Katherine Younker

Katherine Younker is a prominent figure at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), currently serving as the Private Sector Engagement Team Lead within the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. Her role focuses on integrating local and multinational businesses into humanitarian efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions. She has over 17 years of experience in development, resilience, and community engagement, having worked in various countries across Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Previously, Younker held the position of Resilience Coordinator at USAID from October 2019 to September 2021, where she was involved in enhancing resilience programs, particularly in Burkina Faso. Her work included leading initiatives to improve agricultural practices and community resilience in response to climatic challenges.123

Younker's career at USAID began in May 2012, and she has since taken on several leadership roles, including acting as the Deputy Manager for Coordination in the Afghanistan Response and serving as a General Development Officer on the Syria Transition Assistance Response Team. Her diverse background includes experience in both the private sector and various humanitarian contexts.2