About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

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Fernanda Anaya

Programme Manager, Challenge Works

She/Her

Fernanda is programme manager at the Global Health team at Challenge Works.

At Challenge Works, Fernanda contributes to the successful delivery of the Global Health portfolio, including the £12 million Longitude Prize on ALS (on data-led drug discovery) and the previous £7 million Longitude Prize on Dementia (on assistive technology).

Her career spans approximately nine years working across the public, private and third sectors, where she has steered various initiatives to advance social good. Drawing from her background in law and policy, Fernanda is keen on exploring social innovation as a tool that governments, charities, businesses and communities can use to find new and effective solutions to complex social problems.

In the past, Fernanda has led grassroots programmes to increase decent work in sectors facing labour precariousness and exclusion (Oxfam Mexico), developed partnerships to guarantee clean energy access in rural and off-grid communities (B Corp Iluméxico), and supported public sector initiatives to advance international human rights agendas (Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs). She has also advised institutions, including the European Commission, on issues of social cohesion.

Fernanda holds an MSc in International Social and Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Law from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

You can connect with Fernanda on LinkedIn.