Chris Edwards

Program Director

"Digital technologies can disrupt existing practices, boost economies and transform lives. However, if we’re not careful, they can also exacerbate existing inequalities. I’m interested in the application of digital for development and how, through collective and sustained endeavour, we might unlock its potential to deliver scalable and inclusive social impact."

Chris is Program Director on Mastercard Strive, a global initiative launched by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Caribou Digital to support the resilience and growth of five million small businesses around the world. He manages global innovation funds, identifies potential grantees and forges strategic partnerships that deliver impact for small businesses. Prior to joining Caribou Digital, Chris was a technology and innovation adviser at the UK’s Department for International Development (now FCDO). He designed and ran multi-million pound research and innovation partnerships with the GSMA and Unilever to test and scale new technologies and business models across the Global South. He also led initiatives to narrow the global digital divide, particularly the digital gender and disability gaps. Prior to DFID/FCDO, he led global marketing campaigns to boost UK exports, before which he worked in strategic sourcing and brand management roles at Mars. Chris combines this blended public-private background with experience in social innovation, digital and mobile technologies, financial inclusion and sectors including energy, agriculture, circular economy and humanitarian action. Chris holds a BA in Italian & Spanish from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex/Institute of Development Studies. He is currently based in the rolling hills of the Peak District, UK.

Contact them at: chris.edwards@cariboudigital.net

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Abbie Phatty-Jobe

Research & Engagement Manager

Aimi Zhou

Grants & Operations Manager

Alex Kidd

Management Accountant

Amaal Salie

Measurement and Impact Associate

Anan Abu Rmieleh

Head of Program Communications

Annabel Schiff

Senior Director of Programs

Bryan Pon

Senior Director of Operations & Data

Carlotta Maucher

Program Analyst, Space & Climate

Charlene Migwe

Director of the Mastercard Foundation Partnership

Chelsea Horváth

Measurement & Impact Manager

Chiara Pasquini

Measurement & Impact Manager

Chris Edwards

Program Director

Chris Locke

Founder & Chair

Christian Yapur

Senior Data Scientist

David Taverner

Senior Director of Space & Climate

Elise Montano

Director of Measurement & Impact

Emrys Schoemaker

Senior Director of Advisory & Policy

Fernanda Matsinhe

Measurement & Impact Manager

Gabriel Abagalana

Communications & Events Manager

Gemma James

Operations Director

Giulia Costella

Manager, Space & Climate

Grace Natabaalo

Research & Insights Manager

Hanna Laufer

Measurement & Impact Manager

Hélène Smertnik

Youth and Digital Livelihoods Expert

Hesbon Ngeno

IT Support Manager

Jamie Robertsen

Measurement & Impact Manager

Janet Shulist

Senior Insights Manager

Jen Lawrence

People & Culture Advisor

Jessica Osborn

CEO

Jesús Tabares

Grants & Community Manager

Jonathan Donner

Senior Director of Research & Thought Leadership

Karin Norris

HR Manager

Laura Beresford

Head of Brand & Marketing

Laura Litaba

Project & Events Coordinator

Marissa Dean

Senior Director of Inclusive Business

Marius Karabaczek

Measurement & Impact Manager

Mica Woode

Measurement & Impact Analyst

Niamh Barry

Senior Director of Measurement & Impact

Nicki McGoh

Senior Director of Space & Climate

Rosie Afia-Ford

Senior Innovation Fund Manager

Savita Bailur

Senior Director of Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

Shelby Brewster

Publications Manager

Zsuzsanna Bodi

Program Director

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