Karen Sherman, Chief Operating Officer at Women for Women International, has 20 years of multi-faceted international development experience specializing in the design, implementation, and management of technical and financial assistance programs targeting women, entrepreneurs, and non-governmental organizations. Over the course of her career, Ms. Sherman has managed a diverse portfolio of projects and programs throughout the former Soviet Union and across the globe focusing on organizational management and governance, micro and small business development, micro/SME finance, and advocacy. Currently, Ms. Sherman provides strategic management and oversight of Women for Women International operations in line with the organization's mission serving women survivors of war and conflict. In addition to launching and managing a small business in the former Soviet Union, Ms. Sherman has an M.A. in Russian and East European Studies from George Washington University and is proficient in Russian.