Jane Finette
Founder
Jane is a passionate advocate for women and girls, and author of Unlocked: How Empowered Women Empower Women. Her expertise span two decades of building and empowering global communities at scale including eBay, Sothebys and Mozilla. She is a certified CPCC ACC executive coach and leadership expert. In 2020 Jane was awarded the Women Forward Gold Award from the Business Council of Peace for her work and commitment to advancing women.
Athena Katsaros
Executive Director
Athena believes that the biggest social and environmental challenges of our day will only be solved when women are present at every decision-making table around the world. As Executive Director, she is committed to realizing WIA’s vision and mission by leading with clear vision, thoughtful strategy, and deep care for the WIA team. Athena’s expertise includes leadership development, designing transformative programs, and leading teams to create positive change.
Anuoluwa Ishola
Director of Operations
Anu is passionate about leadership development for women. She has over 14+ years of experience working in the global development space, particularly with project management. She is committed to efficient and effective programming that improves workspace outcomes for women. Anu brings her dedication to women’s development and extensive program experience to lead Operations at the Women’s Impact Alliance.
Brittany Lane Blitzer
Director of Strategic Development
Brittany firmly believes that a more just and regenerative world requires more women in leadership roles. She is an experienced community builder, communicator, coach, and people leader in the impact entrepreneurship space. As the WIA’s Director of Strategic Development, she focuses on exploring new pathways of partnership, communication, and product innovation to both deepen and expand The WIA’s global impact.
Skylar Gieseke
Head of Programs
Skylar is motivated by growth, both in herself and those around her. She believes that positive social change occurs only when those driving the effort are living their full potential. With a background in behavioral health and non-profit management, she brings the ingenuity and expertise needed to help our small team do BIG things. Her zoom calls are often interrupted by one (or all) of her four rescue dogs and sometimes a noisy parrot.
Elise Rankin
Head of Coaching
Elise is a seasoned leadership development coach and team performance consultant for change makers. She brings 20+ years of experience as a thought partner and change catalyst for organizations solving the toughest global challenges we face today. Elise brings her passion for women’s leadership and in-depth coaching experience to her role of spearheading Coach Engagement initiatives at The Women’s Impact Alliance.
Amber Smith
Program Manager
Amber loves celebrating the process and journey of women embracing their potential and fully living out their strengths and abilities. She enjoys channeling her energy toward organizations where authenticity and empowerment are valued. Amber brings a diverse background in psychology, healthcare, social work, youth engagement, and non-profit programming. She strives to bring joy, support, and a spirit of 'figureoutableness' to any space or role she is in.
Charlie Friesen
Communications Coordinator
Charlie lights up when her energy is channeled towards vibrant, intentional community, which is why she loves being a part of the Women's Impact Alliance. Through her medical background as a Labor & Delivery RN, she brings grit, a burning passion to empower women, and occasional nurse humor. As Communications Coordinator, Charlie is grateful to champion both mission-driven and frontline heroines through supportive leadership development. She exudes Enneagram Seven playfulness, and a delight in pursing both mindfulness and personal growth.
Adila Wahdat
Graphic Designer
Adila is a graphic designer, photographer, artist, and boundary-breaker. Originally from Afghanistan, Adila overcame cultural barriers and persistently pursued her dream of becoming an accomplished graphic designer. She uses her talents to expand and express the WIA brand in social media, print, and other materials. She has been instrumental in bringing our new brand look and feel to life.
Ebony Smith
Digital Strategy Consultant
Ebony Smith is a growth-driven digital strategist focused on redefining what it means to reach and connect with people through digital marketing. Ebony's purpose is to use all the proven tactics, strategies, and trends to create forward-thinking digital campaigns that lead with an empathetic approach.
Pascal Finette
Director of Digital
Co-Founder at be radical, EY’s wavespace Advisory Board Chair, Pearson Digital Advisory Board member. Also: TheHeretic.org and TCFS.org. Formerly leadership at Google, Mozilla, eBay. Pascal heads up digital initiatives at The Women’s Impact Alliance and is a Founding Coach and mentor.
Pear Urushima
Writer & Storyteller
Pear has 25+ years of high-tech marketing and branding experience, solving innumerable creative challenges, all with a keen eye for details and aesthetics. Her focus now is supporting worthy causes that seek to empower women, keep arts and culture alive and thriving, provide business mentoring in developing countries, and promote peace and gratitude.
Hucky
Chief Hug Officer
Hucky is Chief Hug Officer at WIA. His work focuses on the intersection of team wellbeing and eating treats. With decades-long dog years experience in tail wagging, ball fetching, and eating whatever he can score, Hucky is an invaluable member of the team.
