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Austine Gasnier
Chief Operating Officer at Fundación Capital
Professional Background
Austine Gasnier is a highly experienced and dedicated professional with a robust background in market-based approaches to poverty alleviation and social inclusion. With over 15 years of active engagement in this critical field, Austine has made significant contributions at various prestigious organizations, focusing on innovative strategies that target extreme poverty and financial inclusion. Her journey began at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York, where she worked as a Programme/Research Associate in the Private Sector Division of the Growing Inclusive Markets Initiative. Here, she undertook in-depth research on inclusive business models, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the realm of social enterprise and economic development.
Following her impactful tenure at UNDP, Austine took her passion for financial and productive inclusion to Latin America, working closely with Fundación Capital in both Colombia and Mexico as Microentrepreneurship Specialist, Senior Operations Manager, and eventually as Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, she was instrumental in implementing the 'Graduation' model—a comprehensive approach aimed at lifting individuals out of poverty through multi-faceted support. This experience not only honed her skills in operational management but also deepened her understanding of the socio-economic dynamics in the region.
Austine further expanded her expertise through her role at Agora Partnerships, where she served as Chief Operating Officer, fostering impact investing and supporting social entrepreneurs flipping the script on traditional approaches to business. Her experience in these high-impact roles demonstrates her ability to drive substantive change in communities while advancing her strategic vision for social development.
Education and Achievements
Austine's academic background is as impressive as her professional journey. She holds a Master’s degree in Governance of Institutions and Organizations, with a focus on International Relations and Affairs from Sciences Po Bordeaux, a highly regarded institution in France known for its rigorous academic standards and influential alumni. During her studies, Austine actively absorbed theoretical frameworks and practical applications concerning governance, which have been pivotal in her career. Additionally, she studied International Affairs at Tecnológico de Monterrey, recognized as one of the top universities in Mexico, further augmenting her understanding of the global landscape and the complexities of international development.
Her education and extensive experience allow her to communicate fluently in four languages, enabling her to connect across cultures and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders in the global arena. Austine's multilingual capabilities aid her in fostering international collaboration, crucial for developing sustainable inclusive business practices.
Achievements
Austine's commitment to social equity and economic inclusion is evident through her various contributions, research endeavors, and leadership positions. Her notable achievements include:
- Successfully leading initiatives at Fundación Capital that improved the livelihoods of numerous micro-entrepreneurs in Latin America through tailored financial services and business support strategies.
- Innovating strategies for impact investing at Agora Partnerships, propelling social enterprises to achieve both financial viability and substantial social impact.
- Actively participating in research and policy formulation at UNDP, specifically focusing on inclusive business approaches that address systemic issues of poverty.
- Volunteering and interning with globally recognized organizations such as CARE, NATO, and the French Development Agency (AFD), gaining a diverse perspective on international development and humanitarian aid.
Austine's extensive field experience, coupled with her strong educational background, positions her as an invaluable asset in the realm of social entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. Her passion for Latin America, coupled with her expertise in the inclusive business field, is a testament to her dedication to creating lasting impact for vulnerable populations.
tags':['market-based approaches','poverty alleviation','social entrepreneurship','impact investing','financial inclusion','Latin America','inclusive business','UNDP','Sciences Po Bordeaux','Fundación Capital','Agora Partnerships','multilingual','Governance of Institutions','micro-entrepreneurship','international development','social impact strategies'],'questions':['How did Austine Gasnier develop her expertise in market-based approaches to poverty alleviation?','What motivated Austine Gasnier to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship and inclusive business?','How has Austine Gasnier contributed to financial inclusion strategies during her tenure at Fundación Capital?','In what ways has Austine Gasnier's education at Sciences Po Bordeaux influenced her professional journey?','How does Austine Gasnier utilize her multilingual skills in her work with international organizations?'],
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