Ashwati Menon
Senior Manager, Philanthropic Initiatives
“After working in the development sector for almost a decade, I find WestBridge's enthusiasm to address challenging socioeconomic issues to be so motivating. Our spirit of partnership, our willingness to learn, and our patient, yet purposeful, approach to philanthropy will lead to great impact on the ground.“
About Ashwati
After college, an interest in the social sciences and a passion for social work led Ashwati to enroll in a masters program in the social anthropology of development from the School of Oriental and African Studies. Then she plunged into the real world, where the learning began.
Working in rural locations in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Ashwati worked closely with community stakeholders on entrepreneurship, sanitation and primary education projects.
As part of IL&FS and also at Samhita Social Ventures, she worked multiple roles including on-the-ground implementation and management, research and communications and strategy.
Ashwati has a strong interest in women-led livelihood projects, effective education systems and action research.