Who we are

Inclusion

We’ve always believed that those closest to a problem are best able to solve it: inclusion is therefore key. We need all hands on deck.

Belonging

We’re a home for changemakers – a peer network of visionary Ashoka Fellows, 3,800 strong and growing, and of their networks of many millions of changemakers.

Courage

We welcome unorthodox ideas that tap the wisdom and ability for everyone, of all ages and walks of life, to contribute.

Optimism

When you know where to look, you see people solving all sorts of problems, in their communities, schools, workplaces, even entire fields and industries.

Wisdom

Forty years of pioneering social entrepreneurship has taught us how to listen and spot patterns and deep currents of change.

Our core team
Michael
Michael Zakaras
Alekhya Korrapati
Alekhya Korrapati
Amy Clark
Amy Clark
Carly (Gritton) Miller
Carly Miller
Eidi Cruz-Valdivieso
Eidi Cruz-Valdivieso
Krishna Dahya headshot
Krishna Dahya
Lisbet Portman headshot
Lisbet Portman
Manmeet
Manmeet Mehta
Marc Carr
Marc Carr
Nadine Freeman
Nadine Freeman
Simon Stumpf
Simon Stumpf
Tim Scheu
Tim Scheu
Tuyet Adamovich
Tuyet Adamovich

Our BEginnings

Ashoka started searching for social entrepreneurs in our first country, India, in 1981. Nearly 20 years later, Texas entrepreneur Ron “R.J.” Jensen learned of our guiding values and high-leverage approach and reached out right away to explore funding a U.S. launch. We are every day grateful for the Jensen family’s founding investment that has given rise to an entire ecosystem of support for emerging ideas and social entrepreneurs across the country.

Remembering RJ Jensen: A Tribute from the Ashoka Community. Produced by Cory Wilson.

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