Join us for IWPR’s 2026 Power+ Summit, The Power Grid: Driving Gender Equity Forward, taking place September 28–29 in Detroit, MI.
Together, we will spark bold ideas, share breakthroughs, and shape the future of gender equity.
Carla Watson brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic financial leadership, operational systems development, and people-focused management, all anchored in a deep commitment to equity and social justice. She has a proven track record of optimizing financial and operational strategies to support mission-driven organizations.
Prior to joining IWPR, Carla served as the chief operating officer at CityBridge Education and District of Columbia Public Schools, where she managed multimillion-dollar budgets, introduced cost-saving initiatives, and implemented operational efficiencies that drove organizational impact. She also has extensive experience in compliance, risk management, and workforce optimization. Additionally, as a licensed attorney, Carla has dedicated her career to advocating for marginalized communities, reinforcing her alignment with IWPR’s mission to advance gender and racial equity.