Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Mary Ellen Iskenderian

President and CEO of Women's World Banking | Advocate for Women's Financial Inclusion | Speaker on Business and Philanthropy

Mary Ellen Iskenderian Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

President and CEO of Women's World Banking | Advocate for Women's Financial Inclusion | Speaker on Business and Philanthropy

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Mary Ellen Iskenderian
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 and Below

Travels From:
NYC - New York City

Primary Topic Category:
Business & Entrepreneurship

Secondary Topic Category:
Philanthropy

 

Mary Ellen Iskenderian Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Mary Ellen Iskenderian is the President and CEO of Women's World Banking, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing financial inclusion for low-income women. With a career spanning roles at the International Finance Corporation and Lehman Brothers, she has become a prominent advocate for women's economic empowerment. She authored "There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women" and serves on several influential boards and councils.

Mary Ellen Iskenderian leads Women’s World Banking as its President and CEO, a position she has held since 2006. This global nonprofit focuses on providing financial tools and resources to nearly one billion women who are excluded from the formal financial sector. Under her leadership, Women’s World Banking partners with financial institutions and policymakers worldwide to design innovative financial solutions that promote economic security and prosperity for women. Before joining Women’s World Banking, Mary Ellen spent 17 years at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, where she held various leadership roles. Her career also includes experience at Lehman Brothers, providing her with a strong foundation in finance and investment banking. Mary Ellen is a well-respected voice in the field of women's economic empowerment, regularly speaking and publishing on topics such as financial inclusion, gender equality, and climate resilience. Her book, "There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women," published in April 2022, highlights the critical need for inclusive financial systems. In addition to her role at Women’s World Banking, Mary Ellen serves on several prestigious boards, including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
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