As a fellow with Women’s World Banking Asset Management I worked on projects that integrated gender, climate, and financial inclusion. I built a prototype natural‑hazard mapping tool to help inclusive financial institutions assess climate‑risk exposure. I also helped design questionnaires to capture women customers’ perspectives on climate risks, community support, disaster preparedness, and economic resilience. These tools feed into technical assistance efforts that support climate mitigation and adaptation within portfolio companies. I further researched ESG policies, carbon‑accounting practices, and sustainable‑finance disclosures. These contributions supported WAM’s mission to expand financial inclusion while addressing climate vulnerability.

My participation in Columbia’s Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, Pangea Advisors, Microlumbia, and the Climate Knowledge Initiative gave me practical insight into applying business skills for social impact. Coursework in High‑Performing Nonprofits provided frameworks for measuring impact, which I used to structure the questionnaires. Investing in Social Ventures contextualized the broader impact‑investment landscape and diligence process, and a course on financial inclusion highlighted how innovative product design and delivery can reach underserved communities. These combined experiences prepared me to translate climate and gender frameworks into actionable tools for portfolio companies.

Determining which climate‑adaptation measures were feasible for our portfolio companies was a key challenge. Translating technical hazard‑mapping data into digestible information required careful communication—too much detail could be overwhelming, while too little would not drive action. The rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for sustainable investments posed another obstacle. New standards and reporting requirements frequently emerge, and best practices are still developing, particularly around emission measurement. Supporting companies at different stages of their sustainability journey demanded flexibility and continuous learning.

This experience reinforced my belief that financial inclusion, gender equity, and climate resilience can and should be addressed together. I gained insight into how investors can help portfolio companies build capacity, improve gender diversity, and adapt to climate risks. The internship strengthened my commitment to a career in social impact and equipped me with tools to design financial products and support structures that serve vulnerable populations while building resilience against climate change.