to help you case-prep or may have spent a summer with a company you’re excited about, but, beyond that, they have a unique story and background that may serve as inspiration and meaningful connection far beyond your graduation day.