Introducing 2011 ProInspire Fellow: Anisha Anant

 

 

2011 ProInspire Fellow: Blair HewesName: Anisha Anant
Hometown: Plainsboro, New Jersey
Organization: FHI 360
Previous Employer: IFMR Trust and Citigroup

What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai, India. After moving to the U.S. in middle school, I often went back to visit family in Mumbai. A bustling city that is Westernizing at lightning speed today, the idiosyncratic contradictions of poverty and wealth never missed my eye. Upon my return from short trips, I often dwelled upon how lucky I was to have grown up in a financially stable environment with reputable education prospects.

During my undergraduate experience at Carnegie Mellon University, I learned about the recent developments in microfinance and wrote a short paper on it for my economics class. It was the first time I has been introduced to the structured idea of programs for the poor. As I dug deeper, I learned more about the world of international development and its many facets of formal and informal markets that were burgeoning to support the Bottom of the Pyramid. By this time, I was two years into working at Citigroup, and decided to explore my curiosity first-hand. I realized that my skills from school and the private sector were not only applicable, but much needed in the public sector. I was yet again lucky to have had the opportunity to work with a nonprofit organization called Trickle Up in New York, and then moved to India for year to pursue my interest in field work. Upon my return, I discovered ProInspire and moved to D.C., where the journey continues to inspire and teach…

What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I work with the Strategic Planning & Analysis team at FHI 360. My typical day varies. Common agendas include:

  • – Phone calls and meetings with internal and external stakeholders to discuss corporate partnerships and build relationships at different levels
  • – Convene executive leaders to discuss organization memberships, business processes, FHI 360’s operating platform, program budgets, and various other initiatives
  • – Lead research and market analysis efforts to understand FHI 360’s portfolio in the larger international development funder and technical context
  • – Stay abreast of sector events and news information

Where did you work prior to making the switch?
I worked at Citigroup in New York City as a financial analyst for two years after my undergraduate degree. I then left my full-time, paid position for an unpaid internship at Trickle Up, which led me to India in search of an introduction to the landscape and context of poverty.

What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
I have a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. After moving to the nonprofit sector, I have continued to develop my business skills by tying strategy and analysis to relevant contexts in various roles. An important realization for me was that the need for these skills is quite high and valuable in the nonprofit sector.

What are you involved in outside of work?
I’m a musician and have been training in Indian Classical vocal music since I was very young. It keeps me disciplined and passionate outside of work.

Who do you look to as a leader in your respective field, and why?
Jacqueline Novogratz, the founder and CEO of Acumen Fund, is a leader figure for me. Her path into the development sector was similar to mine, and I remember reading her book, the Blue Sweater, as a source of inspiration when I made my switch. Her ability to lead and speak with credibility as a woman of the 21st century reminds me of my responsibility to do the same, albeit in small steps.

Alanna Shaikh, who has an interesting development blog called Blood and Milk, is another inspiring person to me. She writes candidly with the backing of her international experiences and practical perspectives. As a young and aspiring individual, I find her writing thought provoking and frank, which pushes me to ask important questions about work and life. Though I have never met her, I hope to some day!

If you won $20 million dollars in the lottery and had to donate it to a social organization – which one would it be, and why?
I would donate to an organization that works to educate girl children and mothers in developing countries. When we refer to the poor, women are the most marginalized, often due to cultural reasons. Overcoming the set backs of poverty requires both time and patience, along with well-thought-out, funded programs that target specific populations.

Where else have you lived?
NJ, Pittsburgh, New York City, Chennai and Mumbai (India)

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