Sonja Kelly

Dr. Sonja Kelly is the Global Head of the Women’s World Banking Institute, the global go-to source for data, insights, and education on women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Through research on topics catalytic to women’s economic participation, programs like the Leadership and Diversity Program for Regulators, and work on Women’s World Banking’s proprietary insights, the institute is a resource for policymakers, financial services providers, and civil society alike.

Before joining Women’s World Banking, Sonja advised the U.S. Department of State on strategy for U.S. Embassy engagement in digital finance around the world. She has served as the director of research at the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion, held consulting roles at the World Bank and the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), and worked in microfinance at Opportunity International.

Sonja holds a PhD in International Relations from American University, where she researched financial inclusion policy and regulation.