Udunopa is a young professional in trade and SME development. Prior to joining IESC in 2015, Udunopa consulted for the ILO, where she produced a microfinance training guide and improved household surveys for their Enterprise Development, Growth and Enhancement program. She also worked as research assistant for Dr. Esther Brimmer—former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs. Udunopa has lived in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Brazil; she is fluent in English and E’Wano (Nigerian dialect), and speaks conversational Portuguese. She holds a B.S. in Economics and International Studies from Iowa State University, and an M.A. in International Trade and Investment Policy from George Washington University. Udunopa is a member of the Association of Women in International Trade.

Julie joined the new business team in 2016 and also serves as the gender focal point at IESC. She has over 10 years of experience in project management and business development in economic growth and governance with a variety of U.S. government donors, including USAID, USDA, State Department, and FEMA. She thrives on private sector development, program design, program budgets, gender analysis, and attention to detail. Julie has a dual M.A. in sustainable international development and women’s and gender studies from the Heller School at Brandeis University. She got her start in international development working on a community development program in Uganda and has had a passion for East Africa ever since.

Erin started with the new business team at IESC in January 2017, providing research and coordination support for upcoming and current proposals. Prior to joining IESC, she taught English overseas and high school science in the United States, and later worked as a contractor for the U.S. Navy. She holds a B.A. in biology and a M.Ed. in education from the University of Virginia and recently earned an M.A. in sustainability with a concentration in environmental policy and international development from Harvard. Her professional interests include sustainable economic development, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and international tourism development. Outside the office, Erin enjoys reading, exploring new places, and hanging out with her dog, Wallace. More about Erin.