Sophia Friedson-Ridenour is a Social Scientist at the World Bank’s Africa Region Gender Innovation Lab. Her research focuses on gendered constraints to economic and social empowerment for vulnerable and marginalized youth and women. Her current research includes studies on intrahousehold dynamics, childcare, school-related gender-based violence, climate change adaptation, and entrepreneurship and employment. Prior to joining the World Bank, Sophia was Affiliate Faculty at Regis University, teaching in the Master of Development Practice program, and owner of Development Praxis Consulting. Sophia received her Ph.D. in International and Comparative Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her master’s degree in international affairs from City College at the City University of New York.