After the long hot days of summer, fall has always come with the sense of new beginnings at Women’s World Banking. This feeling of starting something new is particularly strong this year for our organization as we forge ahead in the completion of the strategy that will drive our work for the next several years. We’ve also been quite blessed this year in that we have been able to grow our organization, furthering our capacity in the strategy, operations and communications areas of our work.
So who are the new faces at Women’s World Banking?
Thiviya Navaratnam
Thiviya joined Women’s World Banking as Compliance Associate. In this role, Thiviya provides critical support in procurement, contracts and consultant transactions. She previously worked at the Ralph Lauren Corporation and is currently pursuing a Masters in Development Economics at Fordham University’s International Political and Economy Development program.
Why did you want to work at Women’s World Banking? My family is from the villages of Sri Lanka and I have always been interested in working in development towards economically empowering vulnerable citizens of developing countries.
What excites you about working at Women’s World Banking? I’m excited to watch the progress of the funding towards research regarding digital financial services in Nigeria, since it is technology with the potential to help millions of those in need.
What is a surprising fact about you? I’ve been sorted into Ravenclaw at Hogwarts.
Yashmin Fernandes
Yashmin Fernandes joined Women’s World Banking as a Manager for the Development and Strategic Partnerships Team. In this role, Yashmin develops and maintains strategic relationships with corporations, foundations, and government agencies to support Women’s World Banking in achieving its mission and expanding its funding base. Her previous experience includes marketing and strategy positions at the US Justice Department, CEB, Accenture, Wachovia and TD Ameritrade. She has also consulted for Malaria No More and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. 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 volunteers for Taproot, TEAK Fellowship and The Denan Project.
Why did you want to work at Women’s World Banking? I am passionate about Women’s World Banking’s mission and believe that investing in women is an essential step in furthering development and equality. I have three daughters (ages 7, 5, and 2) and it’s important that all girls around the world have the same access and opportunities that I strive to provide my daughters.
Please share a few words about work you are currently doing or a project Women’s World Banking is engaged in that excites you. I am currently focused on building our pipeline of potential donors and partners, and helping to develop processes that improve efficiency and further collaboration. I’d like to think of myself as a matchmaker – connecting external organizations to the right offering at Women’s World Banking to help further our mission.
What is a surprising fact about you? I went sky diving once and loved the feeling of floating through the air. For the next few years, I had this inexplicable urge to jump out of the window every time I took a flight.
Kerry Stephens
Kerry Stephens joined Women’s World Banking as a Marketing and Proposal Writing Specialist for the Knowledge and Communications team. In this position, Kerry leads grant, marketing and proposal writing initiatives and manages the related processes for the organization. She tells our compelling story of helping low-income women build stronger financial futures for themselves and their families to potential partners and funders. 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 undergraduate degree from Alfred State College.
Why did you want to work at Women’s World Banking?
I loved the idea of being part of a group of smart and passionate people that truly care about their work. And, of course the mission itself – empowering women – is profoundly important to me.
Please share a few words about work you are currently doing or a project Women’s World Banking is engaged in that excites you.
There are exciting opportunities ahead for Women’s World Banking to make a greater impact than ever before. Right now I’m working on creating a proposal development process that will streamline how we collaborate and present our ideas to funders. It takes input and expertise from every area of our organization and it’s been inspiring to see how much care and diligence is given to everything we do.
What is a surprising fact about you?
In my spare time, I love taking gourmet cooking classes.
Nithyashri Sharma
Nithyashri Sharma joined Women’s World Banking 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.
Why did you want to work at Women’s World Banking?
Because of the organization’s mission and the opportunity to be part of the work to serve low-income women around the world.
Please share a few words about work you are currently doing or a project Women’s World Banking is engaged in that excites you.
I have the opportunity to closely support the development and implementation of 2017+ strategic plan for the organization and play a role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization going forward.
What is a surprising fact about you?
I have visited all 7 continents on the planet.
