Akankshya Rath

Mentor @ Na'amal- A World Bank commissioned project, implemented by Na'amal , Non-Profit

Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Shillong, Odisha

A Public Policy graduate from LSE, I specialize in policy advocacy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. With hands-on experience in community development, education, and sustainability, I leverage data-driven insights to drive impactful change. My background spans consulting, campaign management, social impact, and strategic operations, with a strong commitment to inclusive growth.

Contact Akankshya Rath
Area of Expertise:
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Communications, IT, Media, Knowledge Management, Editor
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research
  • Social, Gender, Education, Youth, Child
Professional Experience:

My professional journey spans diverse roles in consulting, project management, and strategy, where I have contributed to projects aimed at promoting inclusive growth, sustainability, and social impact.

As a Senior Category Associate at Unacademy, I was responsible for managing the UPSC category and launching new educational products. This role required a combination of strategic oversight, data analysis, and stakeholder management. I tracked market trends and student needs, optimizing product offerings and ensuring strong customer engagement through CRM tools like Leadsquared. My experience here underscored the importance of integrating customer feedback into product design and the impact of data-driven decision-making in enhancing educational outcomes.

At IGEP Consult Pvt. Ltd., I served as Sector Manager, where I designed and implemented policy reports focusing on child protection and sustainability, working with organizations like UNICEF, NCPCR, and CEPC. I led communications and public relations activities to amplify project outcomes, leveraging media outreach and stakeholder engagement to advocate for policy changes. My work in research and content development helped shape policies aimed at addressing pressing issues in child welfare and environmental sustainability. This role reinforced my ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable policy recommendations in collaboration with key stakeholders.

As a Campaign Manager for an MLA candidate in Puri, I coordinated field surveys, conducted interviews, and managed social media strategies to gauge voter sentiment and mobilize support. This experience highlighted my ability to adapt to local contexts and navigate political dynamics. I utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods to ensure the candidate's message resonated with diverse communities across multiple regions.

At Na’amal, I served as a mentor, focusing on guiding refugees in their career development, helping them navigate the job market. This position allowed me to apply my understanding of social welfare policies and offer tangible support to marginalized groups, which broadened my perspective on the intersection between policy, community support, and personal development.

Additionally, my role as Head of Operations at The Climber (MyCaptain), a company focused on providing career mentorship, involved overseeing operational strategies to scale educational programs. I was responsible for team management, process optimization, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission to offer skill-building opportunities for youth. This experience enhanced my leadership abilities and exposed me to the challenges of scaling initiatives in the education sector.

I also contributed as a Consultant at PUBLIC, collaborating with government entities to improve digital accessibility within the UK prison system. The project, which involved qualitative and quantitative research, culminated in a comprehensive policy proposal that addressed systemic issues in the justice sector.

My professional journey has equipped me with robust skills in research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and program management. I am adept at analyzing complex data, collaborating with diverse groups, and driving projects to fruition. These experiences have solidified my commitment to creating inclusive policies that foster social and economic progress across sectors.

Education:

I hold a degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics (LSE), where I gained a comprehensive understanding of global governance, social development, and policy analysis. This academic foundation equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding policy design, implementation, and evaluation, which I have applied in various professional settings.

As part of my LSE Capstone Project, I collaborated with PUBLIC in London to develop a policy framework aimed at improving digital accessibility within the UK prison system. This involved extensive qualitative and quantitative research across six countries, as well as stakeholder engagement with government officials and experts. My project culminated in a detailed three-phase policy proposal, which received a Distinction. The project honed my skills in managing multi-dimensional projects, liaising with diverse stakeholders, and providing evidence-based solutions to address public sector challenges.

During my undergraduate years, I also engaged in numerous extracurricular activities that complemented my academic learning, including working with student-led policy research groups and contributing to reports on pressing societal issues. These experiences allowed me to cultivate essential skills in critical thinking, analytical research, and policy communication, which I later applied in my professional roles.

At LSE, I learned to critically assess policy frameworks, recognizing their implications on social equity and economic development. The coursework emphasized data analysis, governance structures, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping effective public policies. These insights informed my work at IGEP Consult Pvt. Ltd., where I researched and curated policy reports related to child protection and sustainable development, collaborating with organizations like UNICEF and NCPCR.

Through my educational journey, I have developed a strong belief in the power of policy to effect meaningful change. My time at LSE helped refine my approach to policy formulation, grounding me in research methodologies and ethical considerations. The exposure to a global perspective on governance issues has empowered me to apply these principles to address local and national challenges, ensuring that policies promote inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

Years of Experience:

5-10 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, Hindi, Oriya

Nationality:

Indian