Erica Barbosa Vargas

Erica is Global Head of Innovation and Sustainable Finance at SecondMuse Capital, the financial and investment arm of SecondMuse. In this role, Erica is responsible for integration of sustainability practices and impact across all investment work and for the development of innovative financial mechanisms, including blended finance. The purpose of this work is to better connect large asset owners and investors with investment opportunities to advance the SDGs and the development of new economies around the world.

Erica joined SecondMuse Capital from the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, where as Director of Solutions Finance she led strategies for financial innovation and integration of the Foundation’s financial assets to support social and economic system’s transformation. Erica spearheaded the Foundation’s impact investing practice, which includes a multi-asset impact investing portfolio ($130M AUM), blended finance approaches; and ESG integration within the Foundation’s endowment ($700M AUM). Prior to McConnell Erica had 13 years of global professional experience in the private sector and international development, primarily in Latin America, Canada and the UK. Erica co-founded Educating the Streets-Building Society, an award-winning program for capabilities development of youth and working children in Bolivia. She completed undergraduate studies in behavioral psychology and neuroscience, holds an MPA in Public and Economic Policy from the London School of Economics & Political Science. She specializes in innovation and systems dynamics for inclusive economic development.

An original from Bolivia, Erica is passionate about building a world in which every person has the opportunity and freedom to develop their full potential and one where we live in harmony with the planet.