Elizabeth (Elsa) Assefa is a Program Coordinator for the Transition-to-Scale team at Grand Challenges Canada where she works closely with MNCH innovators.

Elsa holds a Master of Global Affairs with a specialization in Global Civil Society and Global Institutions. Prior to joining Grand Challenges Canada, Elsa worked as a Research Consultant for a humanitarian consultancy firm, primarily focused on evaluations of financing for international assistance. These opportunities provided meaningful experience working with non-profit organizations and governments, such as the UK.

During her graduate studies, Elsa acquired field experience in South Africa working with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and in Jordan researching the use of cash assistance by Syrian refugees. Elsa is passionate about sustainable solutions to complex global challenges and she looks forward to supporting innovators in open innovation alongside the Transition-to-Scale team.