Senior Vice President, Business Development and External Relations

Colleen Zakrewsky leads FINCA’s fundraising among private and public donors, helps to secure blended finance to create investable opportunities in countries for greater development impact, and oversees FINCA’s external relations programs.

Through her 25 years of management and cross-sector experience, Colleen has helped organizations achieve impressive rates of growth through philanthropy, grants, partnerships, and digital marketing. She has led global fundraising, marketing, and communications teams at Women for Women International and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She also served for more than 12 years in leadership roles at the American Red Cross, including managing a national consolidation of fundraising programs, scaling up a national women’s philanthropy program, and serving in fundraising leadership roles on high-profile disaster responses that raised billions in resources.

Committed to the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in fundraising and other technology disruptions, Colleen serves on the AI in Advancement Advisory Council. Deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and equity, she has championed efforts to expand diversity in the workplace throughout her career. She also facilitates fundraising and board development trainings, has mentored many talented development professionals, and has been nationally recognized for her work in advancing women in philanthropy.

Colleen received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Bucknell University and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from American University.