Helene Desanlis

Climate Philanthropy Director, Global Intelligence at ClimateWorks Foundation

Professional Overview

Helene Desanlis is a seasoned sustainability and climate change professional with over 10 years of experience driving positive environmental impact. As the Climate Philanthropy Director, Global Intelligence at ClimateWorks Foundation, she leverages her expertise in certification, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven analysis to support philanthropic initiatives that address the global climate crisis.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role at ClimateWorks Foundation, Helene is responsible for managing and expanding the organization's global intelligence capabilities. She leads a team that collects, analyzes, and disseminates critical data and insights to inform the foundation's climate philanthropy strategy. Helene's work has played a key role in aligning the foundation's grantmaking efforts with the most impactful emissions reduction opportunities worldwide.

Career Progression

Prior to joining ClimateWorks Foundation, Helene held progressive leadership positions at Fair Trade USA, where she spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative certification programs that drove sustainable practices and improved livelihoods for producers in developing countries. As the Senior Director of Certification, she oversaw a team of 25 specialists and led the expansion of Fair Trade's global reach, contributing to a 20% increase in certified producers during her tenure.

Helene's early career experience includes roles at Kiva.org, E*TRADE, and HSBC France, where she developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, client relationship management, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Academic Background

Helene holds a Master's degree in International Business from the ESCP Europe Business School, where she graduated with distinction. She also completed a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Management from the University of Paris-Sorbonne.

Areas of Expertise

• Climate change mitigation strategies

• Philanthropic program development and evaluation

• Sustainable certification and supply chain management

• Data analysis and business intelligence

• Stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural communication

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Helene has demonstrated a commitment to driving positive environmental and social change. At Fair Trade USA, she spearheaded the development of a carbon credit program that generated over $2.5 million in additional revenue for certified producers. In her current role at ClimateWorks Foundation, Helene's data-driven insights have informed the allocation of millions of dollars in climate-focused grants, supporting initiatives that have collectively reduced global emissions by an estimated 10 million metric tons of CO2.

Conclusion

Helene Desanlis is a seasoned climate change and sustainability professional with a proven track record of driving measurable impact. Her expertise in certification, data analysis, and philanthropic program development positions her as a valuable asset in the fight against the global climate crisis. Helene is dedicated to leveraging her skills and experience to support the ClimateWorks Foundation's mission of creating a sustainable and equitable future.