Heather Kipnis

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT HEATHER KIPNIS

As the Head of Innovation for IFC’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department, I lead a global team that develops and delivers solutions for the private sector to advance gender equality and inclusion in emerging markets. I have over 20 years of experience in financial services, spanning development finance, microfinance, SME lending, and private wealth management, with 15+ years committed to gender-lens investing. My work is to unlock opportunities for increased profit, growth, and innovation for companies and investors by closing gender gaps and fostering diversity and inclusion. I advise clients and partners on how to integrate gender and inclusion into their strategies, operations, and products, and I oversee global product development for new advisory and investment solutions. I have worked on projects in over 20 emerging markets, collaborating with government bodies, DFIs and MDBs, NGOs, private firms, financial institutions, and investors. I have authored and peer reviewed over 60 research publications that have gained media recognition in outlets like the Financial Times. Through my work, I have contributed to driving billions in gender-related investments, fostering innovation and partnerships across sectors including banking, insurance, private equity, venture capital, and responsible procurement. I am also a passionate advocate for mental health, participating as a Sounding Board Member to the World Bank\'s mental health strategy and as a Certified Family facilitator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).