Katharine Vander Laan
Katharine is the Executive Director at Pakka Foundation, where she leads initiatives to enhance the resilience and sustainability of communities in the Global South through innovative agroforestry practices and strengthening local industries. Pakka empowers its partners in the Global South by providing technical assistance and financing while connecting them to premium markets.
With nearly 20 years of experience in food systems and agricultural development, Katharine brings extensive field expertise, particularly from her work in Colombia. Now based in Canada, she manages a diverse portfolio of projects across Georgia, Uzbekistan, India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Colombia, and serves as a key expert in various other regions. Prior to her international endeavors, she dedicated a decade to agricultural development with Farm Credit Canada.
Katharine holds a Master's in International Development and Economics, and a certificate in Food Sustainability from the European Institute of Innovation and Sustainability. Her expertise lies in market system development, ESG integration, project management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, conflict resolution, and facilitation.
Voting Member: Katharine Vander Laan
Member since 2024