Santhosh Ramdoss

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND WHAT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOKS LIKE?

As President, CEO, and the Chief Investment Officer at Gary Community Ventures, I lead a dynamic and diverse team of 45 people. We're a private foundation and a family office based in Colorado. Our goal is to improve the lives of families and children in the State through a combination of approaches that involve investments, grant-making, policy change as well as building new social ventures through our in-house venture lab. My role and our organization is akin to a Swiss army knife, diverse and multifaceted. I start my mornings with investment discussions, emphasizing mission-driven impact. This shifts to collaborations with nonprofits addressing critical issues, where our partnership is key. Then, it's about nurturing our venture lab's internal initiatives, aligning their strategies with our support. My day often culminates in engagements with policymakers, shaping legislative measures for children's welfare. It's a role that seamlessly transitions from finance to policy, embodying the essence of core belief that change happens at the intersection of these systems. 

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU CAME TO NYU WAGNER? 

I was a bit of a social change nerd and really excited by the world of financial markets. I was always fascinated by the confluence of financial markets and impact. So before NYU Wagner, my path included work in microfinance and quantitative forecasting in the private sector. Yet, I felt a strong pull towards the social change sector. This led me to discover the world of policy schools, where I saw an opportunity to blend my financial acumen with my passion for societal impact.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NYU WAGNER FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL? 

When I was considering graduate school, I was relatively new to the concept of a master’s in public administration and public policy. Growing up in India, at the time, this wasn't a common path, but I was intrigued by it. With a completed MBA, I was at a crossroads, contemplating the right path to transition into the social sector. My search led me to apply to only two policy schools: NYU Wagner and Harvard Kennedy School. What set Wagner apart was the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation’s Fellowship, a newly launched program focusing on social entrepreneurship, which resonated deeply with my aspirations. In 2006, the social entrepreneurship movement was perfect for someone like me, coming from a market-based finance background and eager to pivot towards social change work. This program seemed tailor-made for my interests. NYU Wagner's collaborative environment and its integration within the broader university ecosystem were major draws for me. The opportunity to take classes across various NYU schools was particularly appealing. This aspect of Wagner's program reflected a deep commitment to diversity and multi-sectoral learning, values that I hold dear. Moreover, New York City itself was a fascinating place for me. The blurred lines between the university and the city, the way NYU is interwoven into the fabric of New York, was captivating. All of these factors combined made Wagner the ideal choice for me. It promised not just an education but an immersive experience that aligned with my desire to become a multi-sector professional.

HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCES AT NYU WAGNER PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? 

My two years at NYU Wagner were nothing short of life-changing. It was my first time in the United States, so everything was a new and exhilarating experience. One of the first things I did at Wagner was to dive straight into specialized subjects that piqued my interest. I found the blend of academic rigor and practical application incredibly enriching. One of my early favorite classes was with Professor Jonathan Morduch, focusing on financial access and microfinance. I had some experience in this area, so gaining his perspective on the mechanics and real-life applications added a new dimension to my understanding. What made Wagner stand out was the emphasis on cross-sectoral learning. I took classes at Wagner, but also at Stern and Law. This approach acknowledged the interconnectedness of various sectors and the importance of understanding how they operate in unison. This perspective was vital, as my career vision was to influence systems for the public good. During my studies, I formed strong bonds with many individuals who have remained friends and professional contacts. Reflecting on my current role, which involves managing an endowment and writing policy, I realize how closely it mirrors the education I received at Wagner. Even now, I often refer back to a book I first encountered in the Introduction to Public Policy class:  'The Policy Paradox.' It’s amazing to think that a graduate program I joined 15 years ago aligns so perfectly with what I do today. I consider myself fortunate to have translated my Wagner experience into a career that leverages that education so effectively.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE THROUGH YOUR CAREER AND/OR ORGANIZATION? 

In my career and through my organization, I am deeply committed to three core areas of impact, all of which are deeply rooted in my background and my experiences. First and foremost, I am passionate about systems change, particularly in how we can restructure systems to better serve those who struggle the most. This involves a two-pronged approach. On one hand, there are market systems, such as the financial sector, where I question whether the solutions available to people are predatory or restorative. Can someone take out a loan or open a bank account without falling prey to exploitative practices? On the other hand, there's the realm of public systems. How can we make public institutions function more effectively for everyone? Secondly, I aim to be an agent of change within the world of philanthropy. Many from Wagner, including myself, find our paths in foundations and philanthropy. I believe philanthropy as an industry needs a significant shift. It should be the sector taking the most risks to drive meaningful change, given its unique position outside of government, private sector, and nonprofit constraints. Yet, it often becomes a space of minimal risk-taking. I want to challenge this model, advocating for a reimagined approach that truly pushes the boundaries and explores innovative solutions. Lastly, I am deeply invested in addressing issues of racial equity and wealth. As an immigrant who came to the U.S. through Wagner and now on the brink of becoming a U.S. citizen, these issues are personal to me. The United States presents a unique landscape to explore and address the complexities of the racial wealth gap. My goal is to contribute to building solutions that address this gap, drawing on my experiences and the perspectives I gained at Wagner. This is not just a professional pursuit for me; it's a commitment to contributing to a more equitable future.