Donor-Partner Q&A: Susan Sherrerd, Muirfield Foundation

In our first Donor-Partner Q&A, we speak to Muirfield Foundation’s President and Executive Director about her perspectives and commitment to investing at the intersection of gender and climate.

What was it that sparked your curiosity about the gender/climate nexus?

During my first site visit to Malawi in 2015, I realized that tackling singular issues like girls' education in Africa cannot be done in isolation from interconnected challenges. I witnessed firsthand how economic, cultural, and environmental factors, including the impacts of climate change, intertwine to influence the opportunities and barriers faced by girls and their communities. This experience highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that recognizes and addresses the complex web of obstacles to education and empowerment. It became evident that addressing these challenges requires integrating climate considerations into development strategies, emphasizing the role of environmental sustainability in fostering resilient communities.

What made you want to be part of Heading for Change?

Initially, my interest in contributing to Heading for Change stemmed from my deep admiration for Suzanne Biegel and her pioneering work in gender lens investing and sustainable, inclusive finance. Heading for Change’s mission to integrate gender-responsive climate solutions, guided by its Women as Agents of Change thesis, resonated strongly with me. As I learned more, I became excited to discover Heading for Change's commitment to transparency and sharing their investment team's approach, including their creation of a "gender and climate demonstration portfolio."  Recently, I completed the "Heading for Change & Invest for Better's Private Investing and Blended Capital with a Gender and Climate Lens" course alongside an engaged group of women, which deepened my interest and boosted my confidence in investing with both a gender and climate lens. The session on due diligence led by Rose Maizner was particularly valuable, providing me with a set of questions for my own due diligence processes. I am looking forward to attending the Heading for Change donor-partner learning circle on July 2nd.

Have you taken any other actions in this space?

In 2023, a month before joining Heading for Change, I invested in WaterEquity's Global Access Fund IV. I first met Gary White, the CEO of WaterEquity, at the Skoll World Forum in 2018, where he initially approached me about supporting Water.org, the successful nonprofit he co-founded in 2009. However, when I learned about their asset manager, WaterEquity, and their mission to establish a global capital market accelerating universal access to safe water and sanitation, I saw an opportunity for significant systemic change. WaterEquity's Global Access Fund IV provides affordable financing for household water and sanitation solutions in low-income communities across emerging markets. I invested because WaterEquity promotes sustainable development, empowers women, builds community resilience to climate change, and utilizes innovative financing mechanisms to create positive social impact.

What reflections have you had about what might help move the field forward?

Reflecting on the intersection of gender and climate issues, I believe several strategies can advance the field towards greater impact and sustainability. First, it’s essential to strengthen the integration of gender considerations into climate policies and practices at all levels. This involves not only recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls to climate impacts but also empowering them as agents of change and decision-makers in climate action. Second, fostering robust partnerships and collaborations among diverse stakeholders —including governments, NGOs, and local communities— is essential to developing holistic solutions that address gender inequalities while advancing climate resilience. Third, investing in research and data collection is vital to tailor interventions more effectively and advocate for evidence-based policies. Lastly, raising awareness about the differential impacts of climate change on genders and emphasizing the pivotal roles women can play in climate solutions will help garner broader engagement and support for gender-responsive climate action.

What big questions do you have about this work?

One of the big questions I have about the work done by Heading for Change in the gender/climate nexus revolves around the scalability and sustainability of their investments. How effectively are they integrating gender considerations into their climate projects, and what strategies are they employing to ensure these efforts have lasting impacts on women's lives and community resilience? I am also interested in understanding how Heading for Change measures success in their gender-responsive climate investments. What metrics are they using to evaluate outcomes and how are they adapting their investment approaches based on lessons learned?

What role would you/your foundation like to play in moving the field forward?

My foundation is dedicated to advancing the vital intersection of gender and climate investing through proactive collaboration. Inspired by the impactful initiatives of organizations such as Heading for Change and 2X Global, we are committed to upholding Suzanne's legacy by championing their efforts and magnifying their achievements. Our mission is to cultivate innovation and leadership in gender-responsive climate investing, ensuring that women and marginalized gender groups play pivotal roles in sustainable solutions. Through strategic partnerships and advocacy for inclusive policies, we aim to catalyze transformative change that empowers diverse voices and generates substantial impact in the global effort against climate change.

Find out more about becoming a Heading for Change Donor-Partner