Astha Soni

Astha Soni is a development professional currently pursuing a Master in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She brings over seven years of experience across sectors such as sustainable livelihoods, education, gender equality, disability action, and clean energy. Her work spans 12 states in India, where she has collaborated with state and local governments, non-profits, and communities to support equitable education for underserved populations. Astha’s contributions are deeply rooted in social equity and sustainability, focusing on creating impactful change across complex stakeholder landscapes. Astha’s work includes establishing public-private partnerships and enhancing the capacity of state governments and nonprofits. As a Senior Manager at The Education Alliance, she led initiatives that improved foundational literacy and numeracy for over five million students in India. Astha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship, from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Additionally, she was awarded the Linnaeus Palme Scholarship to study gender studies and social anthropology at Lund University, Sweden, in 2016. Her research has explored the intersection of gender, education, and employment, including a study on the experiences of migrant students in Swedish educational institutions.

Why are you in this work?

I am committed to this work because I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of equitable education and sustainable development in improving lives and communities. Growing up in India, I saw stark disparities in access to quality education and opportunities, which fueled my passion for bridging these gaps and empowering underserved populations. My experiences have shown me that education is a catalyst for social change, and by fostering equity in education, we can address systemic inequalities and create a more just and inclusive world for future generations.

Why ESG?

I chose ESG because its mission to improve education and workforce outcomes aligns with my passion for social equity and sustainability. ESG’s commitment to aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs offers a practical approach to addressing educational inequities. What attracted me most was ESG’s innovative strategies and dedication to underserved communities. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with a team that shares my passion for making education both accessible and relevant, ultimately contributing to meaningful and lasting change.