The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is delighted to announce that Mimi Alemayehou has joined its Board of Trustees. Alemayehou is a distinguished leader in development finance and international development with over two decades of experience in fostering growth and innovation in emerging markets across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Mimi to the Board,” said Jason Burnett, Chair of the Packard Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “In addition to her impressive track record driving social impact, she brings deep expertise in infrastructure, gender, and climate-focused initiatives that will help inform and shape the Packard’s Foundation work going forward.” 

Alemayehou is an accomplished leader in the public and private sectors, having served as Senior Vice President for Public-Private Partnerships at MasterCard, and as Managing Director at the Black Rhino Group and Chair of Blackstone Africa Infrastructure LP, where she played a pivotal role in advancing significant energy and infrastructure projects throughout Africa.  

Alemayehou previously served as Executive Vice President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and as the U.S. representative on the Board of the African Development Bank. At OPIC, she significantly expanded OPIC’s Africa portfolio and investments in renewable resources. 

“I am honored and energized to join the Packard Foundation’s Board of Trustees as we work toward a more just and equitable future,” said Alemayehou. “I believe the Foundation’s approach and commitment to listening to and learning from communities is essential to create enduring solutions.” 

In addition to her professional achievements, Alemayehou has served on several boards, including for Climate Crisis Real Impact, The Energy for Growth Hub, FinDev Canada, the U.S. African Development Foundation, and Twitter, Inc. She is currently serving on the board of the ONE Campaign, which focuses on ending extreme poverty. Mimi is currently Managing partner of Semai Ventures and a Senior advisor to Three Cairns Group, a mission driven investment and philanthropic firm focused on the climate crisis. 

“Mimi is a proven leader who embodies the spirit of partnership, innovation, and equity at the heart of our work,” said Packard Foundation President and CEO Nancy Lindborg. “We are looking forward to having her global experience and perspective on the Board.”  

Alemayehou was born in Ethiopia and spent her childhood in Kenya before moving to the United States. She received a Distinguished Honor Award from U.S. Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson for her service as the U.S. Executive Director at the African Development Bank, and in 2013, Forbes Magazine named her one of “The 20 Young Power Women in Africa 2013.” She holds a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in international law and development from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.