Emily Varga

Senior Cooperative Development Advisor
USAID’s Cooperative Development Program
Biography: 

Emily Varga is currently serving as the Senior Cooperative Development Advisor for the Agency, managing the global Cooperative Development Program (CDP) and serving as the Office Liaison for Private Sector Engagement (PSE). Prior to USAID, Ms. Varga managed a diverse international development portfolio as a Senior Program Manager at NCBA CLUSA, a D.C.-based Cooperative Development Organization. Ms. Varga has over 15 years of experience building, strengthening and supporting private sector development in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. In 2007, she founded the nonprofit organization which supports artisan cooperatives in Brazil to become more competitive in global markets. Her areas of interest include sustainable sourcing, empowerment of local communities and inclusive development. Ms. Varga holds a BA in International Development from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland.