Paula Kiura

Paula Kiura is a seasoned design researcher dedicated to tackling global poverty by addressing financial inclusion, gender equity, climate change, food security, and healthcare. As the Design Research Lead at FINCA International’s Poverty Eradication Lab, she works to develop sustainable and scalable innovations for the world’s most disadvantaged populations.

With over a decade of experience in public health, global development, and social impact research, Paula has led high-impact studies across Africa and Asia, fostering collaborations with governments, funding partners, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Prior to FINCA, she led the health practice at Dalberg Research, driving regional partnerships and transformative health research. She also played a key role in a maternal health startup, where she helped design a patient-centered maternity care model now replicated in public hospitals across Kenya. Previously, she worked with Kenya’s Ministry of Health under the USAID-funded APHIA II program, developing health education and promotion initiatives.

Paula holds a MicroMasters in Global Development–Adaptive Leadership, a BSc in Public Health, and an upcoming MPH in Monitoring & Evaluation. She is passionate about advancing women’s leadership, believing that lived experiences empower future generations.

Fun fact: Paula enjoys nature and abstract photography, capturing unique perspectives of the world.