Phyllis Kurlander Costanza has spent her career at the intersection of finance, philanthropy, and social impact. She currently works with Big Win to mobilize private-sector investment for urban infrastructure and job creation across African cities. She is also an advisor to Advanced Portfolio Management’s Social Investment Solutions division, where she helped develop a Social Intelligence Index and related investment strategies focused on companies delivering both strong financial performance and positive social outcomes.
Previously, Phyllis served for 11 years as Global Head of Social Impact and CEO of the UBS Optimus Foundation, growing annual giving from $10 million to more than $200 million. During her tenure, she pioneered innovative financing mechanisms, including the first Development Impact Bond with Educate Girls in India and the first Social Success Note with Yunus Social Business and the Rockefeller Foundation.
She currently serves as Board Chair of Educate Girls USA, a board member of IDEO.org, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.
