Two more of our inaugural Fellows cohort…
Ayeleen Ajanee
“The desire to work as a social entrepreneur was instilled in me since I joined the girl scouts at the age of six. My passion to help others grew as I became curious about new ideas and was stimulated by the possibilities of contributing to others…social stability at the grass roots level is a must for economic growth. Unless basic survival needs are met, it is difficult for people to concentrate elsewhere… I see Acumen as the perfect vehicle for me to contribute to the social change taking place in Pakistan.”
Eric Berkowitz
“My experiences in India have given me two important insights. First, the conditions of the poor are not hopeless but in fact there are many ways to improve their lives through health, education and microfinance initiatives. Second, only sustainable solutions to poverty can bring long term improvement - this is the motivation for my interest in Acumen Fund and its mission.”
Ayeleen’s background…
One of the first Pakistanis to be educated in India, Ayeleen is finishing an MBA, specializing in Strategic Marketing. After high school in Karachi, Pakistan, she graduated from the Southern Methodist University of Texas with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Returning to Karachi in 2003, Ayeleen joined Unilever Pakistan as an Area Engineer, the first woman ever to hold such a position. Still an active member of her local mosque school, Ayeleen helped devise the curriculum and establish a library.
Eric’s background…
Eric consults on projects in India, China and the U.S. in the areas of microfinance, financial services and business development. Previously, he was a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and served as Director of the China office at Tractus- Asia, where he assisted foreign companies making investment decisions and setting up operations in Asia. Eric holds a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University and an MBA from the Wharton School.
I have spent most of my professional career in the private sector but have always kept an eye on the development field trying to volunteer or get involved whenever possible. Last year when given the opportunity to work on several projects in India in the microfinance area I jumped at the chance. Not only was the work personally rewarding but I realized that I could use my business skills to directly improve people’s lives.
After looking at many of the international players working on poverty issues, I chose this opportunity because in my opinion Acumen has the best business model. I am attracted by Acumen’s use of social venture capitalism to develop sustainable solutions to poverty. By participating in the fellows program, I want to learn more about how the model works in practice and hopefully leverage my own experience to contribute to its evolution.
This summer I am busy finishing several business projects focused on China and if I have time I hope to spend two weeks with my family at the beach in Spain.
Reply to Eric BerkowitzOn a personal level, in Pakistan, my home country, problems of health, housing and sanitation are numerous. My goal is to reach a state where we can make a difference to the lives of the many living below the poverty line in Pakistan and other developing countries. Long road ahead of us - we need to learn how to deal with governments, politicians, donor agencies, handle crises, empathize with the plight of the poor, handle housing and other public sector projects - all of which Acumen will help me with.
In my opinion the main resource of an organization are its people. Through the Fellows program, Acumen Fund has given me an opportunity to work with dedicated, hardworking and extremely passionate people who I can learn from in order to better equip myself for future challenges. I believe the Acumen Fund family will also help me find the inspiration and motivation which will be a powerful tool for me to excel in the social sector.
Before the fellowship begins, I am currently working with a media storage company in Karachi, Pakistan setting up their marketing and sales department. As a hobby, I am taking Film making classes.
Reply to Ayeleen AjaneeGood post. You make some great points that most people do not fully understand.
““My experiences in India have given me two important insights. First, the conditions of the poor are not hopeless but in fact there are many ways to improve their lives through health, education and microfinance initiatives. Second, only sustainable solutions to poverty can bring long term improvement - this is the motivation for my interest in Acumen Fund and its mission.—
I like how you explained that, Eric. Very helpful. Thanks.
Reply to chiz