Katja has over 17 years of international development experience working with African and U.S. based non-profit organizations. She has designed impactful programs and led diverse teams working to advance opportunities for women and youth in agriculture, entrepreneurship, health, and gender equity. Her managed programs and research across 7 African countries shaped the design of pan-African leadership development and entrepreneurship programs including the U.S. government’s Mandela Washington Fellowship (formerly YALI), the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s pan-African Entrepreneurship Program, and the Presidential High Level Advisory Council on Support to Women and Girls.

In her current role, Katja expertly manages a diverse grant portfolio and partner ecosystem helping to inform governments’ policy and budget priorities to yield better health and livelihood outcomes for women and youth. In honor of her professional contributions, Katja has received several awards and recognitions including: President’s Award for Advancing Gender Equality, top 50 African Women in Development Award, Peak Performing Woman Award, and top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent.

Katja earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University, an Executive Certificate on Strategy and Leadership from Columbia Business School, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Principia College. She currently serves on several nonprofit boards including Philanthropy Circuit and Women in Public Health Leadership, Africa.