Professional Affiliation

Program Manager,  Pearl Initiative

Expert Bio

Anissa Punjani is a seasoned professional in the field of philanthropy, currently serving as the Governance in Philanthropy Programme Manager at the Pearl Initiative. Through the programme, Anissa has worked closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with a primary focus on promoting accountability and transparency within the philanthropic sector, facilitating strategic and impactful giving among regional donors. 

With a background in investment banking, Anissa moved from New York to Dubai in 2008, bringing with her a diverse skill set encompassing not-for-profit work, female leadership, entrepreneurship, business development, and family philanthropy. Throughout her time in the Middle East, she has dedicated herself to advancing the not-for-profit sector, particularly in the areas of education and entrepreneurship.

Currently, she is the host of the Shaping Philanthropy podcast, highlighting narratives of best practices in philanthropy and CSR in the Arab region. Anissa studied Economics and Computer Science at Smith College in Northampton, MA.