Sonal Shah

Widely recognized as a leading voice on global development and an expert on policy creation, Sonal Shah brings considerable experience to her position as Head of Global Development Initiatives for Google.org. In this position since 2007, Shah has already developed a number of successful programs, including the "Inform and Empower" initiative. Additionally, Sonal Shah has coordinated many important partnerships with leading non-governmental organizations and businesses, such as the Omidyar Network and the Soros Foundation. Prior to beginning her work at Google.org, Sonal Shah served as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, where she led the development of the company's environmental policy. Shah joined Goldman Sachs in 2004. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Sonal Shah worked extensively in Washington, D.C. From 2001 to 2003, Shah led the Center for Global Development as Director of Operations and Programs. From 2003 to 2004, Shah worked in the Center for American Progress as Associate Director. For both of these institutions, Sonal Shah leveraged her considerable experience in economics to develop intelligent policy initiatives on trade, global development, and reform. Prior to joining the think tanks, Sonal Shah worked in the United States Department of Treasury in a variety of capacities from 1995 to early 2002. Her last position with the U.S. Treasury was as Director of the Office for African Nations, where she specialized in economic issues related to sub-Saharan Africa. Sonal Shah has received numerous awards for her work and has earned a stellar reputation for her innovative and intelligent solutions to global development issues. For this reason, Sonal Shah was recently appointed to serve as Co-Chair for the Technology, Innovation & Government Reform policy working group for the incoming presidential administration. Sonal Shah is also an advisor on the Obama-Biden Transition Project Advisory Board.

Lead two of five Google.org Initiatives for the Global Development Team: Inform and Empower (IE) and Fuel the Growth of SMEs (SMEs). Led rapid, comprehensive landscaping of economic development space, then conceptualization, development and implementation of both Global Development Initiatives. Leveraged networks in E. Africa and India to identify gaps, needs, and challenges both in rural and urban settings. Consulted over 70 non-profits, companies, entrepreneurs as well as local Google offices in designing initiatives. In fall 2007, developed and managed ten week Google.org Global Development Course curriculum and speaker series from Sept-Nov 2007. Core member of Dotorg management team helping to create grant and investment approval process, hiring process, and focus on initiatives. Prior to Google, helped start several organizations, including a new division within Goldman Sachs (reporting to the Chairman), and a new think tank (Center for Global Development).

Developed and guided Goldman Sachs' environmental strategy and implementation. Key responsibilities included: segmenting and changing Goldman Sachs operations, writing company carbon emission report, developing world-wide implementation plans, determining potential green business opportunities (e.g. alternative energy investments), working with clients on incorporating environmental, social, governance criteria in company reviews, and training bankers on assessing environmental, social, and governance criteria for all investments. Worked on $45B sale of TXU to KKR and Texas Pacific Group. Worked on managing environmental strategy for KKR, including negotiations with Environmental Defense and NRDC to scale back number of coal-fired plants and meet more stringent environmental standards.

Wrote policy papers, articles and advised current and former Congressional and Government Executives on trade, outsourcing, post conflict reconstruction and international development.

Set up the strategy and operations of CGD, including hiring and communications, policy programs, dissemination strategy, legal framework, and metrics for program measurement.

Co-founded non-profit organization providing fellowship opportunities for Indian diaspora to work on development projects in India. Projects include: education, health care, microfinance, post-tsunami crisis work, rural business process outsourcing, technology education programs, and water and sanitation in rural/semi-urban India.

Lead two of five Google.org Initiatives for the Global Development Team: Inform and Empower (IE) and Fuel the Growth of SMEs (SMEs). Led rapid, comprehensive landscaping of economic development space, then conceptualization, development and implementation of both Global Development Initiatives. Leveraged networks in E. Africa and India to identify gaps, needs, and challenges both in rural and urban settings. Consulted over 70 non-profits, companies, entrepreneurs as well as local Google offices in designing initiatives. In fall 2007, developed and managed ten week Google.org Global Development Course curriculum and speaker series from Sept-Nov 2007. Core member of Dotorg management team helping to create grant and investment approval process, hiring process, and focus on initiatives. Prior to Google, helped start several organizations, including a new division within Goldman Sachs (reporting to the Chairman), and a new think tank (Center for Global Development). Founded non-profit, IndiCorps, a 'peace corps' for Indians from around the world. Over 200 fellowships awarded.

Aspen Institute, Planned Parenthood, Next Generation Fellow, US UNDP, Synapse, Liberia, Brookings Blum Roundtable

South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT), Center for American Progress, Center for Global Development, Breakthrough, Indicorps, Global Fund for Children, Catalytic Communities, APIA Vote, Planned Parenthood of America (c4), UN UNDP, Manav Sadhna, American Red Cross, Global Giving, KIVA, Indicorps, Planned Parenthood, Katrina Hurricane relief, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Manav Sadhana, Karma Kitchen, Center for Global Development, Center for American Progress

Reading, biking, tennis, volleyball. Love the outdoors, white water rafting.

Sonal Shah, Ms. Sonal Shah, Sonal, Shah, Indicorps