Geographer with 38 years of experience in establishing institutions, building platforms and developing programs in her three areas of specialization: poverty alleviation, gender and water. As a poverty alleviation practitioner she has focused on inclusive development, assets transfer, interest free loans, microfinance, financial literacy, public goods and poverty graduation models. She is known for championing causes of vulnerable populations, marginalized people and poor countries. She has a reputation for solving problems, resolving differences through debate and discussions, building consensus and developing shared perspectives.
In addition to her in-depth experience in Pakistan, she has worked in South Asia, the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Her expertise ranges from projects in local communities to major national and international programs, transnational dialogues, track two engagements where governments find it hard to talk, research geared to actions and academic endeavors. She has chosen to reside in Pakistan, and continues engagement at the grassroots, following her avowed approach on putting people first.
She is the founder of several private and non-profit organizations as well as international and national networks, programs and initiatives. She has held fiduciary responsibility for multi-million dollar programs, served on treasury, investment, fund raising, finance and audit committees.
She has headed over 200 assignments and postings as Chief of Party, Head of Programs, Team Leader and lead consultant. She is the author and co-author of over 180 research, evaluation and impact assessment reports.
