Durreen Shahnaz

Durreen Shahnaz is an accomplished professional with significant experience in the financial and impact investing industry. Durreen is the author of "The Defiant Optimist™" book, where they share their innovative and compassionate journey in the impact investing space.

In 2009, Shahnaz founded Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), a global impact investment organization that aims to put women, the underserved, and the 99% of the population at the forefront of the capital markets. Durreen has also founded and served as the director of IIX Foundation, focusing on program management and fundraising for financial structuring and impact assessment work.

Shahnaz has been actively involved in various advisory roles and organizations. Durreen was appointed as a member of the Global Council at Asia Society, contributing ideas and resources to further its mission. Durreen has been a board advisor at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), advising on innovative financing solutions and promoting sustainable development goals.

Additionally, Shahnaz has served in various advisory board roles, including the National Book Council of Singapore and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) on Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Durreen has also been involved in initiatives related to impact accounting and global energy access, including their role as a member of the Impact Management Project's Working Group on Conceptual Framework for Impact Accounting and the Global Panel on Cooling for All hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll).

Overall, Shahnaz's work experience highlights their dedication to fighting global inequality, reinventing finance, and investing in women's empowerment. Their expertise and leadership have made a significant impact on the financial industry's approach to social and environmental responsibility.

Durreen Shahnaz holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, which they obtained from 1993 to 1995. Durreen also has a master's degree (MA) in International Relations and International Economics with a focus on Energy and Environment from The Johns Hopkins University, earned from 1992 to 1995. Furthermore, they completed a bachelor's degree (BA) in Government and Economics at Smith College from 1985 to 1989. Additionally, they obtained a High School Diploma with IB Certificate from the International School Manila in 1985. In terms of certifications, they have acquired The Orange Bond Pledge from Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) in 2022.