Gwen M Snyder
Summary
Seasoned international development gender specialist with proven technical leadership in tackling persistent gender inequities with complex root causes. Experience identifying evidence-based, proven solutions to accelerate closure of the gender digital divide. Engagement with internal and external MEL teams to develop impact evaluations and case studies focused on measuring gender digital inclusion programming. Proven ability to navigate matrixed organizations, working effectively with strong communications skills, diplomacy, and tact. Skilled at managing portfolio of highly visible, impactful initiatives focused on gender, digital technology, and blended finance initiatives with innovative partners.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Advisor, Digital Inclusion
Dexis & WBD, USAID contractors
Washington, District Of Columbia
01.2021 - Current
- Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion Portfolio- Responsible for innovative design, development, and management of a portfolio of digital inclusion activities to improve women's livelihoods, economic security, and resilience implemented with collaboration from internal and external stakeholders.
- Advocacy and Impact Evaluations- Responsible for USAID/GenDev's oversight of advocacy efforts focused on advancing gender digital equities as well as supporting the commission of impact evaluations and case studies for investments in my grant portfolio that advance USAID's digital inclusion learning agenda.
- Excellent Partnership Building and Relationship Management Skills- Intentionally manage and keep evergreen a wide range of partnerships, including with the State Department/Global Women's Issues, the White House Gender Policy Council, the private sector, such as Microsoft and Mastercard, and multilaterals, including the World Bank, CGAP/FinEquity, and the Better than Cash Alliance, building rapport and trust with government officials, corporate executives, and technical experts.
Independent Consultant
Experience With Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Washington, District Of Columbia
06.2017 - 12.2020
- Digital Toolkit for Women´s Economic Empowerment- Consultant at the World Bank tasked to develop an interactive digital toolkit and online platform to increase use of technology in programs designed for women-owned SMEs.
- Women-Led Start-Ups- Advisor at Halcyon Business Accelerator to various women-led tech startups, including a Blockchain technology startup to fund working capital loans for entrepreneurs in Kenya.
Interim Business Manager
Word Made Flesh Bolivia
El Alto, Bolivia
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Leadership to Unite Diverse Team - Led a diverse team of national staff to implement business growth plan for sewing enterprise employing survivors of human trafficking.
- Fueled Economic Growth Through Exports - Helped expand exports of sewn goods to US and UK, while working in a self-guided manner, balancing multiple priorities and demanding timelines.
Program & Investment Fund Manager
TechnoServe Chile
Puerto Montt, Chile
02.2013 - 09.2016
- Stakeholder Support for New Initiative of Global NGO- Designed, launched, and consolidated USD $5.1M six-year regional business accelerator in the Chilean Patagonia, gaining support of 5 stakeholders including the Chilean federal government and InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB), and working with 80 entrepreneurs annually to catalyze growth of their businesses.
- Development of Digital MEL platform and Learning Agenda to scale up work- Worked with MEL experts to develop and train team on digital MEL application used to gather field-based sex-disaggregated data, performed analysis of data collected that was included in quarterly and annual reporting of output and outcome metrics, and pulled key messaging from data as a driving tool for future problem-solving.
Deputy Country Director
Samaritan´s Purse Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Experience Fostering Social Impact & Economic Growth- Managed portfolio of WASH, Maternal/Infant Community Health and entrepreneurship programs benefitting indigenous women.
Executive Director
Community in Action
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Community Engagement for Social Impact- Led and managed a grassroots, start up, social impact education and entrepreneurial-focused NGO in one of Rio de Janeiro´s most violent slums. Assisted in the design and implementation of a safe community ecosystem for youth.
Associate Director
UBS Securities LLC
New York, New York
08.2001 - 09.2006
- Equity and Debt Capital Markets Expertise- Performed equity research to develop appropriate financial models, reviewed deal and pricing structures to annually finance 65 LBOs, M&A and ABL transactions requiring minimum of $100 million in debt financing or refinancing of existing debt.
Fulbright Scholar, Argentina
International Institute of Education
Buenos Aires, Argentina
08.1998 - 08.1999
- MERCOSUR Grant Recipient- One of five recipients globally to be awarded a multi-country grant to research MERCOSUR trade union's effect on the automobile industries of Argentina & Brazil.
Assistant Trade Advisor, Latin America & SE Asia
State of Ohio Global Markets Division
Columbus, Ohio
04.1996 - 07.1998
- New Business Creation- Assisted 50+ private Ohio companies annually with strategic plans and evaluation of business opportunities to increase exports and international venture capital initiatives.
Education
Master of Arts - International Economics
The Johns Hopkins University (SAIS)
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Political Science
Hope College
Skills
- Field-based understanding of practical challenges to learning activities
- Experience commissioning evaluations
- Evidence-based grant-making
- Knowledge of digital health tools
- Management of large global portfolio of gender digital inclusion investments
- Leadership of small, agile, startup teams
Timeline
Senior Advisor, Digital Inclusion
Dexis & WBD, USAID contractors
01.2021 - Current
Independent Consultant
Experience With Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
06.2017 - 12.2020
Interim Business Manager
Word Made Flesh Bolivia
10.2016 - 05.2017
Program & Investment Fund Manager
TechnoServe Chile
02.2013 - 09.2016
Deputy Country Director
Samaritan´s Purse Bolivia
08.2010 - 08.2012
Executive Director
Community in Action
01.2009 - 12.2009
Associate Director
UBS Securities LLC
08.2001 - 09.2006
Fulbright Scholar, Argentina
International Institute of Education
08.1998 - 08.1999
Assistant Trade Advisor, Latin America & SE Asia
State of Ohio Global Markets Division
04.1996 - 07.1998
Master of Arts - International Economics
The Johns Hopkins University (SAIS)
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Political Science
Hope College
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