Jessica Alfaro is a Consultant with Financial Institutions Group (FIG), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and World Bank Group and currently lives in Madrid, Spain.
We asked Jessica about her current work and here are snippets of what she shared:
What is the focus of your current work and/or research?
I work in sustainable development with the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, supporting initiatives that expand access to finance and promote inclusive economic growth in emerging markets. My current focus includes financial inclusion, SME finance, sustainable finance, and strengthening food security across North, West, and Central Africa. I feel fortunate to work with interesting partners around the world, building on my early career in microfinance in South Africa and Chicago, where I saw firsthand how access to financial services can transform lives and communities. Alongside my development work, I continue to teach at the university level, sharing practical insights from the field and engaging with the next generation of global leaders.
How has your GRID minor influenced your career?
The experiences and people I met during my MA/GRID minor set the stage for my dream of living and working abroad. My time in South Africa and Burkina Faso gave me invaluable opportunities to learn languages, immerse myself in local cultures, and understand that development is not one-size-fits-all. The GRID minor also strengthened my ability to work in interdisciplinary and collaborative settings, and gave me the confidence to pursue an international career. Across all my roles, including multilateral organizations, non-profits, and academia, gender equality has remained a cross-cutting priority, embedded in program design, partnerships, and policy engagement.
What advice would you offer to current GRID students?
- Say yes to going abroad. Immersing yourself in a new place is one of the best ways to understand a culture, learn about yourself, and grow both personally and professionally.
- Build relationships. Connect with colleagues, classmates, and people you meet along the way. Support others, share knowledge, and pay it forward; you never know when your paths might cross again.
- Learn the language. I’ve seen how speaking the local language, whether where you live, for work, or travel, opens doors and deepens your understanding of a place and its people.
- Stay curious and flexible. Be open to unexpected career turns; those twists can lead to new and rewarding opportunities.
- Be a lifelong learner. I’ve recently started taking French classes again with current role in Africa, and it’s a reminder that continuous learning keeps you growing and opens new possibilities.
How can we follow your work on social media?