Born in northern Nigeria and raised in southern California, Funke’s immigrant experience ignited her dedication to public service and commitment to forging a more equitable world. Before Princeton, she worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting programs to reduce food insecurity and promote resilient agricultural development in emerging economies. As an undergraduate, Funke supported the inaugural cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows at the UC Davis Energy Institute, which provided training and resources to young African climate and energy leaders. Additionally, she worked with Bright Green Renewable Energy, a Kenya-based social enterprise to improve eco-friendly cooking fuel products for target customers. After Princeton, Funke aims to help develop evidence-based and equitable policies to combat poverty and promote inclusive economic development in Africa and globally. At CPREE, she is most interested in exploring climate adaptation solutions for emerging economies and clean energy transitions that enable inclusive and sustainable growth. Funke holds bachelor's degrees in international relations and economics from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis).