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MSc April Warren
Social Entrepreneurship - Global Healthcare - Partnerships - Impact Investing & Venture Philanthropy - Program Design
Professional Background
April Warren is an accomplished professional dedicated to empowering social entrepreneurs in their pursuit of innovative solutions to global challenges. With over 10 years of experience in pioneering social enterprise programs, April has successfully co-designed acceleration services, built strategic partnerships, and leveraged the power of venture philanthropy and impact investing to create lasting social change. Her work spans multiple continents, including immersive projects in Cambodia, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
April's extensive career is marked by her belief in the strength of design thinking and collective action as pivotal tools for driving systems change. She has effectively facilitated workshops, cultivated valuable partnerships, and led cross-functional teams to successful outcomes. Her commitment to social impact is exemplified in her collaborations with organizations such as Twinings, Acumen, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and USAID, among others.
Education and Achievements
April Warren's impressive academic background includes a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Global Health & Population Studies from the prestigious Harvard University School of Public Health. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Latin American Studies and Spanish from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she began her educational journey at the renowned Phillips Academy, setting a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
Throughout her career, April has achieved remarkable milestones that further emphasize her expertise in social enterprise and development. Notable accomplishments include leading a USAID and DFID fund that supported the growth of 16 early-stage enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa, designing a new healthcare delivery model for women tea workers in Twinings’ Kenyan supply chain, and evaluating impact investing opportunities to identify new business development pathways. April's innovative mindset has also led her to shape over $400 million in USAID programming through the co-creation of an integrated health strategy.
Moreover, she has played a vital role in advising Development Innovation Ventures on the re-launch of a tiered venture-capital style fund, and she has systematically supported the market entry strategies for the CEO of social enterprise incubator, Villgro. These achievements underscore her commitment to driving sustainable, impactful change through innovative business models.
Thought Leadership & Mentoring
Beyond her practical experience, April is a respected thought leader in the fields of social entrepreneurship and global health. She is a sought-after public speaker, having presented at major conferences such as SOCAP and Innovations in Healthcare. April also shares her insights as a writer for platforms like NextBillion and Medium, where she contributes valuable content on social impact, sustainability, and innovation.
In her capacity as a business mentor, April serves in various roles, including as a mentor for Village Capital and Global Health Technical Professionals. Her commitment to mentoring emerging leaders in the field reflects her passion for fostering a new generation of social entrepreneurs who are equipped to address pressing global challenges.
Achievements
Some of April Warren's most noteworthy career achievements include:
- Led a USAID and DFID Fund: Successfully directed a fund aimed at supporting the growth of 16 early-stage enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa, providing critical resources for innovative solutions.
- Innovative Healthcare Model Development: Designed an impactful model for delivering healthcare services specifically tailored for women tea workers within Twinings’ Kenyan supply chain, demonstrating her ability to connect business needs with social impact.
- Impact Investment Evaluation: Conducted evaluations of impact investing and blended finance opportunities, paving the way for the development of new business opportunities in the social enterprise sector.
- Strategic Health Programming: Co-created an integrated health strategy that shaped over $400 million in USAID programming, showcasing her strategic acumen and holistic approach to health initiatives.
- Venture Capital Fund Advisory: Provided advisory services to Development Innovation Ventures on the re-launch of a tiered venture-capital style fund, helping to innovate funding structures in the social impact space.
- Market Entry Systematization: Systematized market entry strategies for the CEO of Villgro, a leading incubator for social enterprises, facilitating growth and sustainability for innovative ventures.
Closing Thoughts
April Warren is not only a leader in social entrepreneurship; she is also a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to harness the power of innovative technologies and sustainable business models. Her expansive network and collaborative spirit allow her to continue making significant contributions to the field of global health and social impact. As she fosters partnerships and cultivates leadership, April remains at the forefront of addressing the world's most pressing challenges through entrepreneurship and innovation.
