
Carla Watson
Carla brings over 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 multi-million-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.
Carla’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our financial and operational infrastructure as IWPR continues to expand its impact.