Board of Directors
Leonard Stiegeler I Founder Chair and President
Leonard is currently studying for a BSc Economics-degree at LSE, UK. He is also working part-time with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. (leonard.stiegeler@smdi.org.uk)
Avni Shah
Avni is currently studying on an undergraduate level at Brown University. She has been working with Kiva, United Prosperity and other microfinance organizations. (avni.shah@smdi.org.uk)
Akhila Kolisetty
Akhila is an undergraduate student at Northwestern University, USA, with a major in Economics and Political Science. In the past she has been working with different human right groups. (akhila.kolisetty@smdi.org.uk)
Kieran Garvey
Kieran is currently studying for a degree in International Relations at LSE, UK. He is also currently President of the LSESU Microfinance Society and has worked with Grameen Bank and BRAC. (kieran.garvey@smdi.org.uk)
Julian Martius
Julian is working as an analyst for The Blackstone Group in London. While at LSE he was President of the LSESU Finance Society, the biggest student society at the school, and helped set up many initiatives at the university. (julian.martius@smdi.org.uk)
Markus Gstöttner
Markus is currently studying for an MSc Economics at the LSE, UK. In 2009, he won the Caroll Round, an international research paper competition, with a fellow LSE student. (markus.gstoettner@smdi.org.uk)
Christian MacDonald
Christian is currently working as a financial Services Professional in New York City, USA. He is currently executive vice president of New York Room to Read and has worked with different microfinance institutions. (christian.macdonald@smdi.org.uk)
Ines Gramegna
Ines has been the Initiative's Managing Director since March 2009 but previously worked as its Communications and Media Manager. She has dedicated herself to expanding the horizons and opportunities for university students through SMDI. She has worked in various microfinance institutions and service providers. She is currently pursuing a BSc. in Economics and Government at the LSE. (ines.gramegna@smdi.org.uk)
Sayan Palchowdhury
Sayan is also the Initiative's Chief Financial Officer since March 2009 and is heavily involved with general expansion, strategy and launching new projects. He is currently in his 2nd year at the LSE studying towards a BSc. Econometrics and Mathematical Economics degree. Prior to his time at the Initiative, Sayan was Secretary of the LSE Alternative Investment Conference 2009 and is currently on the organizing team for the 2010 edition of the event. (sayan.palchowdhury@smdi.org.uk)
Samarth Bhasin
Samarth is currently pursuing his second year Bsc. Economics Degree at the LSE. (samarth.bhasin@smdi.org.uk)
