Core Experts

Stefano Capodagli - Bridgetown, Barbados

Around 30 years of professional experience in Financial Inclusion, Private Sector Development (PSD), risk management, commercial and investment banking in Africa, Central Asia, Eastern, Southern and Western Europe, and the Caribbean.  He collaborates with entities such as Caribbean Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Hellenic Bank Group of Cyprus, Arab Banking Corporation, African Development Bank, and many more. Mr. Capodagli is professional trainer for MDBs in Risk Management, Finance, Banking. 

Languages: English, French and Italian, with basic knowledge of Spanish and Ukrainian

Hind Hamdan - Beirut, Lebanon

Hind is a seasoned freelance gender and socio-economic development expert with over 12 years of experience. She has worked extensively across high-impact organisations such as the UNDP, ILO, World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and FairWear Foundation. As a policy advisor in the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region, Hind specialises in advancing trade union rights and workers' movements, with a strong focus on supporting marginalised groups including migrant domestic workers, refugees, and survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, Hind has designed and delivered impactful training on gender mainstreaming, intersectionality, and transformative leadership for international organisations.  

Languages: English

Janina Arsenjeva - Brussels, Belgium

Janina is a senior legal and policy consultant with over 15 years of experience in human rights and inclusive development, with a strong focus on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. She has worked with a wide range of international actors, including UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, the International Disability Alliance, and the European Disability Forum. Her areas of expertise include CRPD-aligned legal and policy reform, inclusive governance, disability-inclusive SRHR, and the development of e-learning content on disability rights.

Janina has led numerous situation analyses, developed national disability strategies, and supported civil society organisations in engaging with UN human rights mechanisms. She brings a strong record of UN and EU-level advocacy, combined with practical experience in training, research, and content development. She has contributed to multi-country initiatives on inclusive education, accessibility, social protection, and gender-transformative programming.

Languages: Russian, English, French, Estonian, Spanish, Dutch

Ilaria Riccitelli - Rome, Italy

Around 15 years of extensive experience in project development and management, focus on optimising employment opportunities for vulnerable groups and individuals facing socio-economic challenges. Ms. Riccitelli's expertise lies in facilitating skill recognition processes and coordinating integrated initiatives for socio-occupational inclusion. She deigns, implements and leads projects for professional qualification training to foster social inclusion for migrants, refugees, and other marginalised communities. With a background in philosophy and theoretical-critical studies, Ms. Riccitelli brings a unique perspective to her work, allowing her to approach socio-economic issues with depth and insight. 

Languages: English, French, Italian

Mahgub Safa - Riga, Latvia

Around 20 years of professional experience as results-driven Business and Project Manager, effectively managing diverse projects and optimising business processes across various sectors. Proficient in data analysis, Mahgub is specialised in business process improvement, providing coaching on best practices, establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), coordinating internal and external stakeholders, leading change initiatives. He has expertise in IT governance, managing processes and data policies. Mahgub has an MA in International Relations and Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering, and certified to: PMP certification, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Prince2 Foundation. 

Languages: Spanish, English, Dutch, French, Italian, Latvian

Andrés Vazquez  - Asuncion, Paraguay

Expert in Public Affairs and Compliance with Human Rights Commitments (HR Compliance). Experienced Lawyer and Institutional Communicator with a PhD in Public Law specialising in Governance, and an International Master's in Human Rights focusing on Conventionality Control. Specialised in International Human Rights Protection and Innovation in Government Leadership. Former Regional Coordinator for Latin America of the International Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, with extensive advisory roles for governments, organisations, and multilateral agencies. Notable experience includes roles with Supreme Courts and collaborations with international organizations such as AECID, GIZ, IDLO, and UN agencies. 

Languages: Spanish, English

Camila Petzoldt - Geneva, Switzerland

Camila has over 10 years of experience in international development and human rights. She served as Monitoring and Evaluation Lead at the Global Disability Alliance, overseeing multi-year programs supporting disability organizations in the global South. Her expertise includes managing projects funded by USAID, FCDO, UNICEF, and Education Cannot Wait, focusing on inclusive education, humanitarian action, and assistive technology. Previously, Camila worked as a consultant for the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Peru, managing community projects in memory of conflict victims. She holds a Master of Science in Urban Management from the Technical University of Berlin and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Lima.  

Languages: Spanish, English, French

Carmen Serrano Diaz - Madrid, Spain

With almost 20 years of experience, Carmen is a communication professional specialised in international development cooperation. She has worked with public bodies in Spain and abroad, NGOs, and private companies. Proactive and socially driven, she has tackled issues like economic development, democratic governance, disability, migration, cultural access, and public and global health. Her career includes roles with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), FIIAPP (Spanish Cooperation), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), among others. 

Languages: Spanish, English

Imed Ouertani - Tunis, Tunisia  

Imed is an advocate and expert on the rights of people with disabilities. Since the 2011, he led numerous projects promoting disability rights, including creating the Tunisian Charter of the Rights of People with Disabilities. Imed has supported the disability movement in countries like Rwanda, Benin, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt and Madagascar, educating on disability rights, inclusive development and international human rights laws. He conducted research projects for organisations like World Bank and UNICEF. In 2016, Imed earned a master's in international and comparative disability law and policy from the National University of Ireland, and became the 1st IDA Bridge CRPD-SDGs Fellow. In 2022, he joined the International Disability Alliance (IDA) as a Training Officer on disability issues. 

Languages: Arabic, French, English

Laura Todescato - Monrovia, Liberia

Laura began her career as assistant at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN in New York. She then volunteered in Sierra Leone with a local NGO, focusing on rule of law and gender issues. After a brief stint at the European Parliament in Brussels, she joined an INGO in 2016, working in health sectors in South Sudan and Sierra Leone. She held roles such as Project Administrator and Grants Manager. Laura also collaborated with a local NGO in Sierra Leone on social inclusion for persons with disabilities. Her commitment to disability inclusion began in 2012, working with local NGOs over the years. Before moving to Liberia, she served as Country Director in Madagascar for an INGO focused on child protection and worked as a trainer and consultant in Sierra Leone. Laura has extensive experience in disability inclusion, particularly in economic empowerment, health, and education.

Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German

Emilio J. Ghersi  - Washington DC, USA

Emilio is a highly accomplished clean energy and climate finance expert, known for his expertise in business development, financial structuring, and executing complex debt and equity transactions across diverse sectors, including renewable energy, e-mobility, and impact investing. With over two decades of experience, he has worked extensively in the U.S. and emerging markets such as Latin America, Africa, and South Asia. Emilio has held senior roles at prestigious organizations like Jones Lang LaSalle, InterAmerican Development Bank, and the U.S. Department of Energy, where he led transactions totaling billions of dollars, managed C-suite relationships, and developed strategic partnerships. He is committed to advancing sustainability through innovative financial solutions and has served as a board member for multiple financial institutions and funds.  

Languages: English, Italian, Spanish

Peter Andrew Burbank - London, UK

Peter is an accomplished risk management expert with over three decades of experience in the financial sector, spanning global markets, including the U.S., Europe, and emerging regions. He has held senior roles such as Risk Director at MicroVest-DAI Capital Management, where he oversaw portfolio monitoring for impact investment funds. Peter has also held strategic positions at DBRS Ratings, Lloyds Banking Group, and Moody’s Investors Service, gaining expertise in credit trading, investment analysis, and ESG strategy. His career began at leading institutions like J.P. Morgan and McKinsey & Company, where he built a foundation in structured finance, high-yield credit, and financial risk management. He has extensive international experience and he is well-versed in navigating global financial landscapes, and has a strong commitment to integrating sustainable practices within financial frameworks.   

Languages: English, Danish, German, Italian 

Michela Lugiai - Bergamo, Italy

Michela is an accomplished Gender Equality Specialist with extensive expertise in integrating gender-sensitive policies and programs across global organizations, including the UNDP, MAG, The Halo Trust, and ActionAid. Her work has primarily focused on advancing gender equality through strategic planning, policy development, and capacity-building in complex conflict, post-conflict, and development contexts. Michela has led comprehensive gender mainstreaming initiatives, contributing to the design and implementation of gender action plans and inclusivity frameworks in diverse regions such as Ukraine, Vanuatu, and throughout the Pacific. Adept at managing high-stakes programmes, Michela has collaborated with UN agencies, international NGOs, and governmental institutions to promote women’s leadership, gender inclusivity, and social protection.  

Languages: English, Italian, Spanish 

Rejaul Siddiquee - Dhaka, Bangladesh

Rejaul is a disability inclusion expert, trainer, socio-legal researcher, human rights activist and a public interest lawyer at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He has led trainings and developed strategic partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF and WFP. Through out his 17 career, he delivered services to GOs, NGOs, INGOs including International Disability Alliance, BlueLaw International, Maxwell Stamp PLC and IMC Worldwide in different capacities. He is the co-author of a few books and articles including a Lawyer’s Manual and DPO Advocacy Handbook and Mobilising Disabled Peoples’ Organisations to Implement Bangladesh’s Disability Law. He achieved the Acumen Fellowship 2020 as a change maker in Bangladesh. His work spans from Bangladesh to missions in Kenya, Rwanda and Switzerland, advocating for inclusive policies and accessible development. 

Languages: English, Bengali

Bishnu Kumari Sapkota - Kathmandu, Nepal

Bishnuis a certified project manager with expertise in disability inclusion, electoral systems, climate change, and disaster resilience. With a Master’s in Environmental Science, she has significant experience in program management, strategic leadership, and inclusive capacity-building within national and international organisations, including the International Disability Alliance and IFES Nepal. Known for her effective communication and cross-cultural awareness, Bishnu has developed inclusive training manuals and reports, facilitated capacity-building sessions globally, and contributed to publications promoting human rights and social inclusion. 

Languages: English, Nepal, Hindi

Silvia Poggioli - Bristol, UK 

Silvia is a seasoned international development professional with 20 years of experience leading innovative aid programmes and securing major grants across the Global South. She specialises in strategic fundraising, capacity-building, and fostering impactful partnerships in complex, low-resource settings. Known for her strategic vision and operational excellence, Silvia has worked across four continents, managing multicultural teams and spearheading multi-million-dollar initiatives focused on inclusivity and grassroots empowerment.

Currently Head of Development at Blue Ventures, she oversees fundraising across 13 countries and is deepening expertise in climate adaptation, marine conservation, and community-based fisheries, driving sustainable, equity-focused change.

Languages: English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Adam Pillsbury - Toronto, Canada

With over 25 years of international experience in knowledge management, Adam is specialised in translating complex insights into accessible reports, articles, and other knowledge products on such topics as private sector development, business environment reform, women’s economic empowerment, and the impact economy.

He recently authored a best practices report on private sector development, drawing lessons from 15 EU-funded programmes across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. At the ICR Facility, he shaped the knowledge agenda, led the development of a course on women’s economic empowerment, and wrote widely on topics such as inclusive finance, public private dialogue and investment climate reform. Born in France and based in Canada, Adam lived in China for nearly two decades and has contributed to development programmes in more than 60 countries.

Languages: English and French  

Daniele Manieri - Baghdad, Iraq

Daniele is an experienced programme leader with over 13 years of international work in humanitarian and development settings, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. His expertise lies in resilience building, food security, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive rural development, with a strong focus on the Humanitarian–Development–Peace nexus. 

He has led complex, multi-sectoral programmes for organisations such as WFP, AICS, and UNIDO, working closely with national institutions, civil society, and international donors including EU, USAID, SIDA, BMZ, and the Green Climate Fund. Daniele is also highly engaged in cross-cutting themes such as disability inclusion, gender equality, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods, integrating policy support with on-the-ground impact. 

Languages: Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese 

Therese Turner-Jones - Bridgetown, Barbados

Therese is a seasoned macroeconomist and senior development advisor with over three decades of experience in international financial institutions, including the IMF, Inter-American Development Bank and Caribbean Development Bank. Her work spans public financial management, regional development, institutional transformation, and climate finance—particularly in small island developing states (SIDS) and the Caribbean region. She has held senior leadership roles, including Vice-President of Operations and Director of Projects at CDB, and General Manager of the Caribbean Department at the IDB, where she oversaw strategy, lending operations, and high-level partnerships.

Therese is recognised for her expertise in transformational leadership, strategic planning, and promoting inclusive growth through gender equality, diversity, and sustainability. She is the founder of MaxGwen Ltd., where she provides high-level advisory services to governments and institutions on macroeconomic reform, circular economy strategies, and climate resilience.

Languages: English, Spanish, French