Sharlene Brown has a wealth of experience in financial inclusion having worked in development finance in over 15 countries and currently serves as our dynamic new COO. In her previous roles, she led the Racial Equity, Economics, Finance, and Sustainability (REEFS) program at the Croatan Institute and served as executive director of the Partnership for Responsible Financial Inclusion (PRFI). She has also served as the national director of Oikocredit-USA and as a senior program officer for the Social Performance Management Center at the Grameen Foundation. Additionally, she is a certified financial health coach with the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors.
From stewarding investment portfolios exceeding $35 million to advancing microfinance projects across sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East/North Africa, Sharlene is a powerhouse of financial knowledge and equity-focused action. Her immigrant roots fuel her drive to uplift communities through access, education, and opportunity.
Sharlene has served on the Board of Directors of Croatan Institute and Women Advancing Microfinance (WAM) International and as an advisory board member for the Coalition for Green Capital. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BA in Economics & Africana Studies from Wellesley College. She has also earned certificates in Digital Money and Negotiation Techniques from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Harvard University, respectively.
