Kristen Woolf

Kristen Woolf is an inclusive strategist and joyful coalition builder – specializing in gender equity programming and sustainable, social and economic impact for and with women, girls and young people. 

Kristen has worked with a broad spectrum of philanthropic foundations, relief organizations and UN agencies across development and humanitarian settings focused on immediate, medium and long-term ‘same storm, different boats’ response and recovery in disasters and emergencies. 

From 2019-2024, Kristen served as vice president of programs at EMpower, leading and growing a global, high-performing program team from eight to 18. She led the vision and strategic direction for all programmatic investments and grantmaking, as well as partnerships and engagements with corporates, individuals, foundations and trusts. 

Before EMpower, Kristen served in a variety of senior leadership roles with corporate and private foundations, including Novo, Nike and the Malala Fund. 

Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a graduate degree in social work (social welfare policy and immigrant and refugee populations) from Columbia University. In her family, she is a first-generation college graduate, and she is forever grateful to the AmeriCorps National Service program for equipping her to do so.

Outside of that, Kristen lives in London, England, with her two children and two dogs.  She spends as much time outdoors as possible (not nearly enough, go away, Zoom).