Carol Tan

Background

About Carol Tan

I'm a systems entrepreneur passionate about economic and social policy. I empower teams to achieve human security and social mobility for the most vulnerable by nurturing innovation, implementing ideas and measuring results. Together, we achieve goals with excellence, inclusiveness, and humor. At Asia Philanthropy Circle, I lead collaborative systems change initiatives anchored by local philanthropy, especially on climate resilience, early childhood development and social impact leadership development. With The Rockefeller Foundation, I led policy advocacy for economic equity and innovative finance portfolios, with focus on development finance. With the New York City Economic Development Corporation, my team advised city officials on policies and operations to develop 21st century opportunity - including equitably recovering from COVID-19. Previously, I partnered funders, policymakers and practitioners to incubate innovations that unlocked systems change in global development and built the resilience of fragile communities. Before that, I launched and led Harvard's and the Red Cross' initiatives in managing protracted crises. Past engagements include steering nonprofits, Asian governments and companies through economic investments and organization transformation. I have spent substantial time on the ground in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the US. It's a pleasure to be a trustee of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), and I previously served on the Board of Alliance for Positive Change and the Aspen Institute's expert group on Income Share Agreements (ISAs). Identifying entry points into complex issues and building results-oriented organisations and initiatives is what I do to serve vulnerable communities. Always happy to chat about cutting edge ideas for growing economic opportunity e.g. adaptation & resilience, development financing, education financing, unconditional cash policies, social safety nets, resilience measurement, employee-owned businesses, incubating innovation and systems change etc. Skilled in: social impact strategy, organization strategy, policy and political analysis, change management, governance, philanthropy, humanitarian aid, public-private partnerships, international development