Annikka Berridge

Annikka is vice chair of the FAHU Foundation, where she has served on the board since 2007. A California Bar-certified attorney, she began her career as a legal researcher at the California Supreme Court. In 2002, she made the purposeful transition from law to focus on philanthropic and development work, driven by a desire to support initiatives that create sustainable, community-led change and improve livelihoods.  

Inspired by FAHU’s mission to empower individuals through community-based savings initiatives, she is especially passionate about the transformative potential of Savings Groups in improving the lives of women and marginalized communities.

Annikka finds the most rewarding aspect of her work to be conducting site visits—witnessing firsthand the deep and lasting impact of FAHU’s partnerships and projects. She has conducted field visits in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Cambodia, and has also contributed to global conversations by moderating a Savings Group panel during the European Microfinance Platform's Savings Week in Luxembourg.

“Seeing the strength, resilience, and innovation within communities continually reminds me why locally led savings initiatives are one of the most effective tools for empowerment and sustainable development.”

Since joining FAHU, Annikka has managed a wide range of impactful projects in collaboration with a diverse range of international partners, including CARE, the Gates Foundation, DanChurchAid, Akeyo, Jamii.One Foundation, Agricultural Development Denmark Asia, Adventist Development and Relief Agency, Oxfam, West Nile Private Sector Development Promotion Center Ltd., National Union of Disabled Persons Uganda, Mission Alliance, Stromme Foundation, Baptist Union of Denmark, D-Miro, Earth University, and others.