Past Speakers

Since 2012 Vicki Escarra has been the global CEO of Opportunity International, a global non-profit organization that helps people in developing nations work their way out of poverty. The organization provides loans, savings programs, insurance, training and other financial services to more than 12 million people in 28 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. At Opportunity International Escarra has led initiatives to create a long-term strategic plan, rebrand the organization, streamline operations and increase global fundraising by 30 percent in 2013, expanding the organization’s work around the world. She also strengthened partnerships with corporate and institutional donors such as Caterpillar, MasterCard and John Deere as part of the organization’s plan to create 20 million jobs by 2020. From 2006 to 2012 Escarra served as President and chief executive officer of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. As president and CEO of Feeding America, Escarra increased fundraising by 300 percent, nearly doubled its client base, and increased corporate contributions from $8 million to $33 million in about six years. “Vicki’s impact on the Feeding America network has been phenomenal,” said David Brearton, Feeding America board chair via a statement. “The Board of Directors is profoundly grateful to Vicki for her more than six years of dedicated service.”