Speakers

Diana Yousef is the Head of Knowledge Development and Research efforts of the Growing Sustainable Business Initiative, in order to create innovative, profit-generating business models that contribute to poverty alleviation in developing countries. Since joining the GSB earlier this year, she has launched a large-scale effort in 32 developing and post-conflict countries to identify pro-poor investment opportunities in various sectors, spanning from renewable energies to financial services to telecommunications to supply chain sourcing.

Prior to working at UNDP, Dr. Yousef was a protein biochemist, a consultant with McKinsey and Company serving a variety of industry sectors, a biotech venture analyst and an investment consultant with the International Finance Corporation’s Life Sciences Group. In addition, she is currently leading the New York chapter of the McKinsey Alumni in Development group. She holds a BA in Biology from Harvard University, an MBA and Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University, and a PhD in Biochemistry and Structural Biology from Cornell University.