Kristin Eldon Whylly

Senior Grants Manager & Change Management Lead, Templeton World Charity Foundation

Canadian Lyford Cay Foundations Undergraduate Scholarship (2003)
Canadian Lyford Cay Foundations Graduate Scholarship (2008)

“Perseverance, flexibility, knowing your value and applying it in any role is key. . .Staying adaptable and determined can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths.”

Kristin Eldon Whylly did not anticipated the unexpected path that ultimately led her to a fulfilling career.
Initially planning to complete her undergraduate degree in Journalism, Kristin began her studies with the help of a Lyford Cay Foundations scholarship at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada. She quickly shifted her focus to International Political Science and graduated with an Honours degree, as well as second major in Economics and a minor in Spanish.

Unsure of her next steps after graduation but piqued by her senior Political Science research essay on leadership in China, Kristin spent a year studying Mandarin in Shanghai and traveling throughout Southeast Asia. This period of exploration allowed Kristin to solidify her interests and plan her next academic move – an 18-month intensive programme at the London School of Economics.

“After completing my Masters in Environment and Development in 2009, I was determined to work in the United Kingdom for a few years,” Kristin said. “However, finding a job in my area of expertise – promoting best practices in environmental protection – proved challenging.” Kristin secured a part-time internship with an NGO and transitioned to a paid internship with EcoSecurities, a carbon credit developer and trader.

The internship led to an entry-level position selling carbon credits. With hard work, Kristin progressed to the role of Business Analyst, managing a carbon credit portfolio. Over the next few years, Kristin continued to advance taking on more and more responsibility with the company. However, in 2012 the carbon market crashed, and Kristin’s role was made redundant. It was at that time that Kristin moved back to The Bahamas.

In Nassau, Kristin initially had difficulty securing a new position that would incorporate her environmental background with her skills in data, analysis, and operations. After short stints at a few companies, she found a perfect fit as a Grant Administrator at First Trust Bank supporting the grant management for Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF).

Kristin soared in this position. She transitioned to a Program Associate/Project Manager position at TWCF eighteen months later and currently leads the foundation’s grant development and management team as the Senior Grants Manager/Change Management Lead.

“My journey was rocky and nonlinear. However, when I opened my mind and embraced the opportunities that came my way, my prospects soared,” said Kristin. “I have advanced at TWCF by identifying my niche and strengths within the team.

“I am extremely happy where I am and believe there is no better job for me – one that matches my passion, utilizes my skill set and challenges me every day.”