Gwen is a charismatic and insightful executive who has spent the majority of her career in international development and other critical roles with the mission to improve the lives of others. She is an innovative strategist who has demonstrated in her current position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Women Business Collaborative.
Previously Gwen was the Managing Director at the Global Emergency Response Coalition. As the first to be recruited into this role, she crafted the strategy, objectives, and structure for this alliance that is comprised of eight of the largest U.S. international aid organizations. Gwen orchestrated various fundraising activities which resulted in raising $7-14 million annually for emergency response projects. During this time, Gwen was also a Visiting Scholar for the Gender Equity in International Affairs Initiative at George Washington University – Elliott School of International Affairs.
Gwen also had a stint working for a think tank in Washington, DC. She initially was recruited to the Wilson Center to be the Director of the Global Women’s Leadership Initiative where she oversaw their flagship program, Women in Public Service Project which focused on ensuring that by 2050 women will hold 50% of government leadership roles across the world. Gwen was later promoted to Distinguished Fellow for this initiative.
One of her overseas positions was for Africare where Gwen served as Country Director directing a team of over 110 people supporting the people of Senegal, West Africa through programming, microfinance assistance, and community health efforts. She also was the President of the Organization of International NGOs in Senegal.
Her earlier career includes a Policy and Public Advocacy Officer – Global Development for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as well as other managerial roles for Medecins Sans Frontieres, CARE International, Labat-Anderson/USAID, American Refugee Committee, and International Rescue Committee.
Gwen has a JD from the University of California – Davis and a Master of Public Policy degree with a concentration in International Development/Affairs from Harvard University – John F. Kennedy School of Government. She also earned her BA degree in Government/International Rel