Loise Waruguru Maina is IFAD’s Lead Technical Specialist for Gender and Social Inclusion.  

With over 18 year’s professional experience, she previously held global leadership roles with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Practical Action, UN Women and Women for Women International. She led programmes focused on women's economic empowerment, financial inclusion, inclusive trade, sustainable energy access and climate-resilient agriculture.

Maina has a Master of Arts Degree in Gender and Development from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Development from the United States International University - Africa. She is undertaking a PhD in Gender and Public Policy at the University of Nairobi.