DN: Tell us about your current role. The Global Fund’s mission is to defeat HIV, TB, and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all; how does the mission of the organization align with your values? 

AF: In my role as Chief Financial Officer at the Global Fund, I oversee a broad spectrum of financial operations, facilities management, and administration. My role allows me to leverage the CFO function as an enabler for strategic resource allocation and enhancement of financial transparency and accountability in order to maximize our impact in the fight against major infectious diseases affecting the communities we serve. Our partnership is powered by the pursuit of equity and the belief that no one should die from preventable and treatable diseases. I am from The Gambia, which, together with the rest of Africa, is disproportionately affected by the diseases we fight. Ensuring equitable access to affordable and quality tools to fight infectious diseases is a cause that animates me. Ending AIDS, TB, and malaria as public health threats is a matter I care deeply about, as it generally affects the most vulnerable in society.

DN: What advice would you give to young professionals, particularly women, aspiring to build a career in strategic financial management and leadership in the international development sector? 

AF: I would tell them to strive to build a strong foundation in core financial principles and remain adaptable to a rapidly evolving environment, stakeholder interests, and opportunities created by new technology. In strategic financial management, it is important to understand the broader impact of accounting and finance on strategic decisions, risk trade-offs, and organizational performance, while always staying proactive and agile. I would encourage future finance professionals to embrace challenges as opportunities. It is the way to continuously develop these competencies and grow.  

Balancing professional aspirations with personal and family commitments can pose unique challenges for many people, especially women, who often play a bigger role in taking care of their families. Despite this, it is crucial to prioritize personal wellness while setting clear goals and investing in continuous learning. There is clear evidence of the positive impact of women in leadership roles, especially in finance, so I encourage young professionals to believe that they can excel in such a career path.  

Women should be deliberate in identifying mentors who can help them see their strengths and unleash their potential. Most importantly, I encourage women to be courageous and have a growth mindset. We, as women, should also identify and develop a leadership style that works for us. Servant leadership is my deeply ingrained leadership style, with which I lead my team by fostering a supportive and empowering environment. Leveraging the strength of every member has created a community of excellence where people feel valued for their contributions.  

DN: Can you share about your career path at the Global Fund, from Finance Specialist to Chief Financial Officer? What were some key milestones and challenges you encountered as a woman along the way? 

AF: My journey from Finance Specialist to CFO has been marked by learning and adaptation. I started as a Finance Specialist responsible for financial management of various grants across Africa and Asia. One of the key milestones in my journey is the successful delivery of a major transformation project (finance step-up) that transformed the people, processes, and systems at the Global Fund. That work enabled the strategic repositioning of finance as a fundamental function in decision-making and the delivery of organizational goals. 

One challenge that I have encountered as a woman, and particularly in the broad diversity, equity, and inclusion context, is that it can sometimes be significantly more difficult to earn a place at the table when you come from a certain background. The weight of responsibility in leadership can be enormous in such cases, as you must recognize that many other people in the workplace and in your community look up to you. While all that can often be demanding, stepping in to solve issues or just expressing my point of view is not something I shy away from.  

I am also very fortunate to have an amazing network of friends, family, mentors, and colleagues (i.e., my village) who provide constant support, advice, and guidance during celebratory and difficult moments.  

DN:  What does work-life balance look like to you?   

AF: I try to keep a healthy work-life balance, but sometimes it can get busy, and the scales can tip toward the work side. I am always mindful of maintaining a delicate equilibrium that allows for well-being, self-care, and professional excellence. My ability to effectively balance my commitments and family obligations as a wife and mother, in addition to supporting my aging and extended family members, is constantly challenged as I navigate my growing professional responsibilities. My experience has taught me the importance of creating a flexible, supportive, and inclusive work environment for my team, enabling a safe environment for wellness and a pathway for professional development – these two things are compatible.  

DN: Who or what inspires you and why? ​​​​​​​ 

AF: I work for an organization where I am surrounded by truly inspiring colleagues who are dedicated to leaving a lasting positive impact on global health. These are people who, regardless of their position or circumstances, strive to make a difference and motivate me to pursue excellence in my work.  

For my approach to leadership, Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan come to mind as a profound source of inspiration. Nelson Mandela’s tireless and patient pursuit of justice, equality, and reconciliation has taught me the importance of resilience and integrity in leadership. Kofi Annan has influenced my approach with his commitment to peace, diplomacy, and global cooperation. He proved how thoughtful and inclusive leadership could drive meaningful change, even in the face of complex international challenges.  

And if there is one person that continuously inspires and drives my self-worth, it is my mother. She embodies empathy, resilience, integrity, and wisdom. Through her life journey, I have witnessed the powerful impact of patience, solidarity, and the art of reflective thinking. Her ability to bring people together, listen carefully, and act selflessly has shaped empathy, humility, unity, mutual respect, and kindness as my core values as a human being.  

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily represent the views of IFAC.