Our Team
Dr. Emily Brearley
Founder & Principal Economist
Dr. Emily Brearley is an economist with 25 years of experience in international development economics, economic policy, public finance, and institutional advisory work. Her background includes senior roles with international financial institutions, emergency markets and complex development initiatives.
As founder of Solution42 and author of Aid Inferno, she brings and independent, evidence-based perspective to economic issues influencing government policy, international investment and commercial decision making
Aven Sandstrom is a U.S. Air Force veteran, former C-130 pilot, and strategic leader with more than 15 years of experience in military aviation, national security, international relations, intelligence operations, and business development. Her background includes senior operational and leadership roles in the Air Force, as well as private-sector positions at Leidos, Sherpa 6, Spire, and Gartner, where she was recognized as the company’s number-one global salesperson in 2024.
As Head of Operations, she brings an independent, evidence-based perspective to security cooperation, military family advocacy, and veteran support programs that shape policy and cross-sector partnerships.