Yasmina Zaidman
About Yasmina Zaidman
Yasmina Zaidman serves as the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer at Acumen, bringing over 25 years of experience in international development and social entrepreneurship. She has held various leadership roles at Acumen and currently serves on the boards of multiple organizations, including KadAfrica and Cacao Hunters.
Work at Acumen
Yasmina Zaidman currently serves as the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer at Acumen, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she leads key relationships with external corporate stakeholders and oversees the development of strategic partnerships. Prior to this, she held various roles at Acumen, including Director of Strategic Partnerships from 2013 to 2017 and Water Portfolio Manager from 2003 to 2007. During her tenure, she initiated and managed the Water Portfolio and helped secure $22 million for Acumen's Pioneer Energy Investing Initiative.
Education and Expertise
Yasmina Zaidman holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where she studied General Management, Public Management, and Social Entrepreneurship from 2001 to 2003. She also earned a BA in Hispanic Studies from Vassar College from 1991 to 1995. With over 25 years of experience in international development, corporate sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, she brings extensive knowledge to her roles in various organizations.
Background
Yasmina Zaidman has a diverse background in international development and social entrepreneurship. She has served on the boards of several organizations, including KadAfrica since 2019, International Development Exchange from 2002 to 2005, and White Ribbon Alliance from 2014 to 2020. Additionally, she worked at Ashoka as Acting Director of the Environmental Innovations Initiative from 1997 to 2001. Her experience spans multiple regions, including work in Uganda and Colombia.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Yasmina Zaidman has made significant contributions to various initiatives. At Acumen, she initiated and managed the Water Portfolio and played a key role in securing $22 million for the Pioneer Energy Investing Initiative. Her leadership in communications and partnerships has been instrumental in advancing Acumen's mission. She has also contributed to organizations like JUST Capital as an advisor since 2021 and Cacao Hunters as a board member since 2021.