Fellow – Energy Efficiency Finance Organization
Board Member – Center for Women and Democracy · Kent, WA

Working alongside rural, tribal and urban communities, I’ve seen people abandoned and neglected by society. I considered grad programs in public health and public policy, but I didn’t find much innovation there. When I walked into the BGI classrooms, I loved how vocal and engaged the students were. I could tell they were 100% committed.

Community economic development and sustainable energy have been passions of mine for years. Having lived overseas, I’ve seen the impact the US has on the rest of the world and how we’ve ignored large parts of society. Looking at these problems from a systemic standpoint has opened my eyes to my own calling.

With the relationships and skills I’ve gained through BGI, I’m making better use of my community advocacy experience to bring social justice to the forefront. Building a more complete understanding of how business can impact social and environmental fundamentals has already improved my negotiation skills, and I’m surrounded by a network of professionals who help me achieve my goals.

Background

With years of experience in social justice, Shevanthi has been exploring democracy education, building communities, and directing leadership training programs to change business for good overseas and in the United States. Shevanthi received her MBA in Sustainable Business from BGI in 2011.