Isabel Whisson

As Special Assistant for Strategy on the Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative, Isabel works closely with leadership on aligning the technical advisory practice and advocacy work stream with strategic objectives and opportunities. During her time on the team, she has also supported on technical assistance delivery and business development.

Before joining UPGI, Isabel spent two years based at BRAC’s headquarters in Dhaka, where she led communications and knowledge management for the microfinance program, with a focus on innovation. During that time she conducted several field assignments for BRAC in Myanmar, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Externally, she represented BRAC on the Microfinance CEO Working Group’s Microfinance Communications Council as co-Chair, and served as Director of the Microfinance Network. She has previously worked at various institutions including UNESCO, UK Parliament, and CARE Bangladesh.

Isabel possesses formal competencies in management, knowledge management and human-centered design, and has participated in the Boulder Microfinance Training program. Isabel completed her undergraduate degree in Politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies, and earned a master’s in International Public Policy from University College London.