Topaz is an experienced professional in Africa-related policy and development. She joins GHD after three years of work at think tanks such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Brookings Institution. In her most recent role as a Program Manager with the CSIS Africa team, she co-authored regional pieces on climate change, economics, health, and politics.

Topaz is currently pursuing the Social Innovation and Global Development Certificate and is particularly interested in the ways in which improved infrastructure and technology can be leveraged to advance connectivity and service delivery in emerging market economies. Her time at GHD has also been marked by internships with UN IOM in The Gambia and The Refugee Investment Network’s East Africa team. These have given her a well-rounded perspective on cross-sectoral challenges and opportunities.

Topaz earned her B.A. with honors in Economics from Mount Holyoke College in 2018 and completed a fellowship with Humanity in Action in the Netherlands the following year. She is from Nairobi, Kenya and speaks fluent Kiswahili and conversational French.