“Brigit inspires and is a visionary leader. I learned a lot from Brigit at Unitus about redirecting an entire organization through an inclusive strategic planning process. She put us on track to push the boundaries of microfinance. Another accomplishment that stands out was the revitalization of the corporate culture and integration our 3 regional offices to work together as a truly global company. I’ve since worked with Brigit to catalyze innovation in financial services for the BOP in East Africa using mobile phones. She takes on important work and is committed to results, and I would work with her again any day!”
About
• Nearly 30 years experience finding innovative private sector solutions to development…
Activity
-
Upaya Social Ventures announces the the launch of the #CircularInnovationCohort 2025! Check it out!
Upaya Social Ventures announces the the launch of the #CircularInnovationCohort 2025! Check it out!
Liked by Brigit Helms
-
If you're in DC on Oct 22, go listen to Danny Wright, it's a terrific story!
If you're in DC on Oct 22, go listen to Danny Wright, it's a terrific story!
Shared by Brigit Helms
-
Thank you DC Startup & Tech Week (Formerly DC Startup Week) for inviting me to tell Gravity Water's story and share insights on building successful…
Thank you DC Startup & Tech Week (Formerly DC Startup Week) for inviting me to tell Gravity Water's story and share insights on building successful…
Liked by Brigit Helms
Experience
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Education
-
Stanford University
-
Activities and Societies: Ph.D. in Development and Agricultural Economics, April 1993. M.A, March 1991. Fulbright/Hayes Dissertation Research Fellowship, Guatemala, Nov 1990 - June 1991 Designed and implemented research program in the Guatemalan Western Highlands. Mellon Foundation Dissertation Foundation Research Fellowship; Stanford University Graduate Fellowship; Center for Latin American Studies Pre-Dissertation Fellowship. Research Institute Graduate Student Research Paper Award
Thesis: Small-Scale Industrialization in the Guatemalan Western Highlands.
Utilizes a computable general equilibrium model to simulate the effects of alternative economic development strategies on local industrialization in rural communities. -
-
Activities and Societies: National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship
M.A. in Latin American Studies and International Economics, June 1985.
Emphasis on Economic Development, Mexican Foreign/Economic Policy, Central America. -
-
Activities and Societies: ; Phi Beta Kappa; Summa Cum Laude; Saint Claire Award for most outstanding female graduate (undergraduate); Michael Shallo Award for best political science graduate (undergraduate); University of Santa Clara Presidential Scholarship.
Licenses & Certifications
-
-
Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team
IssuedCredential ID 8809-2199347
Publications
Projects
-
Gaurdian Financial Inclusion Series
-
A compilation—convened by DAI and originally published on the Guardian Development Professionals Network - that explored various themes in the “financial inclusion” agenda, from mobile money and poor people’s financial capabilities to innovative supply models and agricultural finance, among others. The range of subject matter and diversity of authors testify to the breadth of the field and the need to pull from different disciplines and perspectives if we are to meet the challenge of financial…
A compilation—convened by DAI and originally published on the Guardian Development Professionals Network - that explored various themes in the “financial inclusion” agenda, from mobile money and poor people’s financial capabilities to innovative supply models and agricultural finance, among others. The range of subject matter and diversity of authors testify to the breadth of the field and the need to pull from different disciplines and perspectives if we are to meet the challenge of financial inclusion.
Other creators -
Languages
-
Spanish
Full professional proficiency
-
French
Professional working proficiency
-
Italian
Limited working proficiency
-
Indonesian
Elementary proficiency
-
Portuguese
Limited working proficiency
Organizations
-
Mobiles4All
Board Member and Co-founder
- Present -
MFO
Board Member
- Present
Recommendations received
21 people have recommended Brigit
Join now to viewMore activity by Brigit
-
On October 1, 2024, I concluded my Presidential appointment at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). It has been an…
On October 1, 2024, I concluded my Presidential appointment at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). It has been an…
Liked by Brigit Helms
-
Did you know that Botswana has the highest number of female entrepreneurs in the world? Did you know that 1 in every 5 working-age Africans is…
Did you know that Botswana has the highest number of female entrepreneurs in the world? Did you know that 1 in every 5 working-age Africans is…
Liked by Brigit Helms
-
Today marks my 8th year anniversary at Santa Clara University! It has been an incredible journey being part of this amazing community, connecting…
Today marks my 8th year anniversary at Santa Clara University! It has been an incredible journey being part of this amazing community, connecting…
Liked by Brigit Helms
-
I love this story. Someone Somewhere is just so cool. And Fatima Alvarez you are amazing!
I love this story. Someone Somewhere is just so cool. And Fatima Alvarez you are amazing!
Shared by Brigit Helms
-
How long does it take to generate social impact? How do we measure it? Kelly and Chico’s mother was one of the first artisans we partnered with. The…
How long does it take to generate social impact? How do we measure it? Kelly and Chico’s mother was one of the first artisans we partnered with. The…
Liked by Brigit Helms
Other similar profiles
Explore more posts
-
WeeTracker
roscas is making waves in #Mozambique by addressing the financial needs of underserved communities. By leveraging digital solutions, Roscas is bridging the gap and fostering financial inclusion in areas that need it the most. Learn how this startup is building for Sub-Saharan Africa’s vast informal sector, with a potential market size of USD 2.9 B, in our latest article! 💡🌍 cc: José Samo Gudo #FinancialInclusion #Africanfintech https://lnkd.in/gM2VJMQq
1 Comment -
African Development Bank Group
Top development organizations have pledged to forge partnerships to address soil health and productivity in Africa. On the side lines of the Soil Health Summit held in Nairobi, Dr. Beth Dunford the African Development Bank Group Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development and other leaders called for African countries to work together to join the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) strategic partnership by aligning with the Bank’s flagship initiative Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT). VACS, launched in February 2023 by the U.S. Department of State, the African Union, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, aims to promote diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils across Africa. In her remarks, Dr. Dunford enumerated the other key organisations seeking to align their efforts: ”I am excited to see how the Bank through its TAAT initiative, the United States Department of State, the African Union, IFAD [International Fund for Agricultural Development] and CGIAR centers are developing a relationship to advance the work of VACS, also Feed the Future and the African Union Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, and the Soil Initiative for Africa,” Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development told participants.” Dr Dunford added, “Working together under the umbrella of this plan (TAAT) embodies the aspirations and priorities of African nations in building a prosperous, food-secure future." Learn more about this side event and about TAAT: https://bit.ly/459sdL4 #FoodSecurity #SoilHealth #FeedAfrica
2 Comments -
AFS Forum
Stakeholders must pursue strengthened financing mechanisms to accelerate food system transformation efforts. The Agribusiness Deal Room continues to facilitate partnerships and investments, with specific support for governments and SMEs in accessing financing and partnership opportunities. Countries that have pitched so far: * Zambia * Sierra Leone * Uganda * Senegal #InnovateAcceleratescale #AFSForum2024
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore More