Alumni Spotlight: Mahima Sharda (MPA 2022)
Where do you work?
I currently work at Dasra, a philanthropic consultancy based in Mumbai, India.
Describe your current job.
In my role at Dasra, I contribute to the Research and Insights team, specializing in conducting comprehensive research and distilling complex data to produce actionable analyses and insights. Notably, I collaborated with Bain on the India Philanthropy Report 2023, a groundbreaking philanthropic mainstreaming initiative. Additionally, I led a landscape study addressing solid waste management in major Indian metropolises, offering strategic recommendations for philanthropic investments. Presently, my focus extends to diverse projects covering areas such as animal welfare, maternal health, and climate change.
Why did you choose the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service?
I chose Wagner after reading more about the school's diverse and experienced faculty, and after seeing so many incredible alumni having meaningful impacts in their respective fields of public service. I was and still am so excited to be a part of this community. Plus, having the opportunity to live in New York City for a few years definitely didn't hurt!
What was your favorite class?
My favorite classes were Politics of International Development and Development Assistance, Accountability, and Aid Effectiveness with Professor John Gershman. These classes were very discussion-based, giving us the opportunity to debate some contemporary issues in development. Through these conversations with peers and some of the case studies we looked at, I understood just how sticky some challenges in the development sector are. I also got to do case studies on female genital mutilation and cash-based transfers, which opened my eyes to topics I'd never studied before.
What skills did you develop at Wagner were most helpful?
Wagner taught me to accept and embrace the increasing complexity and interconnectivity of the social issues that face today's world. At first, thinking about these immense and intricate challenges can be daunting, overwhelming, and discouraging. But at Wagner, I learned how to break these issues down, think about the key stakeholders, and prioritize sub-areas where change truly is possible. In this way, Wagner gave me tangible reasons for optimism, even when it seems most elusive.
What about your Wagner experience was helpful in your career? How did you determine the path?
Wagner made me recognize the importance of localizing development, and approaching the field with experiences rooted closely to recipients of support and aid. This idea inspired me to return to India, at least for the start of my career. I wanted to take what I'd learned at Wagner and give back to the country where I grew up. Wagner also taught me how to be a good listener and that good public servants always approach their work through a lens of empathy and compassion.