Katharine Baragona, ‘90, has built an impressive career as a finance executive and lawyer. She has over 35 years of global experience. She currently serves as a Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialist at the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. In this role, Baragona leads projects in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, focusing on creating financial plans that encourage private investment in conflict-affected areas. She recently transitioned to a new team, the MNA-Energy team, where her work focuses on energy operations.

Baragona’s expertise lies in funding large-scale projects in infrastructure, power, and transport. Over the years, she has worn many hats — serving as legal counsel, lender, financial advisor, and guarantor. Her work has taken her to places like Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Palestine, and Iraq, where she helps create financial plans that attract much-needed investments.

Throughout her career, Baragona has worked on some of the world’s most successful infrastructure projects, working side-by-side with sponsors, lenders, and governments to develop bankable financial structures, and successfully close public-private projects.

Beyond her professional success, Baragona is deeply connected to McGeorge School of Law. She is the co-chair of the International Board of Advisors (IBOA), a group of alumni working to expand McGeorge’s global network and enhance the school’s presence and impact worldwide. Baragona has been involved with the IBOA for nearly 30 years, demonstrating her dedication to helping the school and its students thrive on the international stage.

Baragona often recommends McGeorge to students interested in international law, praising the school’s strong global network and the solid foundation it provided for her own career. Her journey from McGeorge to the World Bank exemplifies how the school prepares its students for success in the global arena, equipping them with the tools to make a real difference in the world.

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni.

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.