Leadership Model
Acumen leaders possess a combination of financial expertise, operational expertise, and that special something we call “moral imagination.”
The future depends on a new breed of leader, ready to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
Passion and purpose will only take you so far. Leaders need the right mix of values, skills, and experience.
Our Leadership Programs
Do you want to step up to make a change in the world? Our leadership programs provide more than skills training. They are an opportunity to dig deep into your vision, your purpose, and your self-knowledge. They bring together like-minded individuals who are as hungry as you are to change the way the world tackles poverty.
Global Fellows Program
A full-time one-year fellowship. 10-12 individuals from all over the world spend two months in New York undergoing intensive leadership training, followed by nine months working with one of Acumen’s portfolio companies.
Learn More +
Regional Fellows Program
A one-year fellowship currently offered in East Africa, Pakistan or India. 20 individuals in each region participate in intensive seminars and training exercises to improve their capacity to execute on a social change project of their choosing. Participants remain in their full-time jobs while in the program.
Learn More +
+Acumen
We created +Acumen to give people a meaningful way to “add Acumen” to their lives. +Acumen makes our leadership curriculum available to anyone, globally. Learn through online courses, volunteer through our chapters, or apply to lead a new chapter in your city.
Learn More +The Future Depends on a New Breed of Leader
More than 100 Fellows and thousands of +Acumen members representing a powerful global community working on the world’s toughest problems.
“Being the change I want to see in the world can be a difficult challenge. The Acumen Fellowship has provided me with a vibrant support structure and tools to do good and do well.”
-Majala Mlagui
Nairobi, Kenya
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-Kathleen Berroth
Sogakope, Ghana
“Johnson is the Managing Director of Milango Financial Services.”
-Johnson Kithendu
“I’m in service of ensuring that I make a real contribution with all of the experience, education and skills that I have, towards a better world where future global citizens will flourish!”
-Lorenn Ruster
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-Abhilasha Sinha
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-Jonathan Mativo
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-Rupal Nayar
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-WANJIKU MBUGUA
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-MILLICENT OBARE
“Niko Canner is in the process of starting a new firm, focused on the theory and practice of human enterprise: how people achieve their purposes, individually and collectively.”
-Niko Canner
“Acumen tries to recognize the way the world is, and doesn’t settle for what it sees in a very real, gritty, and tenacious way.”
-Esha Mufti
New York, USA
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-Zubyr Soomro
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-Tammy Warren
Tigray, Ethiopia
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-Neha Kale
“To the world Acumen means hope, it means skill, and it also means commitment.”
-Angela Glover Blackwell
“I believe in the Acumen model because it embraces innovation, strives for sustainable impact and above all, puts human dignity at the forefront of its mission to tackle poverty.”
-Erik Ornitz
New York
“Acumen tackles the real problem of poverty, which is less about not having enough money and more about not having a choice.”
-Hammad Umer
Karachi, Pakistan
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-PARABAL PARTAP SINGH
“Safdar is a Fellow at the Institute for Development Studies & Practices (IDSP).”
-Safdar Hussain
“Our model has changed the way we see ourselves as part of the solution; as customers, as investors and as partners. Learning more together than we could have imagined.”
-Carla Culos
New York, USA
“Rabia is the Managing Director of SunShine.”
-Rabia Habib
“Acumen is changing philanthropy. To be at the forefront of this movement is exciting and engaging. The value placed on inherent human dignity is supported in action and principle every day. It’s inspiring to be a part of an organization that’s changing the lives of millions of people.”
-Serena Grewal
New York, USA
“The Acumen model is one that drives innovation, leadership, and social responsibility by fostering the next generation of leaders as well as partnering and investing in financially sustainable enterprises that bring about social impact, which in turn tackles the problems of poverty around the world. The best part of it all is that it is working.”
-Asad Jafri
Karachi, Pakistan
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-Habib Ur Rahman
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-Kennedy Oloo
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-ULLAS KUMAR
“Khawaja is the CEO of Tourplanner.pk”
-Khawaja Khalid
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-Vinay Shah
“What appeals to me most about Acumen's experiment is that it is working!”
-Catherine Casey Nanda
San Francisco, USA
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-Madhukar Banuri
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-Janemary Ruhundwa
“”
-Lucy Mukuria
“Isfundiar is the Program Director of the Imran Khan Foundation (IKF).”
-Isfundiar Kasuri
“”
-Muhammad Zahoor
“”
-ANITA YADAV
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-JAMES NGANGA WARUIRU
“Acumen believes in building local institutions that endure and sustain, that spread hope and make the impossible, possible.”
-Batool Hassan
New York, USA
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-Eric Berkowitz
“Self-discovery, deepening of maturity, sharpening of tools and expansion of network – what an amazing experience! It is liberating to know that I am not normal but I am sane.”
-Marion Moon
Nairobi, Kenya
“Thulasiraj Ravilla is Executive Director of Aravind Eye Care System, the largest eye care facility in the world. ”
-Thulasiraj Ravilla
“”
-ANTHONY MUKUNDI KINYUA
“Patricia is the Managing Director of GrowthAfrica Capital.”
-Patricia Leila Jumi
“Asad is the Co-Fonder and Managing Director of the Social Innovation Desk.”
-Asad Ayub
“I learn to see and treat each individual as a complex being with emotions, struggles and hopes. ”
-Christina Tang
Accra, Ghana
“I'm deeply driven by Acumen’s investing principles - Social Impact, Innovation, Scalability & Financial Sustainability. I strongly support market solutions and dignity, not dependence.”
-Abhay Garg
Mumbai, India
“Sadeesh Raghavan was Managing Director at Accenture where he ran their Products (Manufacturing & Distribution) practice across North and South Asia Pacific and, most recently all their India businesses.”
-Sadeesh Raghavan
“I had a chance to interact with a different kind of philanthropy, one that seeks to reach out to people in need without comprising their dignity. This makes true giving conceivable.”
-Pauline Wanja
Nairobi, Kenya
“Acumen is an organization with a soul. It encourages intellectual curiosity and there is space for an active dialogue on what works for the poor and what does not.”
-Noor Ullah
Karachi, Pakistan
“Acumen’s model is not only helping build transformative organizations, its Inspiring leadership and fostering a shared belief in a world without poverty. That’s what excites me every day.”
-Avinash Mishra
Mumbai, India
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-Sarah Dimson
“William is the Senior Partner of Park Avenue Equity Partners, a private equity firm. Previously, Mr. Mayer was a professor and Dean of the College of Business and Management at the University of Maryland.”
-William E. Mayer
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-Stephanie Speirs
Gurgaon, India
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-Daniel Tulibagenyi
“It takes more than passion and smarts and a good business model for a social entrepreneur to succeed. Most of all it takes guts and unshakeable commitment.”
-Nicole Iden
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Tamsin Chislett
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-SYED MUHAMMAD OVAIS YAZDANI
“Acumen constantly challenges me to rethink my engagement with the world and how to shape solutions for a future worth fighting for.”
-Jessica Martin
New York, USA
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-Shane Heywood
“”
-Mubarik Imam
“I never knew I had this much potential; it has been a moment of learning and self discovery, great inspiration and encouragement, every leader needs this for progress in our time.”
-Joachim Ewechu
Kampala, Uganda
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-TERESA NJOROGE
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-John Mundy
Sogakope, Ghana
“”
-Abhijeet Barse
“Antony is the Group Chief Executive of Barclays.”
-Antony Jenkins
“”
-Shafqat Iqbal
“”
-Dennis Ochieng
“”
-Cristina Ljungberg
“”
-Ram Barigela
“”
-Henry Chim
Lahore, Pakistan
“Fahad is a Project Manager at Karachi Relief Trust”
-Fahad Asadullah
“Hawah is from Kampala, Uganda and is the Senior Program Coordinator of Educate!”
-Hawah Nabbuye
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-MOHAMMAD SAAD ARSHAD
“I am in service of those people in the world whose potential is systemically constrained simply because of geography.”
-Mina Shahid
“Susan Meiselas is an American documentary photographer. She has been associated with Magnum Photos since 1976 and a full member since 1980.”
-Susan Meiselas
“+Acumen Chapters & Courses provide means for leadership development and community engagement for everyone around the world. Seeing those people influencing the lives of others has been truly inspirational.”
-Tomoko Matsukawa
New York, USA
“Ramadhan is the Director of the “We Are Watching You” project which engages communities through music and performances.”
-Ramadhan Obiero
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-Vimal Kumar
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-Jocelyn Wyatt
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-Sunru Yong
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-Birikit Terefe Tiruneh
“As our world keeps changing, I’m inspired by Acumen’s thoughtfulness and commitment in charting a new way forward for social impact.”
-Jian Li Zheng
New York, USA
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-Faith Nafula Wafula
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-Andrea Griffin
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-Sanjukta Das
“Acumen’s focus on building a world based on dignity through creative though tangible solutions is why I am so passionate about working here.”
-Amrita Bhandari
New York, USA
“Surkhab is the Chief Operating Officer of PAKSBAB.”
-Surkhab Khan
“George is from Zanzibar, Tanzania and is the Project Coordinator of Zanzibar Initiative for Youth Association (ZIFYA)”
-George Mkwaya
“Asim is the Director of the Technology for the People Initiative (TPI).”
-Asim Fayaz
“Ken is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of eMobilis.”
-Ken Mwenda Gikunda
“”
-Jawad Aslam
“Kerry J. Sulkowicz, M.D. is the founder and Managing Principal of Boswell Group LLC, a CEO advisory firm.”
-Kerry J. Sulkowicz
“Irfan is the Founder & Lead Partner of Karibu Homes.”
-Irfan Keshavjee
“Seth Berkley is CEO of GAVI Alliance and launched its five year strategy to immunise a quarter of a billion children in the developing world with life-saving vaccines by 2015.”
-Seth Berkley (Advisor Emeritus)
“The Acumen model embraces and celebrates individual strengths and weaknesses, weaving a beautiful tapestry of talent that seeks, awakens, empowers and inspires stories of dignity.”
-Minayo Sagala
Nairobi, Kenya
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-Adrien Couton
“Abid is the President of Nawabshah Disability Forum ”
-Abid Lashari
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-Ghoncheh Jafarpisheh
“Fareed Zakaria hosts CNN’s flagship foreign affairs show, is Editor-at-Large of TIME Magazine, a Washington Post columnist, and a New York Times bestselling author.”
-Fareed Zakaria
“It’s truly inspiring to be part of an organization that sees infinite potential for innovation and leadership where the world sees despair, and whose team’s ambitions are as big as the problems it seeks to tackle.”
-Prerna Khanna
Mumbai, India
“Being associated with Acumen as well as witnessing the work in action towards creating a world beyond poverty makes me believe that dreams do not work unless you do.”
-Veena Shetty
Mumbai, India
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-Kahabi Isangula
“Herbert is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Chief Marketing Officer of Virtual Group”
-Herbert Thuo
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-John Tucker
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-Muhammad Sabir
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-Sathya Raghu
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-Gamuchirai Chituri
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-MANMOHAN SINGH
“By inspiring investors to see the potential of the BoP segment, Acumen has opened a whole new world of dignity and choice for them.”
-Karuna Jain
Mumbai, India
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-Bailey (Bahareh) Vaez
Hubli, India
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-BILLENE SEYOUM WOLDEYES
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-LINDA MUKANGOGA
“The environment, my colleagues, and the discourse at Acumen has reinvigorated me internally and intellectually, motivating me to do the hard work everyday.”
-Farrukh H Khan
London, UK
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-ASGHAR KHAN
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-Estelle Akofoi–Sowah
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-Adedotun Eyinade
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
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-AJITA VIDYARTHI
“Syed Babar Ali is a Pakistani businessman, philanthropist and former Finance Minister of Pakistan. ”
-Syed Babar Ali (Advisor Emeritus)
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-Prerit Rana
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-Mohammad Umar Ashfaq
Lahore, Pakistan
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-Vikki Tam
“Acumen's ability to take risks, think outside of the box, and constant introspection is a refreshing and pleasant change from traditional views of development and poverty.”
-Afshin Ghassmi
Nairobi, Kenya
“Abubakr is the Chief Coordinator of Akhuwat.”
-Abubakr Siddique
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-Judith Owigar
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-Shahzad Akbar
“What is most interesting about Acumen’s model is that it focus on developing a sustainable solution to eradicate poverty by listening and standing by those who are more in need”
-Santiago Melo
Bogota, Colombia
“Julius is a managing director of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and, as a member of the Executive Committee of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and D. E. Shaw & Co., L.L.C., jointly supervises the group’s worldwide asset management businesses”
-Julius Gaudio
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-Jenpu Rongmei
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-Mario Ferro
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-VISHISHTA SAM
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-Sanjay Gupta
“Mohammad Ahsan is the Executive Director of Rural Development Project ”
-Mohammad Ahsan
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-VINI PATHAK
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-NEEL SHAH
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-Lewitt Somarajan
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-Kaushik K
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-Sophia Ahmed
New York, USA
“Paul Polman is Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Global. Under his leadership Unilever has set out an ambitious vision to double its size while reducing its overall environmental footprint and increasing its positive social impact.”
-Paul Polman
“You will never know what you are capable of unless you try. Be brave enough to be vulnerable and humble. Accept who you truly are, yet always strive to know yourself better. ”
-Raseel Sehmi
Vancouver, Canada
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-Paula Hernandez
Mumbai, India
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-Raghav Raghunathan
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-Vasumathi Kothuru
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-Kanan Dhru
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-Meghan Simkins
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-Katie Hill
“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing another person’s life is better because you were there. This is what Acumen is doing the world over – impacting lives and making a difference – and it is amazing to be part of a team that is empowering game-changers and emerging leaders who are driving real change in their communities.”
-Joy Gikandi
Nairobi, Kenya
“Carlyle joined Acumen in March of 2013, as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for Acumen’s core operating activities. ”
-Carlyle Singer
New York, USA
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-EVODIUS GERVAS
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-Wangari Muchoki
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-Christine Gitau
“Acumen realizes that nothing can be accomplished without listening to and learning from the people impacted by the world’s greatest problems. Only by unlocking the potential inside every individual will we create a world of opportunity, inclusivity and dignity.”
-Carolyn Bielfeldt
New York, USA
“Peter Goldmark currently works as an independent consultant in the areas of philanthropy, environmental policy, international affairs and development, and organizational development in the social change field.”
-Peter Goldmark
“Acumen’s unique approach towards building a world beyond poverty and creating dignity for the poor encourages me to think beyond our limits and do what is right. I get inspired everyday by our extraordinary team and fellows, and feel privileged to be a part of this movement.”
-Saba Mohsin
New York, USA
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-MOHSIN ALI MUSTAFA
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-HIRA BATOOL RIZVI
“Acumen, both as an organization and as a collection of individuals, excels at breaking down colossal, world-changing ideas into nitty-gritty, down-to-earth solutions.”
-Emily Wilson
New York, USA
“Acumen's values resonate with my personal values and this has made me more and more accountable with what I do. It is an honour to work with Acumen.”
-Manoj Kumar Vastari
Mumbai, India
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-Josephat Byaruhanga
“I am supportive of Acumen’s model because I believe that investments which have potential to improve human condition around the world can create a virtuous cycle of inter-related benefits.”
-Osman Anwar
Karachi, Pakistan
“Hital is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Corporate Affairs Manager of CISCO”
-Hital Muraj
“Rachel is the Co-Founder of Kuweni Serious, which is an online platform that focuses on creating a corps of everyday changemakers.”
-Rachel Gichinga
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-Farrokh K. Captain
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-KWEKU BEDU – ADDO
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-MUSIMBI KING
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-Nicole Orillac
“As President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation, she partners with Founder and Chairman Jeff Skoll and heads the organization’s team in identifying and supporting innovators pioneering scalable solutions to global challenges.”
-Sally Osberg
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-María López
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-Eda Esilaba
“We believe in the power of individual dreams. Our entrepreneurs, their customers, our peers and team. Unleashing that talent is an exciting imperative for truly social enterprises”
-Molly Alexander
London, England
“Acumen is a group of passionate people working in a creative environment to solve the problem of poverty. It's a privilege to be a part of this movement. ”
-Jacqui Papineau
Mumbai, India
“I am in service of building stronger, more inclusive communities that help us effectively address today's big, systemic challenges, like poverty and climate change.”
-Ame Igharo
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-Bavidra Mohan
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-Manjushree Patil
“Mohammad is a Director at the Institute for Development Studies & Practices (IDSP).”
-Mohammad Sadiq
“Educator and activist, Jill Iscol, Ed.D, is President of the IF Hummingbird Foundation, a family foundation established in 1989 to support domestic and international efforts to strengthen democracy and reduce the social, economic, and educational inequalities that threaten it.”
-Jill Iscol
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-Richard Zulu
“He is former Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Securities Division where he sat on the firm's Management Committee as well as the Firmwide Risk Committee, Business Practices Committee and Finance Committee.”
-David B. Heller
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-Ishira Mehta
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-Neha Pandya
“Pat Mitchell is the President & CEO of the Paley Center for Media. ”
-Pat Mitchell
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-Chikako Fujita
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-Brenda Williams
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-Tricia Morente
“Charles is the Founder & Director of EcoPost.”
-Charles Kalama
“At Acumen, our values are not just words on a page – they are our bottom line, and they are brought to life every day by our team, investees and fellows around the world.”
-Meghan Curran
New York, USA
“Genet is a Legal Manager in Acumen’s New York office. In this role, she oversees deals and compliance for West Africa and Latin America, and manages various contracts and grant-related agreements for Acumen.”
-Genet Berhane
New York, USA
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-Janet Aika Matemu
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-DERRICK MUTURI KINYUA
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-Jon Stever
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-Dr. Joyce Aryee
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-Elizabeth Maina
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-SHEHRBANO RAZA RIZVI
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-JAMES ODEDE
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-Sule Amadu
“Wangikuyu is the Marketing Coordinator for Kickstart International.”
-Wagikuyu Miring'u
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-Ihitashri Shandilya
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-Calvince Okello
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-Uthara Narayanan
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-Collins Mugodo
“”
-Havi Murungi
“Tim Brown is CEO and president of IDEO. ”
-Tim Brown
“What stands out to me about Acumen’s model is its audacity: supporting daring entrepreneurs in some of the world’s most challenging business contexts.”
-Kasia Stochniol
London, UK
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-Jon Yates
“John is the Executive Director of Junior Achievement in Kenya.”
-John Wali
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-SHRUTHI RANGANATH IYER
“Mr. Stewart has over 25 years of experience in various aspects of ownership and management in commercial and residential real estate and development.”
-Rob Stewart
“My radical idea of hope exists in the place where profitable business means making the quality of everyone's life better.”
-Seema Thakker
“Herbert is from Kigali, Rwanda and is an Analyst with KZ Noir”
-Herbert Mugume
“Acumen is challenging the world’s status quo-allowing people to gain choice, dignity and hope in building their own futures. This is what excites me about being part of the team.”
-Loise Nduati
NAIROBI, KENYA
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-Gerald Otim
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-ASHOK MOHINANI
“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
-Godfrey Mwindaare
Accra, Ghana
“Adnan is the Founder and CEO of IdeaCentricity”
-Adnan Khawaja
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-Sophie Forbes
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-Shamim Akhtar
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-SARA KHURRAM
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-David Lehr
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-Eric Kaduru
“Acumen is reinventing the world of marginalized communities with the power of patient capital. I believe access to economic opportunities enables people to live dignified lives.”
-Prince Akpesey
Accra, Ghana
“Bryan Stevenson is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated and the condemned. ”
-Bryan Stevenson
“Naeem is the Founder and CEO of Frontier Rural Development Program ”
-Naeem Wazir
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-Brad Rosenberg
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-Patrick G. Awuah Jr.
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-David Gatwech Lok
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-Brenda Wambui
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-Asim Janjua
Bahawalpur City, Pakistan
“The fellowship helped me see the world from a different angle - an angle the corporate world is not used to, but which is so important in order to make the world a better place.”
-Abbas Akhtar
Lahore, Pakistan
“Sarah is the Founder and Director of LettuceBee Kids”
-Sarah Adeel
“I believe capital and leadership in enterprises are potent factors to cause change. Acumen focuses these on low-income consumers and makes a vital contribution to reducing poverty”
-Sachindra Rudra
New York, USA
“Julio is the Chief Operating Officer of Nuru Energy, a social enterprise that produces and distributes low-cost lanterns that are rechargeable through pedal generators.”
-Julio De Souza
“My radical idea is to ensure the success of small to medium enterprises for they are an excellent tool to fight unemployment and poverty. ”
-Tafadzwa Chiganga
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-SHRAVAN KUMAR JHA
“Sameen is the Project Manager of Zara Sochiye.”
-Sameen Shahid
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-IRUM SHAIKH
“I have always felt existing business models in emerging economies have been limited in their ability to generate employment, income or genuine innovation for those who need it most. Acumen plays a vital role in creating an ecosystem that is both sustainable for entrepreneurs while also meeting the needs of the many. These new paradigms will be vital towards building the economies of tomorrow that provide opportunities for all.”
-Ajit Mahadevan
Mumbai, India
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-Speciosa Mbula Nguku
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-KOUSHIK YANAMANDRAM
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-Karthik Janakiraman
“Dignity is the right of all individuals to be treated with equality and respect regardless of their background, color, social status, sexual orientation, gender, income or any other social determinants.”
-Ajay Sharma
“People are our central resource in the fight against poverty. Acumen envisions people as assets and complements their efforts with patient capital & creative energy.”
-Amy Ahearn
San Francisco, USA
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-ENGIDAWORK LEMMA
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-Kevin Martin
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-Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie
“This is not just another approach towards addressing poverty – it is the radical yet humbling idea of patiently investing where others have overlooked potential.”
-Jo Opot
San Francisco, USA
“Rebecca Eastmond is a Managing Director of J.P. Morgan and heads J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s philanthropy advisory practice for Europe/Middle East/Africa.”
-Rebecca Eastmond
“Acumen’s model offers an impactful way to contribute to positive change in the world; investing in companies working to deliver choice & dignity through products & services to those living in poverty.”
-Kat Harrison
London, England
“Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley is Senior Advisor for Special Initiatives to the Secretary.”
-Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley
“Faith is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Director of Operations of Jacaranda Health.”
-Faith Muigai
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-Syed Usman Hamdani
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-Ashweetha Shetty
“What I like about Acumen is its ability to deliver impact while ensuring business discipline. ”
-Nishant Advani
Mumbai, India
“GV Prasad leads the core team which drives growth and performance at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. ”
-GV Prasad
“The Good Society readings inspired me to be more committed to the institutionalization of core governance principles, such as sound public policy, liberty and the rule of law.”
-William Lochi
Juba, The Republic of South Sudan
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-Kamanda Kamiri
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-Nadaa Taiyab
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-Maira Riaz
“It's inspiring to work with Acumen because it constantly takes risks in order to support those brave entrepreneurs that are striving to create sustainable social businesses.”
-Ruqayya Diwan
Karachi, Pakistan
“Maria Popova is a reader and a writer, and writes about what she reads on Brain Pickings, which is included in the Library of Congress archive of culturally valuable materials.”
-Maria Popova
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-LEENA TALPUR
“I support Acumen's model because it champions the catalytic power of entrepreneurship and innovation, and ultimately exists to promote individual agency across the globe.”
-Sean Moore
New York, USA
“Soiya is the Founder and Executive Director of “We The Change” Foundation.”
-Soiya Gecaga
“Nothing is more motivating than working towards a big dream, to change the way the world tackles poverty, and how, in a million ways, we are making progress towards that dream.”
-Yasmina Zaidman
New York, USA
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-SULEIMAN SHIFAW
“Acumen’s model is about making markets work for the BoP, which is the segment often most severely affected by market failures in the developing world.”
-Khubaib Siddiqui
Lahore, Pakistan
“Patrick is the latest addition to the East Africa team. He joins us as the Associate Director of Portfolio and will lead and guide the team in shaping Acumen’s portfolio strategy, management process, team and influence in East Africa. ”
-Patrick Oketa
Nairobi, Kenya
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-Samuel Azout
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-Ayeleen Ajanee Saleh
“Unlike typical philanthropic models which tend to just alleviate social problems, Acumen goes a step further by investing in viable and sustainable solutions and the people brave enough to carry them out.”
-Farwah Shariff
Karachi, Pakistan
“It’s really inspiring and energizing to meet so many amazing individuals committed to creating a better world. Being able to learn and grow with them is true privilege.”
-Jo-Ann Tan
San Francisco, USA
“Muhammad Ali is an Ashoka Fellow and Founder & Executive Director of Roshni Helpline”
-Muhammad Ali
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-Kibret Abebe Tuffa
“Acumen has pioneered a social and financial model that has left indelible footprints on the investment ecosystem.”
-Dennis Otieno
NAIROBI, KENYA
“Through the Fellowship, I've had to step out of my comfort zone and go the extra mile to appreciate the power of risk taking and achieving things which I could never imagine before.”
-Mohammed Fahim Shelot
Kitale, Kenya
“Committed to helping others and envisioning a world without poverty, I am inspired by Acumen’s mission of transforming lives in a progressive and dignified manner affecting the destiny of others in a most profound and meaningful way.”
-Christine Ray
New York, USA
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-LAILA MACHARIA
“The journey at Acumen has been one of (re)discovering the significance of generosity and humility in being a leader, and the power of audacity and integrity in making dreams come true.”
-Ambika Singh Sampat
London, England
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-ARHAN BEZBORA
“Sarah is the Project Manager of WelTel.”
-Sarah Karanja
Nairobi, Kenya
“For me, "patient capital" has transformed from a buzz phrase to something I see creating real value. At d.light, I realize that we're not only providing lights to people, but hope.”
-Mustapha Abokede
Lagos, Nigeria
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-KHIZR IMRAN TAJAMMUL
“”
-Jean Chrysostome Rindiro
“Acumen’s patient, focused and supportive approach to investing makes us the right investment partner for any ambitious entrepreneur who has set their sights on developing scalable solutions to some of the world’s intractable social and economic problems.”
-Lawrence Riungu
Kenya, Africa
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-Achyutha Sharma
“”
-Bahram Vakil
“”
-Yehia Houry
“Robert H. Niehaus is the founder of Greenhill Capital Partners and oversees private equity funds totaling $1.8 billion in committed capital.”
-Robert H. Niehaus (Chair)
“I am in service of creating a world where markets and capital work for us and where social entrepreneurs and traditional companies compete to deliver a bigger social impact.”
-Javier Olaguibel
“”
-Saad Latif
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
“Margo served as Board Chair for nine years of Acumen's first decade and continues to work with the organization as Chair Emeritus and Chairman of the Social Impact Investing Committee.”
-Margo Alexander
“”
-Selamawit Terefe Tiruneh
“Leaders need vision: this is a starting point. They also need pragmatism and resolve to see change through. The fellowship cultivates our visions, and trains us to enable change.”
-Tayeb Noorbhai
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
“Colonel Patrick Tierney is the Director of Aviation Freeport McMoRan”
-Colonel Patrick E. Tierney
“Jamshaid is the Manager Projects at Ansaar Management Company ”
-Jamshaid Cheema
“”
-MALATHY M
“Joseph E. Stiglitz is University Professor at Columbia University, the winner of the 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, and a lead author of the 1995 IPCC report, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.”
-Joseph E. Stiglitz
“”
-LEZO PUTSURE
“”
-ROMANA A. MBINYA
“Felipe Medina leads the Transforming Philanthropy Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to create a community of strategic philanthropists and to facilitate collaboration and exchanges of best practices and lessons learned with the final objective of increasing the volume of effective social investments.”
-Felipe Medina
“”
-Krupa Patel
“”
-Shahab Siddiqi
“Fahad is a Project Manager with Basic Education and Employable Skills Training ”
-Fahad Afridi
“Anand Giridharadas is an author and New York Times columnist. He writes the “Admit One” column for The Times’s arts pages, and the “Letter from America” for its global edition. He is the author, most recently, of “The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas,” about a Muslim immigrant’s campaign to spare from Texas’s Death Row the white supremacist who tried to kill him.”
-Anand Giridharadas
“”
-FAISAL KHAN
“At Acumen we recognize that the right way is almost always harder but always worth striving towards; having the gravitas and persistence to do so makes the real difference”
-Saima Irtiza
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-Cate Muther (Advisor Emeritus)
“”
-DANIYAL ALVI
“Leaders aren't usually the best swimmers out there, but are always the first few to take the risk of crossing river. Acumen has taught me that leading the change is worth the risk.”
-Waqas Ali
Lahore, Pakistan
“Dignity is being able to make your own informed choices and having access to opportunities. ”
-Laura Ruiz Diaz
“”
-John Collery
Uttarakhand, India
“Resilience and moral imagination are key in my life. Neither grants nor markets alone will solve poverty but honest engagement with the very people whose problems am solving.”
-Patricia Jumi
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Leonard Imanishimwe
“Day after day, I take three steps forward and two steps back. Frustrating, but I embrace this journey as I can get stronger only by falling down, getting back up again, and repeat.”
-Junko Tashiro
Sogakope, Ghana
“”
-Luis Lopez Martinelli
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Virgilio Barco
Bogota, Colombia
“”
-John Sebastian MJ
“”
-DR. SRIKANTH MALLADI
“Acumen inspires me to believe in sustainable solutions to systemic problems, the power of markets to create change, and a world filled with dignity and choice.”
-Alanna Miyajima
New York, USA
“”
-Rutendo Change
“‘The future depends on a new breed of leader, ready to solve the world’s most challenging problems.’ I am privileged to be part of Acumen’s Leadership work in shaping the next generation of East Africa’s leaders. ”
-Rosemary Lore
Nairobi, Kenya
“Allen Grossman was appointed a Harvard Business School Professor of Management Practice in July 2000.”
-Allen Grossman (Advisor Emeritus)
“”
-Swapnil Chaturvedi
“Joan is the Regional Director for the COFTA.”
-Joan Wangui Karanja
“David Okello is the General Manager of Coast Coconut Farms.”
-David Okello
“Chris currently works for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.”
-Chris Walker
“”
-Olawale (Wale) Ajiboye
Lagos, Nigeria
“Acumen's core business is inextricable from its core values. To me, Acumen demonstrates the power of a vision whose execution is dependent upon listening to those it serves.”
-Rohit Gawande
Nairobi, Kenya
“Imran is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Rabtt”
-Imran Sarwar
“”
-MUHAMMAD OWAIS RANA
“”
-Susan Omanga
“Julienne is from Kigali, Rwanda and is the Co-Founder and Global Chief of Operations of Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE).”
-Julienne Ingabire
“Zeba is the Regional Program Director of DI”
-Zeba Shafi
“Acumen has taught me to embrace complexities in the world. There are no simple and singular narratives, the problems are intricate, and the solutions are varied – and the answers are found by listening to those who are affected.”
-Martin Leboo
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Khuram Hussain
“”
-Carlos Rodriguez Pastor
“”
-Jyotirmoy Chatterji
“”
-Nivi Mukherjee
“”
-Cherian Joseph
“”
-James Kassaga Arinaitwe
Bangalore, India
“”
-Yuliya Tarasava
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Caren Wakoli
“I have learned to work with uncertainty within and around me.”
-R Michael Craig
New Delhi, India
“Joseph is the CEO of Renewable Energy Ventures, which produces and distributes affordable solar lanterns.”
-Joseph Nganga
“Maryam is the Director of the Social Innovation Lab at LUMS”
-Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed
“”
-Milton Lore
“Acumen calls for us to be leaders who do what is right and not what is easy. With such thinking, I believe that we can transform our lives and also transform the lives of the people around us hence being a positive change agent.”
-Beatrice Onyango
NAIROBI, KENYA
“”
-KANGABE BÉLISE HATEGEKA
“Being born and raised in the third world, I strongly believe that Acumen's approach of investing in social enterprises are one of the key steps to create a world beyond poverty.”
-Sushmita Bhandari
New York, USA
“”
-Sarah Matindi
“Zaffar A. Khan is Chairman, Acumen Pakistan and serves on several boards including the State Bank of Pakistan, Unilever Pakistan, and Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy.”
-Zaffar A. Khan
“”
-HAYA ZAHID
“”
-MARYAM CHEEMA
“”
-R Ramaraj
“”
-Dr. Rajat Chabba
“I strongly believe Acumen is redefining how to create positive and inclusive impact for all—through choice, not charity.”
-LiAnn Ishizuka
New York, USA
“”
-Winnie Ouko
“”
-AARON KIRUNDA
“Sumaira is a Program Manager with the Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan Memorial Trust (AHKMT).”
-Sumaira Gul
“Imran is the leader of a number of organizations including Dugdugi.”
-Imran Nafees Siddiqui
“Dignity is knowing you have the freedom and opportunity to live your life as you wish and on your own terms without having to depend on anyone else for the right to equal opportunity.”
-Navin Muruga
“”
-Rajanthi Manivannan
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Kirti Vardhana
“"Dignity is having the self-reliance to dream and live the seemingly impossible."”
-Javed Cheema
“”
-REKIK BEKELE
“Evelyn is from Kampala, Uganda and is the Country Director of Solar Sister”
-Evelyn Namara
“”
-DILIP KUMAR PATTUBALA
“Robert is from Nyeri, Kenya and is the Manager of Jitunze Environmental Group.”
-Robert Wanjohi
“If any organization is going to make a serious and lasting dent in our world’s biggest problems, it’s going to be Acumen.”
-Sabrina Dupré
New York, USA
“Acumen isn’t afraid to be pushed beyond its limits. Taking risks and learning from each imperfect experience drives Acumen to be innovative in its approach to tackling poverty and creative in finding new pathways to change.”
-Eleanor Murphy
New York, USA
“”
-Benje Williams
“”
-Ramakrishna NK
“Hunter is the Executive Chairman of Acumen's Investment Committee and a former managing director of Thomas H. Lee Partners, one of the largest private equity firms in the world.”
-C. Hunter Boll
“The concept of Acumen 'Not simply make grants, but invest in entrepreneurs who have the capability to bring sustainable solution to problems of poverty' very much impressed me.”
-Saleem Ahmed
Karachi, Pakistan
“We came to Acumen looking for answers, yet we found that there is more value in continuing to ask the questions, that these questions often start a much needed conversation.”
-Shahd AlShehail
Bangalore, India
“Stephen is the Chief Accountant at Juhudi Kilimo, which provides financial services to rural smallholder farmers.”
-Stephen Mutai
“”
-Prabir Talati
“My radical idea of hope is investing our lessons from the past and the facts of our present to build a future for every human being.”
-Lujain Al Ubaid
“I love that Acumen has the ambition and ability to try to change the world, and the modesty to avoid the temptation to shape it in its image.”
-Sky Stallbaumer
New York, USA
“Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG is a Bangladeshi social worker and the founder chairman of BRAC.”
-Sir Fazle Hasan Abed
“”
-Satoko Okamoto
“Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He received his B....”
-Jon Haidt
“”
-Daniel R. Toole
“”
-Suzuka Kobayakawa
Lagos, Nigeria
“George is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Angels Initiative (AI).”
-George William Bakka
Kampala, Uganda
“”
-Sachin Gathani
“Fundamentally, Acumen is different from the rest of the sector. It’s innovative & it tries to take risk and tries to fund companies that actually are changing the way business is done.”
-Ali J. Siddiqui
“”
-Charu Chadha
“”
-Vitalis Kahendah
“”
-Billow Hassan
“Usman is the Executive Director of the M.H.Sufi Foundation”
-Usman Sufi
“The problems that Acumen is trying to solve are some of the most interesting, most important problems in the world. ”
-Seth Godin
“”
-Ashish Shrivastava
“Milton has been actively involved in enterprise development in Africa and Europe since 1995, with emphasis on nurturing innovative entrepreneurial ventures through provision of early- stage funding and business mentoring support. ”
-Milton Lore
“”
-JOSEPH OWINO
“Peter Cain is a Managing Director at Ambac Assurance Corp.”
-Peter Cain
“”
-PADAM JAIN
“”
-Sapna Surendran
“”
-Zaffar Khan
“”
-Justus Kilian
Gulu, Uganda
“Acumen connects me to a global community, and promotes respect for and listening to that community. It tests my craft and judgment by insisting on accountability and innovation. ”
-Lynn Roland
New York, USA
“”
-Wendy Wallace
“Shahid is the Founder of Interfaith Youth in Action (IYA).”
-Shahid Rehmat
“Boniface is the Project Director of Picha Mtaani.”
-Boniface Mwangi
“”
-Ramakrishnan Hariharan
“Acumen’s endless appetite for supporting bold new ideas is what motivates me to work here. Some succeed, others don’t, but the culture of thoughtfully experimenting stays firmly embedded in the organization’s core.”
-Venu Aggarwal
New York, USA
“”
-Asad Ali Shah
“”
-Faiqa Naseem
“”
-Yousef Alguwaifli
“I was first drawn to Acumen’s model of empowering, sustainable change. Since I’ve joined I’ve realized that we’re not just supporting change, we’re building the bridge between resources and meaningful impact.”
-Teri Norton
New York, USA
“”
-Shaiza Rizavi
“”
-Baheirah Khusheim
Hyderabad, India
“I believe that charity is not a permanent solution to poverty in Pakistan and Acumen’s business-oriented model to tackle poverty in Pakistan is the right approach.”
-Syed Umair Hussain
Karachi, Pakistan
“In more than three decades as a change agent, Katherine Fulton has been a journalist, teacher, entrepreneur, philanthropist, convener, strategist, advisor, leader and citizen.”
-Katherine Fulton (Advisory Chair)
San Francisco, USA
“”
-Joel Montgomery
“”
-POULOMI PAL
“Acumen is unique because it has inspired a far-flung, worldwide ecosystem that is mobilizing to change the way the world tackles poverty.”
-Lindsay Camacho
New York, USA
“I am inspired by new partnerships such as the Enhancing Livelihoods Investment Initiative (ELII) that are improving the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities by bringing them into global markets and distribution networks.”
-Anthony Belfiglio Jr.
New York, NY
“”
-Tabinda Baig
“”
-DENIS PATO
“Helping change the lives of those often left behind means being brave, patient, risky and willing to fail. Acumen is not afraid to lead: to challenge the imagination and reach down to help pull individuals, entrepreneurs and sectors up.”
-Julian Wolfson
London, UK
“What draws me to Acumen is its focus on eradicating poverty by deploying business solutions for the same, making the solution self-sustainable and its impact scalable.”
-Shruti Srivastava
Mumbai, India
“”
-Kwasi Atuah
“”
-Asim Hussnain
“”
-Ramya Waran
Kigali, Rwanda
“I believe in Acumen's model because it recognizes dignity as the cornerstone of freedom, happiness and opportunity.”
-Bavidra Mohan
Mumbai, India
“”
-Shoaib Iqbal
“Acumen does not have all the answers but the continuous sharing of ideas has made it stand out. Acumen inspires the world that success is an option if failure is not.”
-Festus Amoyaw
Accra, Ghana
“”
-Prerak Mehta
“Mr. Kweku Bedu-Addo is Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana and has over twenty years of experience in the areas of public policy, international development and Banking & Finance. ”
-J. Kweku Bedu-Addo
“”
-Keely Stevenson
“”
-Nicolas Guillen
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Aliyah Kurji
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Vikram Sahu
“Nathan Laurell is the founder and Managing Partner of New Frontier Holdings, an investment firm focused on sustainable energy and agriculture.”
-Nathan Laurell
“”
-Joram Gichuki
“”
-Salma Chaudhry
“”
-OSMAN HANEEF
“Maria Eitel is the founding President and CEO of the Nike Foundation where she works to unleash the girl effect, the powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have opportunity. ”
-Maria Eitel
“Our core values (generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity, respect) allow us to go far as we go together to build dignity.”
-Ronald Joe
New York, USA
“”
-Bob Collymore
“Ahsan Jamil joined Arif and Fayeeza Naqvi in August 2008 to set up the Aman Foundation as Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Trustee.”
-Ahsan Jamil
“Martin is from Gulu, Uganda and is the Gulu District Local Government Chairperson, where he serves as the political head of the Gulu district”
-Martin Ojara Mapenduzi
“Acumen has given me a new lens, built on moral imagination, through which to view the world and the community and tools to make a contribution. To change the way the world tackles poverty takes all of us.”
-Marica Rizzo
New York, USA
“All of us have a right to basic services. Acumen invests in businesses that strive to make this possible.”
-Yusra Gilani
Karachi, Pakistan
“I am inspired by Acumen's commitment to moving beyond the status quo, challenging conventional solutions to global poverty, and pioneering a new approach with powerful results.”
-Ashley Speyer
New York, USA
“The fellowship provided me an opportunity to get to know some talented young people with creative ideas about how to solve problems of the marginalized communities of Pakistan. ”
-Muhammad Saeed Khan
Islamabad, Pakistan
“”
-ERFAAN HUSSEIN BABAK
“”
-Arianna Huffington
“What I like best about Acumen is its commitment towards providing choice and dignity to everyone in the world using the power of capital and innovation.”
-Jhoomer Sinha
Mumbai, India
“”
-QASIM ASLAM
“Any far reaching development can be achieved by implementing what we believe: That the promise of a continent can be achieved when the full human potential is unleashed”
-Duncan Onyango
Nairobi, Kenya
“Michael Novogratz is a principal and a member of the board of directors of Fortress Investment Group LLC & Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Fortress Macro Fund and the Drawbridge Global Macro Fund.”
-Michael Novogratz
“Acumen’s model levels the playing field. It blurs the lines between beneficiary and grantor, puts focus back on human dignity and ensures we can work together to change how the world tackles poverty.”
-Priyanka Bhasin
New York, USA
“Acumen harnesses the entrepreneurial spirit by putting people first and making social impact investments aimed at reducing poverty.”
-Kimathi Ikiao
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Sikandar M. Khan
“Chris Anderson is the curator of the TED Conference, a conference that explores the power of ideas to make a difference in the world”
-Chris Anderson
“Wambui is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the National Treasurer of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists' and Dentists Union (KMPPDU).”
-Wambui Waithaka
“”
-Oliver Dalizu
“”
-SHALMALI RADHA KARNAD
“”
-Anthony Mulli
“Abraham is the Founder & Managing Director of KiBO Foundation.”
-Abraham Temu
“”
-Bryan Farris
“Hope is real. Local solutions can be found with patience.”
-Jay Jaboneta
Lahore, Pakistan
“”
-Abbas Dadla
“”
-Samia Razaq Khan
“”
-DEMELASH BEKELE DEBERE
“Ahmad is the Coordinator for the Global Citizen Corps (GCC) Youth Leadership Program.”
-Ahmad Zeb
“”
-Suhani Mohan
“”
-Joanna Harries
“”
-Arun Korati
“My fellowship was crucial; I have the courage to start my enterprise, honing my leadership style in training and experience at GADC and supported by my cohort and Acumen family”
-Natalie Grillon
Gulu, Uganda
“”
-Heidi Krauel-Patel
“Stuart has been working with and investing in early stage companies for over 20 years.”
-Stuart Davidson
“Edward is a Senior Business Advisor at TechnoServe Uganda, where he is leading the “Consolidating The Gains” project.”
-Edward Agaba
“”
-MAHA REHMAN
“”
-AMBER HAROON SAIGOL
“With data we learn how our investing works, where and why, to help our companies penetrate deeper into their markets, creating more delightful and impactful products for their customers.”
-Tom Adams
London, England
“”
-Syed Zaid Bin Rashid
“”
-GOPAL GARG
“The Acumen approach is at once profoundly idealistic and grounded in realism, which I feel is what allows us as an organization to tackle the problems of poverty creatively, yet systematically.”
-Zachary Foreman
New York, USA
“”
-Jan Piercy (Advisor Emeritus)
“”
-Premal Desai
“”
-Amit Gupta
“Mashall is the Founder and Director of Operations of Reading Room Project”
-Mashall Chaudhri
“”
-Naomi Inoue
“I believe that we have a chance to build a world in which all human beings can live with dignity, freedom and choice. It starts with imagining that world and then working together.”
-Jacqueline Novogratz
New York, USA
“Diana Barrett, President of the Fledgling Fund, founded Fledgling in 2005 after a long career at Harvard University, where she taught in both the Harvard Business School and the School of Public Health.”
-Diana Barrett
“”
-RAHMATULLAH TURK
“”
-S. Deepak Kumar
“I am motivated by Acumen’s ability to hire extremely bright individuals who are passionate about the same mission and willing to take calculated risks to always take our work to the next level.”
-Nancy Leon
New York, USA
“The power of Acumen's model is using markets to address the problems of poverty, but the lasting impact of Acumen’s work is creating the dignity of choice among the poor.”
-Shuaib Siddiqui
New York, USA
“”
-Mohammad Kamran Awan
“”
-Girdhari Bora
“There is no better accomplishment in life than reaching down to lift others up.”
-Kitty Okyere
Accra, Ghana
“Humanity faces increasingly complex challenges. Capital and technical resources are necessary to experiment, adapt and eventually build sustainable solutions. Acumen is building that ecosystem.”
-Justus Kilian
New York, USA
“”
-Neeladri Bora
“”
-SHASHANK KALRA
“Mark Malloch-Brown is Chairman of Europe, Middle East and Africa, FTI Consulting, and previously served as a Minister in Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s cabinet, where he had particular responsibility for strengthening relationships with Africa and Asia and the international system.”
-Lord Mark Malloch-Brown
“”
-Arushi Chowdhury Khanna
India
“Abubaker is the Co-Founder and Director of Village Energy.”
-Abubaker Musuuza
“”
-Joanne Schneider
Nairobi, Kenya
“Ultimately, the big question is: how do we change the whole game in the fight on global poverty? ”
-Sasha Dichter
New York, USA
“Daniyal is the CEO of KaroKuc”
-Daniyal Noorani
“Accelerating the rate of innovation enabled by Acumen’s commitment to developing companies, leaders and ideas to focus on lifting the lives of the poor will enable our vision of a more inclusive and empowered world.”
-Naeem Zamindar
Karachi, Pakistan
“At Acumen we believe in a world of possibilities; where there are equal opportunities for the poor in which they can have a chance for a sustainable livelihood that restores their dignity. It is the drive and desire to change how the world tackles poverty that makes me proud to be part of Acumen.”
-Mary Nduta
NAIROBI, KENYA
“”
-SAAD HAMID
Our Trainers
World-class thought leaders who generously lend their time and expertise to teaching and inspiring the next generation of social leaders.
“”
-ENGIDAWORK LEMMA
“Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley is Senior Advisor for Special Initiatives to the Secretary.”
-Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley
“Ahsan Jamil joined Arif and Fayeeza Naqvi in August 2008 to set up the Aman Foundation as Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Trustee.”
-Ahsan Jamil
“Adnan is the Founder and CEO of IdeaCentricity”
-Adnan Khawaja
“”
-Bryan Farris
“Margo served as Board Chair for nine years of Acumen's first decade and continues to work with the organization as Chair Emeritus and Chairman of the Social Impact Investing Committee.”
-Margo Alexander
“Acumen's core business is inextricable from its core values. To me, Acumen demonstrates the power of a vision whose execution is dependent upon listening to those it serves.”
-Rohit Gawande
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Joel Montgomery
“”
-Arushi Chowdhury Khanna
India
“”
-Judith Owigar
“”
-Uthara Narayanan
“”
-Janet Aika Matemu
“Joseph E. Stiglitz is University Professor at Columbia University, the winner of the 2001 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, and a lead author of the 1995 IPCC report, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.”
-Joseph E. Stiglitz
“”
-SARA KHURRAM
“Being associated with Acumen as well as witnessing the work in action towards creating a world beyond poverty makes me believe that dreams do not work unless you do.”
-Veena Shetty
Mumbai, India
“”
-Eric Berkowitz
“”
-MAHA REHMAN
“”
-Josephat Byaruhanga
“”
-SHRAVAN KUMAR JHA
“”
-Billow Hassan
“”
-RAHMATULLAH TURK
“Joan is the Regional Director for the COFTA.”
-Joan Wangui Karanja
“This is not just another approach towards addressing poverty – it is the radical yet humbling idea of patiently investing where others have overlooked potential.”
-Jo Opot
San Francisco, USA
“I had a chance to interact with a different kind of philanthropy, one that seeks to reach out to people in need without comprising their dignity. This makes true giving conceivable.”
-Pauline Wanja
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Wangari Muchoki
“Acumen's values resonate with my personal values and this has made me more and more accountable with what I do. It is an honour to work with Acumen.”
-Manoj Kumar Vastari
Mumbai, India
“”
-Kathleen Berroth
Sogakope, Ghana
“Maryam is the Director of the Social Innovation Lab at LUMS”
-Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed
“”
-John Sebastian MJ
“”
-TERESA NJOROGE
“Acumen’s model offers an impactful way to contribute to positive change in the world; investing in companies working to deliver choice & dignity through products & services to those living in poverty.”
-Kat Harrison
London, England
“Acumen is an organization with a soul. It encourages intellectual curiosity and there is space for an active dialogue on what works for the poor and what does not.”
-Noor Ullah
Karachi, Pakistan
“Patrick is the latest addition to the East Africa team. He joins us as the Associate Director of Portfolio and will lead and guide the team in shaping Acumen’s portfolio strategy, management process, team and influence in East Africa. ”
-Patrick Oketa
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Vasumathi Kothuru
“Colonel Patrick Tierney is the Director of Aviation Freeport McMoRan”
-Colonel Patrick E. Tierney
“Acumen tries to recognize the way the world is, and doesn’t settle for what it sees in a very real, gritty, and tenacious way.”
-Esha Mufti
New York, USA
“”
-AARON KIRUNDA
“”
-John Collery
Uttarakhand, India
“It takes more than passion and smarts and a good business model for a social entrepreneur to succeed. Most of all it takes guts and unshakeable commitment.”
-Nicole Iden
Nairobi, Kenya
“If any organization is going to make a serious and lasting dent in our world’s biggest problems, it’s going to be Acumen.”
-Sabrina Dupré
New York, USA
“Irfan is the Founder & Lead Partner of Karibu Homes.”
-Irfan Keshavjee
“John is the Executive Director of Junior Achievement in Kenya.”
-John Wali
“”
-Krupa Patel
“”
-Premal Desai
“”
-Achyutha Sharma
“Hital is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Corporate Affairs Manager of CISCO”
-Hital Muraj
“Abubakr is the Chief Coordinator of Akhuwat.”
-Abubakr Siddique
“Usman is the Executive Director of the M.H.Sufi Foundation”
-Usman Sufi
“”
-Gamuchirai Chituri
“”
-Naomi Inoue
“”
-Gerald Otim
“Acumen’s unique approach towards building a world beyond poverty and creating dignity for the poor encourages me to think beyond our limits and do what is right. I get inspired everyday by our extraordinary team and fellows, and feel privileged to be a part of this movement.”
-Saba Mohsin
New York, USA
“”
-Saad Latif
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
“”
-Farrokh K. Captain
“”
-Madhukar Banuri
“Humanity faces increasingly complex challenges. Capital and technical resources are necessary to experiment, adapt and eventually build sustainable solutions. Acumen is building that ecosystem.”
-Justus Kilian
New York, USA
“Leaders aren't usually the best swimmers out there, but are always the first few to take the risk of crossing river. Acumen has taught me that leading the change is worth the risk.”
-Waqas Ali
Lahore, Pakistan
“Acumen is a group of passionate people working in a creative environment to solve the problem of poverty. It's a privilege to be a part of this movement. ”
-Jacqui Papineau
Mumbai, India
“”
-DILIP KUMAR PATTUBALA
“Mohammad is a Director at the Institute for Development Studies & Practices (IDSP).”
-Mohammad Sadiq
“All of us have a right to basic services. Acumen invests in businesses that strive to make this possible.”
-Yusra Gilani
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-WANJIKU MBUGUA
“”
-Shahzad Akbar
“”
-MUHAMMAD OWAIS RANA
“”
-Joanne Schneider
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Habib Ur Rahman
“”
-Arianna Huffington
“Surkhab is the Chief Operating Officer of PAKSBAB.”
-Surkhab Khan
“At Acumen we recognize that the right way is almost always harder but always worth striving towards; having the gravitas and persistence to do so makes the real difference”
-Saima Irtiza
Karachi, Pakistan
“Hope is real. Local solutions can be found with patience.”
-Jay Jaboneta
Lahore, Pakistan
“”
-Maira Riaz
“”
-Bob Collymore
“”
-MOHSIN ALI MUSTAFA
“”
-Jyotirmoy Chatterji
“”
-Brad Rosenberg
“”
-DEMELASH BEKELE DEBERE
“”
-Suhani Mohan
“”
-Sanjukta Das
“Ultimately, the big question is: how do we change the whole game in the fight on global poverty? ”
-Sasha Dichter
New York, USA
“”
-Ihitashri Shandilya
“”
-Kevin Martin
“”
-Asim Hussnain
“”
-Janemary Ruhundwa
“Stuart has been working with and investing in early stage companies for over 20 years.”
-Stuart Davidson
“Paul Polman is Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Global. Under his leadership Unilever has set out an ambitious vision to double its size while reducing its overall environmental footprint and increasing its positive social impact.”
-Paul Polman
“”
-Richard Zulu
“”
-GOPAL GARG
“Acumen believes in building local institutions that endure and sustain, that spread hope and make the impossible, possible.”
-Batool Hassan
New York, USA
“”
-LINDA MUKANGOGA
“Asim is the Director of the Technology for the People Initiative (TPI).”
-Asim Fayaz
“My radical idea is to ensure the success of small to medium enterprises for they are an excellent tool to fight unemployment and poverty. ”
-Tafadzwa Chiganga
“”
-ANTHONY MUKUNDI KINYUA
“Julienne is from Kigali, Rwanda and is the Co-Founder and Global Chief of Operations of Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE).”
-Julienne Ingabire
“”
-Shafqat Iqbal
“”
-Vitalis Kahendah
“”
-Nicolas Guillen
Nairobi, Kenya
“‘The future depends on a new breed of leader, ready to solve the world’s most challenging problems.’ I am privileged to be part of Acumen’s Leadership work in shaping the next generation of East Africa’s leaders. ”
-Rosemary Lore
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Jawad Aslam
“”
-Bavidra Mohan
“”
-Jocelyn Wyatt
“”
-LEZO PUTSURE
“I am motivated by Acumen’s ability to hire extremely bright individuals who are passionate about the same mission and willing to take calculated risks to always take our work to the next level.”
-Nancy Leon
New York, USA
“”
-Yehia Houry
“”
-Henry Chim
Lahore, Pakistan
“”
-DR. SRIKANTH MALLADI
“”
-Shahab Siddiqi
“What I like best about Acumen is its commitment towards providing choice and dignity to everyone in the world using the power of capital and innovation.”
-Jhoomer Sinha
Mumbai, India
“Genet is a Legal Manager in Acumen’s New York office. In this role, she oversees deals and compliance for West Africa and Latin America, and manages various contracts and grant-related agreements for Acumen.”
-Genet Berhane
New York, USA
“I am supportive of Acumen’s model because I believe that investments which have potential to improve human condition around the world can create a virtuous cycle of inter-related benefits.”
-Osman Anwar
Karachi, Pakistan
“Resilience and moral imagination are key in my life. Neither grants nor markets alone will solve poverty but honest engagement with the very people whose problems am solving.”
-Patricia Jumi
Nairobi, Kenya
“Mark Malloch-Brown is Chairman of Europe, Middle East and Africa, FTI Consulting, and previously served as a Minister in Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s cabinet, where he had particular responsibility for strengthening relationships with Africa and Asia and the international system.”
-Lord Mark Malloch-Brown
“”
-Leonard Imanishimwe
“I am in service of creating a world where markets and capital work for us and where social entrepreneurs and traditional companies compete to deliver a bigger social impact.”
-Javier Olaguibel
“”
-Meghan Simkins
“”
-Chikako Fujita
“”
-Neha Kale
“People are our central resource in the fight against poverty. Acumen envisions people as assets and complements their efforts with patient capital & creative energy.”
-Amy Ahearn
San Francisco, USA
“”
-Daniel Tulibagenyi
“Acumen is changing philanthropy. To be at the forefront of this movement is exciting and engaging. The value placed on inherent human dignity is supported in action and principle every day. It’s inspiring to be a part of an organization that’s changing the lives of millions of people.”
-Serena Grewal
New York, USA
“Our model has changed the way we see ourselves as part of the solution; as customers, as investors and as partners. Learning more together than we could have imagined.”
-Carla Culos
New York, USA
“”
-David Gatwech Lok
“”
-SHRUTHI RANGANATH IYER
“Zaffar A. Khan is Chairman, Acumen Pakistan and serves on several boards including the State Bank of Pakistan, Unilever Pakistan, and Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy.”
-Zaffar A. Khan
“Antony is the Group Chief Executive of Barclays.”
-Antony Jenkins
“Wangikuyu is the Marketing Coordinator for Kickstart International.”
-Wagikuyu Miring'u
“”
-Suzuka Kobayakawa
Lagos, Nigeria
“Wambui is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the National Treasurer of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists' and Dentists Union (KMPPDU).”
-Wambui Waithaka
“”
-Ishira Mehta
“Patricia is the Managing Director of GrowthAfrica Capital.”
-Patricia Leila Jumi
“”
-Amit Gupta
“Jamshaid is the Manager Projects at Ansaar Management Company ”
-Jamshaid Cheema
“”
-Kaushik K
“”
-Zubyr Soomro
“”
-HAYA ZAHID
“”
-Susan Omanga
“”
-Mohammad Umar Ashfaq
Lahore, Pakistan
“”
-Sathya Raghu
“”
-Luis Lopez Martinelli
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-ERFAAN HUSSEIN BABAK
“”
-Prerit Rana
“I believe capital and leadership in enterprises are potent factors to cause change. Acumen focuses these on low-income consumers and makes a vital contribution to reducing poverty”
-Sachindra Rudra
New York, USA
“Diana Barrett, President of the Fledgling Fund, founded Fledgling in 2005 after a long career at Harvard University, where she taught in both the Harvard Business School and the School of Public Health.”
-Diana Barrett
“”
-LAILA MACHARIA
“My radical idea of hope is investing our lessons from the past and the facts of our present to build a future for every human being.”
-Lujain Al Ubaid
“Chris Anderson is the curator of the TED Conference, a conference that explores the power of ideas to make a difference in the world”
-Chris Anderson
“”
-Jean Chrysostome Rindiro
“”
-Vikki Tam
“”
-Ramakrishnan Hariharan
“Johnson is the Managing Director of Milango Financial Services.”
-Johnson Kithendu
“”
-Estelle Akofoi–Sowah
“I have always felt existing business models in emerging economies have been limited in their ability to generate employment, income or genuine innovation for those who need it most. Acumen plays a vital role in creating an ecosystem that is both sustainable for entrepreneurs while also meeting the needs of the many. These new paradigms will be vital towards building the economies of tomorrow that provide opportunities for all.”
-Ajit Mahadevan
Mumbai, India
“Shahid is the Founder of Interfaith Youth in Action (IYA).”
-Shahid Rehmat
“”
-ULLAS KUMAR
“Daniyal is the CEO of KaroKuc”
-Daniyal Noorani
“”
-James Kassaga Arinaitwe
Bangalore, India
“I’m in service of ensuring that I make a real contribution with all of the experience, education and skills that I have, towards a better world where future global citizens will flourish!”
-Lorenn Ruster
“”
-Kwasi Atuah
“”
-FAISAL KHAN
“Susan Meiselas is an American documentary photographer. She has been associated with Magnum Photos since 1976 and a full member since 1980.”
-Susan Meiselas
“Robert is from Nyeri, Kenya and is the Manager of Jitunze Environmental Group.”
-Robert Wanjohi
“The Good Society readings inspired me to be more committed to the institutionalization of core governance principles, such as sound public policy, liberty and the rule of law.”
-William Lochi
Juba, The Republic of South Sudan
“I was first drawn to Acumen’s model of empowering, sustainable change. Since I’ve joined I’ve realized that we’re not just supporting change, we’re building the bridge between resources and meaningful impact.”
-Teri Norton
New York, USA
“”
-Birikit Terefe Tiruneh
“”
-DERRICK MUTURI KINYUA
“Herbert is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Chief Marketing Officer of Virtual Group”
-Herbert Thuo
“”
-John Mundy
Sogakope, Ghana
“”
-MANMOHAN SINGH
“Soiya is the Founder and Executive Director of “We The Change” Foundation.”
-Soiya Gecaga
“Hawah is from Kampala, Uganda and is the Senior Program Coordinator of Educate!”
-Hawah Nabbuye
“The problems that Acumen is trying to solve are some of the most interesting, most important problems in the world. ”
-Seth Godin
“Dignity is knowing you have the freedom and opportunity to live your life as you wish and on your own terms without having to depend on anyone else for the right to equal opportunity.”
-Navin Muruga
“”
-Cate Muther (Advisor Emeritus)
“Stephen is the Chief Accountant at Juhudi Kilimo, which provides financial services to rural smallholder farmers.”
-Stephen Mutai
“”
-AJITA VIDYARTHI
“”
-Faiqa Naseem
“Edward is a Senior Business Advisor at TechnoServe Uganda, where he is leading the “Consolidating The Gains” project.”
-Edward Agaba
“”
-Adrien Couton
“Charles is the Founder & Director of EcoPost.”
-Charles Kalama
“”
-Aliyah Kurji
Nairobi, Kenya
“Acumen, both as an organization and as a collection of individuals, excels at breaking down colossal, world-changing ideas into nitty-gritty, down-to-earth solutions.”
-Emily Wilson
New York, USA
“”
-Kahabi Isangula
“Through the Fellowship, I've had to step out of my comfort zone and go the extra mile to appreciate the power of risk taking and achieving things which I could never imagine before.”
-Mohammed Fahim Shelot
Kitale, Kenya
“”
-Rutendo Change
“”
-KHIZR IMRAN TAJAMMUL
“He is former Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Securities Division where he sat on the firm's Management Committee as well as the Firmwide Risk Committee, Business Practices Committee and Finance Committee.”
-David B. Heller
“”
-Neha Pandya
“William is the Senior Partner of Park Avenue Equity Partners, a private equity firm. Previously, Mr. Mayer was a professor and Dean of the College of Business and Management at the University of Maryland.”
-William E. Mayer
“Peter Cain is a Managing Director at Ambac Assurance Corp.”
-Peter Cain
“”
-MALATHY M
“”
-Sophie Forbes
“Ahmad is the Coordinator for the Global Citizen Corps (GCC) Youth Leadership Program.”
-Ahmad Zeb
“”
-Patrick G. Awuah Jr.
“My fellowship was crucial; I have the courage to start my enterprise, honing my leadership style in training and experience at GADC and supported by my cohort and Acumen family”
-Natalie Grillon
Gulu, Uganda
“Acumen’s patient, focused and supportive approach to investing makes us the right investment partner for any ambitious entrepreneur who has set their sights on developing scalable solutions to some of the world’s intractable social and economic problems.”
-Lawrence Riungu
Kenya, Africa
“What draws me to Acumen is its focus on eradicating poverty by deploying business solutions for the same, making the solution self-sustainable and its impact scalable.”
-Shruti Srivastava
Mumbai, India
“As our world keeps changing, I’m inspired by Acumen’s thoughtfulness and commitment in charting a new way forward for social impact.”
-Jian Li Zheng
New York, USA
“”
-Shane Heywood
“Mr. Stewart has over 25 years of experience in various aspects of ownership and management in commercial and residential real estate and development.”
-Rob Stewart
“”
-Brenda Williams
“”
-Jon Yates
“Abid is the President of Nawabshah Disability Forum ”
-Abid Lashari
“Joseph is the CEO of Renewable Energy Ventures, which produces and distributes affordable solar lanterns.”
-Joseph Nganga
“Milton has been actively involved in enterprise development in Africa and Europe since 1995, with emphasis on nurturing innovative entrepreneurial ventures through provision of early- stage funding and business mentoring support. ”
-Milton Lore
“”
-Joram Gichuki
“”
-Salma Chaudhry
“”
-Daniel R. Toole
“Abubaker is the Co-Founder and Director of Village Energy.”
-Abubaker Musuuza
“The power of Acumen's model is using markets to address the problems of poverty, but the lasting impact of Acumen’s work is creating the dignity of choice among the poor.”
-Shuaib Siddiqui
New York, USA
“There is no better accomplishment in life than reaching down to lift others up.”
-Kitty Okyere
Accra, Ghana
“Sumaira is a Program Manager with the Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan Memorial Trust (AHKMT).”
-Sumaira Gul
“George is from Zanzibar, Tanzania and is the Project Coordinator of Zanzibar Initiative for Youth Association (ZIFYA)”
-George Mkwaya
“Seth Berkley is CEO of GAVI Alliance and launched its five year strategy to immunise a quarter of a billion children in the developing world with life-saving vaccines by 2015.”
-Seth Berkley (Advisor Emeritus)
“”
-S. Deepak Kumar
“”
-DANIYAL ALVI
“Acumen has pioneered a social and financial model that has left indelible footprints on the investment ecosystem.”
-Dennis Otieno
NAIROBI, KENYA
“"Dignity is having the self-reliance to dream and live the seemingly impossible."”
-Javed Cheema
“What is most interesting about Acumen’s model is that it focus on developing a sustainable solution to eradicate poverty by listening and standing by those who are more in need”
-Santiago Melo
Bogota, Colombia
“”
-Bailey (Bahareh) Vaez
Hubli, India
“Acumen’s model is about making markets work for the BoP, which is the segment often most severely affected by market failures in the developing world.”
-Khubaib Siddiqui
Lahore, Pakistan
“Acumen is unique because it has inspired a far-flung, worldwide ecosystem that is mobilizing to change the way the world tackles poverty.”
-Lindsay Camacho
New York, USA
“”
-Nivi Mukherjee
“Acumen calls for us to be leaders who do what is right and not what is easy. With such thinking, I believe that we can transform our lives and also transform the lives of the people around us hence being a positive change agent.”
-Beatrice Onyango
NAIROBI, KENYA
“”
-Ashish Shrivastava
“”
-Wendy Wallace
“George is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Angels Initiative (AI).”
-George William Bakka
Kampala, Uganda
“Evelyn is from Kampala, Uganda and is the Country Director of Solar Sister”
-Evelyn Namara
“”
-ASHOK MOHINANI
“I support Acumen's model because it champions the catalytic power of entrepreneurship and innovation, and ultimately exists to promote individual agency across the globe.”
-Sean Moore
New York, USA
“”
-Sapna Surendran
“”
-SHEHRBANO RAZA RIZVI
“”
-Dr. Rajat Chabba
“I am in service of building stronger, more inclusive communities that help us effectively address today's big, systemic challenges, like poverty and climate change.”
-Ame Igharo
“”
-Shamim Akhtar
“”
-Katie Hill
“”
-Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie
“Nothing is more motivating than working towards a big dream, to change the way the world tackles poverty, and how, in a million ways, we are making progress towards that dream.”
-Yasmina Zaidman
New York, USA
“+Acumen Chapters & Courses provide means for leadership development and community engagement for everyone around the world. Seeing those people influencing the lives of others has been truly inspirational.”
-Tomoko Matsukawa
New York, USA
“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing another person’s life is better because you were there. This is what Acumen is doing the world over – impacting lives and making a difference – and it is amazing to be part of a team that is empowering game-changers and emerging leaders who are driving real change in their communities.”
-Joy Gikandi
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Ayeleen Ajanee Saleh
“Boniface is the Project Director of Picha Mtaani.”
-Boniface Mwangi
“”
-Prerak Mehta
“”
-Nicole Orillac
“”
-Jon Stever
“Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He received his B....”
-Jon Haidt
“Mashall is the Founder and Director of Operations of Reading Room Project”
-Mashall Chaudhri
“Dignity is the right of all individuals to be treated with equality and respect regardless of their background, color, social status, sexual orientation, gender, income or any other social determinants.”
-Ajay Sharma
“It's inspiring to work with Acumen because it constantly takes risks in order to support those brave entrepreneurs that are striving to create sustainable social businesses.”
-Ruqayya Diwan
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-Sachin Gathani
“”
-Dennis Ochieng
“”
-Carlos Rodriguez Pastor
“”
-Christine Gitau
“”
-MARYAM CHEEMA
“”
-Swapnil Chaturvedi
“”
-ROMANA A. MBINYA
“”
-Lewitt Somarajan
“Thulasiraj Ravilla is Executive Director of Aravind Eye Care System, the largest eye care facility in the world. ”
-Thulasiraj Ravilla
“”
-Syed Usman Hamdani
“Sadeesh Raghavan was Managing Director at Accenture where he ran their Products (Manufacturing & Distribution) practice across North and South Asia Pacific and, most recently all their India businesses.”
-Sadeesh Raghavan
“I believe in the Acumen model because it embraces innovation, strives for sustainable impact and above all, puts human dignity at the forefront of its mission to tackle poverty.”
-Erik Ornitz
New York
“”
-NEEL SHAH
“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
-Godfrey Mwindaare
Accra, Ghana
“Kerry J. Sulkowicz, M.D. is the founder and Managing Principal of Boswell Group LLC, a CEO advisory firm.”
-Kerry J. Sulkowicz
“Acumen inspires me to believe in sustainable solutions to systemic problems, the power of markets to create change, and a world filled with dignity and choice.”
-Alanna Miyajima
New York, USA
“Muhammad Ali is an Ashoka Fellow and Founder & Executive Director of Roshni Helpline”
-Muhammad Ali
“”
-Muhammad Sabir
“Zeba is the Regional Program Director of DI”
-Zeba Shafi
“Abraham is the Founder & Managing Director of KiBO Foundation.”
-Abraham Temu
“”
-VISHISHTA SAM
“”
-Eric Kaduru
“”
-KOUSHIK YANAMANDRAM
“”
-John Tucker
“Fareed Zakaria hosts CNN’s flagship foreign affairs show, is Editor-at-Large of TIME Magazine, a Washington Post columnist, and a New York Times bestselling author.”
-Fareed Zakaria
“”
-Asad Ali Shah
“”
-DENIS PATO
“”
-PARABAL PARTAP SINGH
“”
-Sunru Yong
“”
-KWEKU BEDU – ADDO
“”
-Kibret Abebe Tuffa
“”
-Stephanie Speirs
Gurgaon, India
“”
-Benje Williams
“”
-Paula Hernandez
Mumbai, India
“”
-Milton Lore
“”
-Kirti Vardhana
“It’s really inspiring and energizing to meet so many amazing individuals committed to creating a better world. Being able to learn and grow with them is true privilege.”
-Jo-Ann Tan
San Francisco, USA
“”
-Baheirah Khusheim
Hyderabad, India
“In more than three decades as a change agent, Katherine Fulton has been a journalist, teacher, entrepreneur, philanthropist, convener, strategist, advisor, leader and citizen.”
-Katherine Fulton (Advisory Chair)
San Francisco, USA
“”
-Raghav Raghunathan
“”
-Kamanda Kamiri
“Educator and activist, Jill Iscol, Ed.D, is President of the IF Hummingbird Foundation, a family foundation established in 1989 to support domestic and international efforts to strengthen democracy and reduce the social, economic, and educational inequalities that threaten it.”
-Jill Iscol
“”
-María López
“”
-Jonathan Mativo
“Committed to helping others and envisioning a world without poverty, I am inspired by Acumen’s mission of transforming lives in a progressive and dignified manner affecting the destiny of others in a most profound and meaningful way.”
-Christine Ray
New York, USA
“I believe in Acumen's model because it recognizes dignity as the cornerstone of freedom, happiness and opportunity.”
-Bavidra Mohan
Mumbai, India
“”
-Brenda Wambui
“Acumen does not have all the answers but the continuous sharing of ideas has made it stand out. Acumen inspires the world that success is an option if failure is not.”
-Festus Amoyaw
Accra, Ghana
“Mr. Kweku Bedu-Addo is Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana and has over twenty years of experience in the areas of public policy, international development and Banking & Finance. ”
-J. Kweku Bedu-Addo
“I am in service of those people in the world whose potential is systemically constrained simply because of geography.”
-Mina Shahid
“I am inspired by Acumen's commitment to moving beyond the status quo, challenging conventional solutions to global poverty, and pioneering a new approach with powerful results.”
-Ashley Speyer
New York, USA
“”
-Ashweetha Shetty
“”
-Tamsin Chislett
“”
-Anthony Mulli
“The Acumen model is one that drives innovation, leadership, and social responsibility by fostering the next generation of leaders as well as partnering and investing in financially sustainable enterprises that bring about social impact, which in turn tackles the problems of poverty around the world. The best part of it all is that it is working.”
-Asad Jafri
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-Sule Amadu
“”
-Winnie Ouko
“”
-Shaiza Rizavi
“”
-Mario Ferro
“The environment, my colleagues, and the discourse at Acumen has reinvigorated me internally and intellectually, motivating me to do the hard work everyday.”
-Farrukh H Khan
London, UK
“”
-PADAM JAIN
“Ramadhan is the Director of the “We Are Watching You” project which engages communities through music and performances.”
-Ramadhan Obiero
“At Acumen we believe in a world of possibilities; where there are equal opportunities for the poor in which they can have a chance for a sustainable livelihood that restores their dignity. It is the drive and desire to change how the world tackles poverty that makes me proud to be part of Acumen.”
-Mary Nduta
NAIROBI, KENYA
“Julius is a managing director of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and, as a member of the Executive Committee of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and D. E. Shaw & Co., L.L.C., jointly supervises the group’s worldwide asset management businesses”
-Julius Gaudio
“Allen Grossman was appointed a Harvard Business School Professor of Management Practice in July 2000.”
-Allen Grossman (Advisor Emeritus)
“Our core values (generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity, respect) allow us to go far as we go together to build dignity.”
-Ronald Joe
New York, USA
“Being born and raised in the third world, I strongly believe that Acumen's approach of investing in social enterprises are one of the key steps to create a world beyond poverty.”
-Sushmita Bhandari
New York, USA
“”
-Andrea Griffin
“Maria Popova is a reader and a writer, and writes about what she reads on Brain Pickings, which is included in the Library of Congress archive of culturally valuable materials.”
-Maria Popova
“”
-Girdhari Bora
“”
-Abhijeet Barse
“For me, "patient capital" has transformed from a buzz phrase to something I see creating real value. At d.light, I realize that we're not only providing lights to people, but hope.”
-Mustapha Abokede
Lagos, Nigeria
“”
-Justus Kilian
Gulu, Uganda
“Rabia is the Managing Director of SunShine.”
-Rabia Habib
“Rachel is the Co-Founder of Kuweni Serious, which is an online platform that focuses on creating a corps of everyday changemakers.”
-Rachel Gichinga
“Acumen is reinventing the world of marginalized communities with the power of patient capital. I believe access to economic opportunities enables people to live dignified lives.”
-Prince Akpesey
Accra, Ghana
“Niko Canner is in the process of starting a new firm, focused on the theory and practice of human enterprise: how people achieve their purposes, individually and collectively.”
-Niko Canner
“Michael Novogratz is a principal and a member of the board of directors of Fortress Investment Group LLC & Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Fortress Macro Fund and the Drawbridge Global Macro Fund.”
-Michael Novogratz
“What appeals to me most about Acumen's experiment is that it is working!”
-Catherine Casey Nanda
San Francisco, USA
“”
-Yuliya Tarasava
Nairobi, Kenya
“Imran is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Rabtt”
-Imran Sarwar
“I believe that charity is not a permanent solution to poverty in Pakistan and Acumen’s business-oriented model to tackle poverty in Pakistan is the right approach.”
-Syed Umair Hussain
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-Prabir Talati
“”
-SYED MUHAMMAD OVAIS YAZDANI
“Acumen’s focus on building a world based on dignity through creative though tangible solutions is why I am so passionate about working here.”
-Amrita Bhandari
New York, USA
“By inspiring investors to see the potential of the BoP segment, Acumen has opened a whole new world of dignity and choice for them.”
-Karuna Jain
Mumbai, India
“”
-Kanan Dhru
“”
-Karthik Janakiraman
“Julio is the Chief Operating Officer of Nuru Energy, a social enterprise that produces and distributes low-cost lanterns that are rechargeable through pedal generators.”
-Julio De Souza
“To the world Acumen means hope, it means skill, and it also means commitment.”
-Angela Glover Blackwell
“”
-Dr. Joyce Aryee
“”
-Mohammad Kamran Awan
“”
-IRUM SHAIKH
“The Acumen approach is at once profoundly idealistic and grounded in realism, which I feel is what allows us as an organization to tackle the problems of poverty creatively, yet systematically.”
-Zachary Foreman
New York, USA
“Sameen is the Project Manager of Zara Sochiye.”
-Sameen Shahid
“”
-MUSIMBI KING
“”
-Nadaa Taiyab
“”
-KANGABE BÉLISE HATEGEKA
“Faith is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Director of Operations of Jacaranda Health.”
-Faith Muigai
“”
-SAAD HAMID
“”
-Heidi Krauel-Patel
“Fahad is a Project Manager with Basic Education and Employable Skills Training ”
-Fahad Afridi
“Imran is the leader of a number of organizations including Dugdugi.”
-Imran Nafees Siddiqui
“”
-JAMES ODEDE
“I have learned to work with uncertainty within and around me.”
-R Michael Craig
New Delhi, India
“”
-HIRA BATOOL RIZVI
“”
-David Lehr
“Ken is from Nairobi, Kenya and is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of eMobilis.”
-Ken Mwenda Gikunda
“I believe that we have a chance to build a world in which all human beings can live with dignity, freedom and choice. It starts with imagining that world and then working together.”
-Jacqueline Novogratz
New York, USA
“Anand Giridharadas is an author and New York Times columnist. He writes the “Admit One” column for The Times’s arts pages, and the “Letter from America” for its global edition. He is the author, most recently, of “The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas,” about a Muslim immigrant’s campaign to spare from Texas’s Death Row the white supremacist who tried to kill him.”
-Anand Giridharadas
“”
-SULEIMAN SHIFAW
“Mohammad Ahsan is the Executive Director of Rural Development Project ”
-Mohammad Ahsan
“Bryan Stevenson is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated and the condemned. ”
-Bryan Stevenson
“”
-Muhammad Zahoor
“Acumen isn’t afraid to be pushed beyond its limits. Taking risks and learning from each imperfect experience drives Acumen to be innovative in its approach to tackling poverty and creative in finding new pathways to change.”
-Eleanor Murphy
New York, USA
“We came to Acumen looking for answers, yet we found that there is more value in continuing to ask the questions, that these questions often start a much needed conversation.”
-Shahd AlShehail
Bangalore, India
“”
-Sikandar M. Khan
“Felipe Medina leads the Transforming Philanthropy Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to create a community of strategic philanthropists and to facilitate collaboration and exchanges of best practices and lessons learned with the final objective of increasing the volume of effective social investments.”
-Felipe Medina
“”
-Arun Korati
“”
-BILLENE SEYOUM WOLDEYES
“Sarah is the Project Manager of WelTel.”
-Sarah Karanja
Nairobi, Kenya
“I'm deeply driven by Acumen’s investing principles - Social Impact, Innovation, Scalability & Financial Sustainability. I strongly support market solutions and dignity, not dependence.”
-Abhay Garg
Mumbai, India
“”
-Joanna Harries
“”
-Keely Stevenson
“I strongly believe Acumen is redefining how to create positive and inclusive impact for all—through choice, not charity.”
-LiAnn Ishizuka
New York, USA
“Chris currently works for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.”
-Chris Walker
“Helping change the lives of those often left behind means being brave, patient, risky and willing to fail. Acumen is not afraid to lead: to challenge the imagination and reach down to help pull individuals, entrepreneurs and sectors up.”
-Julian Wolfson
London, UK
“”
-Shoaib Iqbal
“”
-Havi Murungi
“Tim Brown is CEO and president of IDEO. ”
-Tim Brown
“”
-Caren Wakoli
“”
-JOSEPH OWINO
“My radical idea of hope exists in the place where profitable business means making the quality of everyone's life better.”
-Seema Thakker
“”
-Calvince Okello
“Dignity is being able to make your own informed choices and having access to opportunities. ”
-Laura Ruiz Diaz
“”
-Eda Esilaba
“Leaders need vision: this is a starting point. They also need pragmatism and resolve to see change through. The fellowship cultivates our visions, and trains us to enable change.”
-Tayeb Noorbhai
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
“I learn to see and treat each individual as a complex being with emotions, struggles and hopes. ”
-Christina Tang
Accra, Ghana
“You will never know what you are capable of unless you try. Be brave enough to be vulnerable and humble. Accept who you truly are, yet always strive to know yourself better. ”
-Raseel Sehmi
Vancouver, Canada
“”
-Ram Barigela
“Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG is a Bangladeshi social worker and the founder chairman of BRAC.”
-Sir Fazle Hasan Abed
“Self-discovery, deepening of maturity, sharpening of tools and expansion of network – what an amazing experience! It is liberating to know that I am not normal but I am sane.”
-Marion Moon
Nairobi, Kenya
“Maria Eitel is the founding President and CEO of the Nike Foundation where she works to unleash the girl effect, the powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have opportunity. ”
-Maria Eitel
“”
-Cherian Joseph
“Sarah is the Founder and Director of LettuceBee Kids”
-Sarah Adeel
“”
-Syed Zaid Bin Rashid
“Pat Mitchell is the President & CEO of the Paley Center for Media. ”
-Pat Mitchell
“Acumen’s model is not only helping build transformative organizations, its Inspiring leadership and fostering a shared belief in a world without poverty. That’s what excites me every day.”
-Avinash Mishra
Mumbai, India
“”
-Tammy Warren
Tigray, Ethiopia
“”
-Kennedy Oloo
“Isfundiar is the Program Director of the Imran Khan Foundation (IKF).”
-Isfundiar Kasuri
“We believe in the power of individual dreams. Our entrepreneurs, their customers, our peers and team. Unleashing that talent is an exciting imperative for truly social enterprises”
-Molly Alexander
London, England
“Acumen realizes that nothing can be accomplished without listening to and learning from the people impacted by the world’s greatest problems. Only by unlocking the potential inside every individual will we create a world of opportunity, inclusivity and dignity.”
-Carolyn Bielfeldt
New York, USA
“Martin is from Gulu, Uganda and is the Gulu District Local Government Chairperson, where he serves as the political head of the Gulu district”
-Martin Ojara Mapenduzi
“Herbert is from Kigali, Rwanda and is an Analyst with KZ Noir”
-Herbert Mugume
“”
-Abhilasha Sinha
“Robert H. Niehaus is the founder of Greenhill Capital Partners and oversees private equity funds totaling $1.8 billion in committed capital.”
-Robert H. Niehaus (Chair)
“”
-ARHAN BEZBORA
“”
-Speciosa Mbula Nguku
“Naeem is the Founder and CEO of Frontier Rural Development Program ”
-Naeem Wazir
“”
-Zaffar Khan
“The Acumen model embraces and celebrates individual strengths and weaknesses, weaving a beautiful tapestry of talent that seeks, awakens, empowers and inspires stories of dignity.”
-Minayo Sagala
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Abbas Dadla
“”
-R Ramaraj
“”
-Bahram Vakil
“”
-Lucy Mukuria
“”
-Jan Piercy (Advisor Emeritus)
“With data we learn how our investing works, where and why, to help our companies penetrate deeper into their markets, creating more delightful and impactful products for their customers.”
-Tom Adams
London, England
“As President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation, she partners with Founder and Chairman Jeff Skoll and heads the organization’s team in identifying and supporting innovators pioneering scalable solutions to global challenges.”
-Sally Osberg
“Asad is the Co-Fonder and Managing Director of the Social Innovation Desk.”
-Asad Ayub
“”
-Oliver Dalizu
“I never knew I had this much potential; it has been a moment of learning and self discovery, great inspiration and encouragement, every leader needs this for progress in our time.”
-Joachim Ewechu
Kampala, Uganda
“”
-LEENA TALPUR
“Unlike typical philanthropic models which tend to just alleviate social problems, Acumen goes a step further by investing in viable and sustainable solutions and the people brave enough to carry them out.”
-Farwah Shariff
Karachi, Pakistan
“Hunter is the Executive Chairman of Acumen's Investment Committee and a former managing director of Thomas H. Lee Partners, one of the largest private equity firms in the world.”
-C. Hunter Boll
“Acumen connects me to a global community, and promotes respect for and listening to that community. It tests my craft and judgment by insisting on accountability and innovation. ”
-Lynn Roland
New York, USA
“Acumen has taught me to embrace complexities in the world. There are no simple and singular narratives, the problems are intricate, and the solutions are varied – and the answers are found by listening to those who are affected.”
-Martin Leboo
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Sophia Ahmed
New York, USA
“Carlyle joined Acumen in March of 2013, as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for Acumen’s core operating activities. ”
-Carlyle Singer
New York, USA
“”
-Sarah Dimson
“”
-Satoko Okamoto
“”
-Vimal Kumar
“”
-MILLICENT OBARE
“”
-Vinay Shah
“I love that Acumen has the ambition and ability to try to change the world, and the modesty to avoid the temptation to shape it in its image.”
-Sky Stallbaumer
New York, USA
“The fellowship provided me an opportunity to get to know some talented young people with creative ideas about how to solve problems of the marginalized communities of Pakistan. ”
-Muhammad Saeed Khan
Islamabad, Pakistan
“”
-SHALMALI RADHA KARNAD
“Day after day, I take three steps forward and two steps back. Frustrating, but I embrace this journey as I can get stronger only by falling down, getting back up again, and repeat.”
-Junko Tashiro
Sogakope, Ghana
“Any far reaching development can be achieved by implementing what we believe: That the promise of a continent can be achieved when the full human potential is unleashed”
-Duncan Onyango
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-ASGHAR KHAN
“”
-Vikram Sahu
“The fellowship helped me see the world from a different angle - an angle the corporate world is not used to, but which is so important in order to make the world a better place.”
-Abbas Akhtar
Lahore, Pakistan
“”
-Samuel Azout
“”
-Rupal Nayar
“”
-MOHAMMAD SAAD ARSHAD
“”
-Yousef Alguwaifli
“”
-Selamawit Terefe Tiruneh
“”
-Khuram Hussain
“Peter Goldmark currently works as an independent consultant in the areas of philanthropy, environmental policy, international affairs and development, and organizational development in the social change field.”
-Peter Goldmark
“”
-Jenpu Rongmei
“Being the change I want to see in the world can be a difficult challenge. The Acumen Fellowship has provided me with a vibrant support structure and tools to do good and do well.”
-Majala Mlagui
Nairobi, Kenya
“Acumen’s endless appetite for supporting bold new ideas is what motivates me to work here. Some succeed, others don’t, but the culture of thoughtfully experimenting stays firmly embedded in the organization’s core.”
-Venu Aggarwal
New York, USA
“Fahad is a Project Manager at Karachi Relief Trust”
-Fahad Asadullah
“What stands out to me about Acumen’s model is its audacity: supporting daring entrepreneurs in some of the world’s most challenging business contexts.”
-Kasia Stochniol
London, UK
“What I like about Acumen is its ability to deliver impact while ensuring business discipline. ”
-Nishant Advani
Mumbai, India
“David Okello is the General Manager of Coast Coconut Farms.”
-David Okello
“Acumen tackles the real problem of poverty, which is less about not having enough money and more about not having a choice.”
-Hammad Umer
Karachi, Pakistan
“Nathan Laurell is the founder and Managing Partner of New Frontier Holdings, an investment firm focused on sustainable energy and agriculture.”
-Nathan Laurell
“”
-Manjushree Patil
“”
-VINI PATHAK
“It’s truly inspiring to be part of an organization that sees infinite potential for innovation and leadership where the world sees despair, and whose team’s ambitions are as big as the problems it seeks to tackle.”
-Prerna Khanna
Mumbai, India
“Acumen is challenging the world’s status quo-allowing people to gain choice, dignity and hope in building their own futures. This is what excites me about being part of the team.”
-Loise Nduati
NAIROBI, KENYA
“”
-Tabinda Baig
“Khawaja is the CEO of Tourplanner.pk”
-Khawaja Khalid
“GV Prasad leads the core team which drives growth and performance at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. ”
-GV Prasad
“”
-Charu Chadha
“At Acumen, our values are not just words on a page – they are our bottom line, and they are brought to life every day by our team, investees and fellows around the world.”
-Meghan Curran
New York, USA
“”
-Collins Mugodo
“The concept of Acumen 'Not simply make grants, but invest in entrepreneurs who have the capability to bring sustainable solution to problems of poverty' very much impressed me.”
-Saleem Ahmed
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-Virgilio Barco
Bogota, Colombia
“Rebecca Eastmond is a Managing Director of J.P. Morgan and heads J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s philanthropy advisory practice for Europe/Middle East/Africa.”
-Rebecca Eastmond
“Fundamentally, Acumen is different from the rest of the sector. It’s innovative & it tries to take risk and tries to fund companies that actually are changing the way business is done.”
-Ali J. Siddiqui
“”
-REKIK BEKELE
“Acumen's ability to take risks, think outside of the box, and constant introspection is a refreshing and pleasant change from traditional views of development and poverty.”
-Afshin Ghassmi
Nairobi, Kenya
“Acumen’s model levels the playing field. It blurs the lines between beneficiary and grantor, puts focus back on human dignity and ensures we can work together to change how the world tackles poverty.”
-Priyanka Bhasin
New York, USA
“Syed Babar Ali is a Pakistani businessman, philanthropist and former Finance Minister of Pakistan. ”
-Syed Babar Ali (Advisor Emeritus)
“”
-Tricia Morente
“”
-POULOMI PAL
“”
-Samia Razaq Khan
“”
-Olawale (Wale) Ajiboye
Lagos, Nigeria
“”
-JAMES NGANGA WARUIRU
“”
-Asim Janjua
Bahawalpur City, Pakistan
“”
-Elizabeth Maina
“”
-AMBER HAROON SAIGOL
“The journey at Acumen has been one of (re)discovering the significance of generosity and humility in being a leader, and the power of audacity and integrity in making dreams come true.”
-Ambika Singh Sampat
London, England
“”
-Ramakrishna NK
“”
-Ghoncheh Jafarpisheh
“Safdar is a Fellow at the Institute for Development Studies & Practices (IDSP).”
-Safdar Hussain
“”
-Cristina Ljungberg
“”
-Ramya Waran
Kigali, Rwanda
“”
-Neeladri Bora
“Accelerating the rate of innovation enabled by Acumen’s commitment to developing companies, leaders and ideas to focus on lifting the lives of the poor will enable our vision of a more inclusive and empowered world.”
-Naeem Zamindar
Karachi, Pakistan
“”
-SHASHANK KALRA
“”
-Adedotun Eyinade
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
“Acumen harnesses the entrepreneurial spirit by putting people first and making social impact investments aimed at reducing poverty.”
-Kimathi Ikiao
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-Sanjay Gupta
“Acumen constantly challenges me to rethink my engagement with the world and how to shape solutions for a future worth fighting for.”
-Jessica Martin
New York, USA
“”
-QASIM ASLAM
“”
-Mubarik Imam
“”
-ANITA YADAV
“”
-Faith Nafula Wafula
“I am inspired by new partnerships such as the Enhancing Livelihoods Investment Initiative (ELII) that are improving the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities by bringing them into global markets and distribution networks.”
-Anthony Belfiglio Jr.
New York, NY
“”
-EVODIUS GERVAS
“Acumen has given me a new lens, built on moral imagination, through which to view the world and the community and tools to make a contribution. To change the way the world tackles poverty takes all of us.”
-Marica Rizzo
New York, USA
“”
-Sarah Matindi
“”
-Rajanthi Manivannan
Nairobi, Kenya
“”
-OSMAN HANEEF