Dr. Brearley’s career as a development economist began over two decades ago at the World Bank, where she worked with farmers, indigenous entrepreneurs and women’s collectives to create sustainable livelihoods and tackle inter-generational poverty.
Early on, she saw the simplicity and impact of cash transfers (CTs): a simple and effective poverty-busting mechanism designed in Latin America which then spread globally—Brearley worked on the largest CT in the world, in Ethiopia.
Dr. Brearley is a global thought leader on the ethics of climate change, and the ways in which global warming has impacted the lives of those living on the edge—she has led teams to design new financial mechanisms like debt for nature swaps, innovative farming techniques and community-based disaster risk management protocols that save lives and center local solutions.
Today, Dr Brearley collaborates with plucky start-ups, boots on the ground NGOs and advises international corporations on how to design and implement projects that will WORK: centering sustainability, profitability and inclusion.
She uses rigorous political economy and macroeconomic analysis; combined with common sense local know-how to ensure that women and men contribute equally to community development. Dr Brearley was an early proponent of including the environment in the standard economics production function of capital and labour—if it is not measured it will not be valued.
Dr. Brearley grew up in Norfolk, England, where her earliest memory is milking the cows with her grandmother. She attended school in Norwich and worked as a vegetable cutter, cleaning lady and shop assistant—practical experience which she credits with giving her the skills to interact with people from all walks of life. She received a Fulbright scholarship to study for a master’s degree in international relations in the United States, and holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.
Client Testimonies
“When I think of a person that "put their money where their mouth is" I think without hesitation in Emily. She is a down-to-earth kind of person with an impressive resume not only for her academic background but also for her work experience bringing real solutions to multiple regions in the world in topics such as women's empowerment. She has been always a go-to person to have a fresh a clear perspective on social and economic matters”
-Carlos Otarola: Head of Financial Services, IDB Invest
“Dr Brearley is a first rate economist who is able to convertcomplex concepts into practical advice and real change on theground. She is a joy to work with and has a good sense of humor”
-Otaviano Canuto: Fellow, Brookings Institution
“A true powerhouse! Dr. Brearley is top of her field. Her ability to articulate, lead and motivate is quickly matched with her depth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the World economics arena. I have yet to meet another who is as passionate and driven as Dr. Brearley in fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. Her expertise is unparalleled”
-Aven Sanders: USAF Veteran, Sherpa6 Manager