In a world where equitable education remains a challenge for millions, there are a few individuals who rise above and devote their talents to bridging this divide. Sagarika Senapaty, Education Advocate, is one such extraordinary leader whose journey from global institutions to grassroots impact in India is a testament to purpose-driven professionalism and passionate advocacy for change.
Currently serving as the Regional Development Officer for the East Coast at the Akanksha Education Fund, Sagarika embodies the spirit of transformation. With roots deeply entrenched in India and wings that have taken her across the globe, she brings with her an unparalleled blend of vision, intellect, and heart. Her work isn’t just about fundraising or development—it’s about shaping futures and amplifying the voices of underserved children across India.
From the Classroom to the World Stage: A Lifelong Commitment to Learning
Sagarika Senapaty’s academic and professional trajectory is not just impressive—it’s inspiring. Sagarika Senapaty holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Chicago, one of the most prestigious institutions globally.
It was here that her passion for education took early shape, not just through rigorous academics but through her role in the Neighbourhood Schools Program as a teaching assistant. This on-the-ground exposure to the power of education in transforming communities laid the foundation for a career that would later impact lives across continents.
With a growing interest in public policy, Sagarika Senapaty pursued her Master’s in Public Policy at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Her graduate work focused on the impact of universal pre-kindergarten and student performance disparities across U.S. states, showcasing her enduring interest in equity in education.
Global Vision, Local Impact
What makes Sagarika Senapaty, Education Advocate, truly unique is her seamless integration of macro-level policy expertise with micro-level, community-focused execution. Early in her career, she worked with the World Bank in Washington, D.C., contributing to knowledge management strategies in health and education. Her analytical skills were applied to complex issues such as youth violence, poverty, and health worker absenteeism—challenges that disproportionately affect education outcomes in developing regions.
At Save the Children International, Sagarika Senapaty deepened her understanding of grassroots challenges and developed a global perspective on what it takes to initiate sustainable social change. Her research has spanned cybersecurity, technology policy, data privacy, and cloud computing in Asia, establishing her as a thought leader at the intersection of public policy and innovation.
Innovation in Action: Leadership at AmCham Singapore
Before joining Akanksha, Sagarika took the reins as Head of Special Projects at the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, a role that showcased her exceptional ability to turn abstract ideas into tangible impact. She led the 2021 AmChams of Asia Pacific Business Summit, masterfully managing hybrid formats and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.
Colleagues describe her as someone who “brings order to chaos,” an innovator who can ideate, plan, and execute with precision and creativity. Her projects weren’t just operationally sound—they were visionary, aligning with strategic goals while remaining human-centred.
Leading with Purpose at Akanksha
Today, Sagarika Senapaty, Education Advocate, is channelling her expertise and empathy into her work at the Akanksha Education Fund, where she is not just raising funds but building bridges between communities in the U.S. and underserved children in India. Through compelling storytelling, strategic outreach, and impactful events, she is helping to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.
Sagarika Senapaty has spoken passionately at events like LinkedIn’s NYC community discussions and Diwali celebrations hosted by LinkedIn’s Asian Alliance, bringing visibility to India’s education challenges and inspiring action from the diaspora and allies around the world.
As a panellist in Akanksha’s “Leading With Purpose” discussion in Pune, alongside global leaders such as Ramesh Srinivasan of McKinsey & Company, she continues to push boundaries, advocating for long-term systemic change in how education is delivered and perceived.
Beyond Titles: The Heart of a Change-Maker
What truly distinguishes Sagarika Senapaty, Education Advocate, is her unwavering belief that education is not just a tool—it’s a right. Her life’s work, though highly intellectual and policy-driven, is rooted in compassion. Having grown up in India, she has firsthand insight into the disparities that hinder progress for millions of children. Her journey from teaching assistant in Chicago to global policy strategist and now to a leader in the development sector underscores her relentless pursuit of impact.
Her cousin, Sandiip Bhammer, with whom she’s collaborated on discussions about India’s green startups, speaks to her wide-ranging interests—from sustainability to social equity—all linked by a common thread: building a better world.
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