Core team

As a Graphic Consultant affiliated with IFC and SMEFF, Derek plays a key role in crafting impactful PowerPoint presentations and designing a wide range of digital and print assets for assigned projects. He ensures all creative output aligns meticulously with the Firm’s brand guidelines. Derek began his career as a Business Presentation Specialist at a leading consulting firm, where he developed data-driven presentations and innovative business graphics for international clients across diverse industries. He holds a degree in Commerce and, outside of work, enjoys movies and sports.

I'm an international executive with 20 years of experience designing and managing large-scale, multi-year economic growth projects across multiple geographies for a variety of clients including USAID, IFC and Goldman Sachs. Throughout my career, I've used business-driven strategies to create real impact in global development. I love creating efficient operational processes and effective teams and specialize in building strong partnerships by breaking down complex industry terms into clear, actionable goals that align objectives and expectations across stakeholders.

Sarah Chataing is the knowledge management and partnership lead for the Forum.

She oversees the production and dissemination of knowledge and learning products: Marketplace Sessions (curated fintech pitch) and Solutions Clinic on digital finance as well as blog, video, training, and case study that highlight impact stories and lessons learned.

She has over 20 years’ experience working in Europe and the US, helping mission-driven organizations create engaging learning experiences and strategic global partnerships.

She holds a master’s degree in European public policies and is a certified Project Manager.

Samantha joined the SME Finance Forum at the end of 2024 where she is responsible for facilitating the annual membership renewal process and onboarding new members, supporting business continuity. Additionally, she helps keeps the Forum’s processes running smoothly through project management and system automation improvements.

Samantha has over 12 years of professional experience in education, events, marketing, knowledge management, climate change and entrepreneurship. She is passionate about the advancement of women in business, the evolution of the creative industries and the impact of start-ups and SMEs in developing countries. Outside of her work, Samantha loves to travel and hosts two podcasts.

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Physics from the University of the West Indies - St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, a Certificate in Project Management from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Karla Espinoza is a results-driven operations and strategy leader with extensive experience driving global initiatives, fostering public–private partnerships, and leading cross-functional teams. At the SME Finance Forum, she played a pivotal role in securing a strategic partnership with the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN). She co-led the design and planning of the Global SME Finance Forum 2025, an official side event of the G20 South Africa Presidency, building on her leadership of the Forum’s flagship events in Brazil (2024), India (2023), and Cambodia (2022).

Karla also spearheaded strategic growth initiatives, including expanding the Forum’s market presence in Latin America. Previously, at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), she served as Project Coordinator and Economic Consultant, where she led a $10.9M technical cooperation program and produced influential knowledge products that informed policy and practice.

In the private sector, Karla held C-level roles at Club Med, Mexicana Airlines, and Aeromexico Airlines, where she achieved substantial revenue growth and strengthened operational efficiency.

She holds a Master’s in Economics and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) in Mexico, as well as a specialization in International Business from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain.

Based in Virginia with her husband and two children, Karla is also deeply committed to advocating for social causes.

Hourn Thy facilitates the delivery of the SME Finance Forum objectives and activities including the implementation of G20 SME finance challenge and knowledge management efforts. He has over 10 years’ experience in business development, SME capacity building and financial sector development. Prior to joining the Forum, he managed the IFC Access to Finance program in Cambodia and Lao PDR for 5 years. He has a Masters degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Ecôle Supérieure de Commerce de Paris in France and in International Business Management from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand.

Minerva Kotei leads the Women’s Entrepreneurship Finance work at the SME Finance Forum. She has over 18 years’ experience in emerging markets financial sector working in SME/Gender finance, leasing, capital markets, and institutional advisory services. She has worked on a broad range of financial sector interventions providing solutions to financial institutions and policy makers in several countries in East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, East and West Africa regions. She has led several knowledge management initiatives including the development of a Global Leasing Toolkit/Manual to disseminate IFC’s 40 years leasing experience. Prior to joining IFC, she worked with leading financial institutions in Ghana.