Emma Pennisi

Emma Pennisi

Program Design & Evaluation | Financial Operations | Grant Operations

Emma is an accomplished international development and fundraising strategist with more than a decade of experience leading complex programs, federal funding initiatives, and large-scale grant operations, securing over $530 million in new funding for global initiatives. Her expertise spans program design and evaluation, grant strategy and management, donor engagement, financial operations, and organizational growth—driving measurable results across Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on women, climate resilience, and conflict resolution.

Throughout her career, Emma has led diverse, high-performing teams through every phase of the funding and program lifecycle, including market analysis, capture strategy, proposal development, budget and financial oversight, award negotiation, program implementation, and operational launch. She is recognized for her ability to align mission, strategy, and financial stewardship while strengthening program effectiveness, improving operational coordination, and cultivating lasting relationships with funders, government agencies, partners, and local community stakeholders.

With a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and a background in international development, Emma brings to PCG and its clients a strong blend of strategic insight, programmatic expertise, financial acumen, and collaborative leadership—helping organizations maximize resources, strengthen operational effectiveness, and translate vision into sustainable impact.