Meet the 2024-2025 Leadership Team of GIIA
The Geneva Impact Investing Association (GIIA) has introduced its leadership team for the 2024-2025 academic year. These six students bring diverse perspectives, professional backgrounds, and shared passion for sustainable finance and impact investing. Here’s an introduction to the new team and their vision for GIIA’s future.
Alena Klein – Co-President
Alena Klein is determined to support and open doors for students passionate about resolving global issues through finance. With a goal to help young professionals find their place in the finance world, Alena seeks to create an environment where fresh perspectives are valued. Her aim for GIIA in 2024-25 is to focus on practical skills development, helping members acquire experience in impact investing by leveraging the association’s robust network of industry experts.
Professional Background
Alena has a BSc in International Business Administration from the Rotterdam School of Management and has completed an exchange semester at the National University of Singapore. She is currently studying International and Development Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute, while also working as an intern in portfolio advisory at Symbiotics Asset Management.
Omotola Adejumo – Co-President
Omotola is focused on creating hands-on skills development events and programs for GIIA members and students interested in impact investing. She is excited to leverage GIIA’s extensive network of industry experts and seek new opportunities to achieve these goals. Her aim is to provide practical experiences that will help members advance their knowledge and careers in sustainable finance.
Professional Background
Omotola holds qualifications in Sociology, Management, and Human Resources Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International and Development Studies (MINT). She has extensive experience as a Human Resources Consultant in both the private and public sectors and is now transitioning into human capital development program management, with a focus on youth skills development, education, and labor/decent work initiatives.
Anuj Thakur – Director, Geneva Impact Investing Fund
Anuj Thakur is eager to bring GIIA’s Geneva Impact Investing Fund (GIIF) alive as a long-term project. He looks forward to collaborating with new recruits and professionals, ensuring the Fund thrives at the nexus of academic learning and practical finance exposure.
Professional Background
Anuj is a final-year MINT student specializing in Sustainable Trade and Finance at the Geneva Graduate Institute. He has interned at the Centre for Trade and Investment Law and held research positions at the University of Delhi. Anuj is also a current Don Lavoie Fellow at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University.
Meyha Sharma – Director, GIIA-Building Bridges Network
Meyha Sharma is dedicated to making this year’s collaboration with Building Bridges the most successful yet. She feels proud to represent GIIA during such a high-level event and is eager to elevate the impact of the students’ voices. This year’s aim is to enhance the visibility of the GIIA’s session, build intergenerational dialogue, and expand GIIA’s network within the Swiss sustainable finance community, fostering more connections between professionals and students.
Professional Background
Meyha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies and has three years of professional experience in Communications and Public Affairs. She is currently pursuing her MINT degree at the Geneva Graduate Institute, while also working at the Centre for Finance and Development as a Communications Officer.
Anais Butera – Co-Director of Podcast and Review
Anais Butera’s goal for GIIA this year is to build on the successes of the past while expanding GIIA’s reach to regions often overlooked in impact investing conversations. Through her personal interest and thesis research, she plans to bring more focus to the work being done in Impact Investing and Sustainable Finance on the African continent, ensuring that these regions are included in the global dialogue.
Professional Background
Anais holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of North Texas and previously worked as a Business Management Analyst at J.P. Morgan Chase. She is now part of the MINT program at the Geneva Graduate Institute and has completed an internship with the International Organization for Migration in their Treasury department.
Shubhika Tagore – Co-Director of Marketing
Shubhika Tagore is eager to continue her role at GIIA, actively contributing to the dialogue on sustainable finance. She is committed to using her marketing expertise to enhance GIIA’s outreach and engagement.
Professional Background
Shubhika, from India, is a second-year MINT student at the Geneva Graduate Institute, specializing in Environmental and Sustainability. Prior to her studies, she worked at the Quality Council of India, playing a key role in project planning and implementation for the Food Corporation of India.
Ilka Gültekin – Co-Director of Marketing and Communications
Ilka is dedicated to advancing GIIA’s mission by fostering a dynamic and professional presence in the fields of impact investing, social finance, and gender-lens finance. She aims to bring fresh ideas and strategic leadership to enhance GIIA’s global reach through creative content and impactful events.
Professional Background
Ilka, currently pursuing a Master’s in International and Development Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute, specializes in Sustainable Trade and Finance. She has a diverse background in marketing, communications, research, and event coordination, with a focus on impact investing, corporate finance, and climate initiatives. Her academic work, alongside internships with global organizations, has strengthened her skills in leadership, strategic communications, and driving social finance projects that create meaningful change.
Looking Ahead
With a diverse and experienced team in place, GIIA is poised to expand its impact in the world of sustainable finance and continue its mission of promoting the same at the youngest stakeholder level. Each member brings unique insights and a commitment to empowering the next generation of sustainable finance professionals.
Contact
For more information on the Geneva Impact Investing Association (GIIA), please visit their webiste.
