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Pooja Raval
Senior Counsel at William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Professional Background
Pooja Raval is an accomplished lawyer with extensive experience in the philanthropy sector. Her career spans multiple influential roles where she has demonstrated a profound expertise in legal matters pertaining to government and tax-exempt organizations. With a strong background in public policy and skilled negotiation capabilities, Pooja has effectively contributed to the development of strategic philanthropic initiatives that are designed to create positive social impact. As a Senior Counsel at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Pooja has been instrumental in providing legal guidance and advice on various philanthropy-related issues. Her focus on promoting and protecting the mission of tax-exempt organizations showcases her commitment to enhancing the nonprofit landscape through sound legal practices.
Prior to her role at the Hewlett Foundation, Pooja served in several senior positions at Arabella Advisors, where she was pivotal in guiding clients through complex legal frameworks, ensuring compliance, and fostering effective philanthropic solutions. Pooja also boasts significant government experience, having worked with USAID as the Acting Deputy Director for East Asia, where she played a key role in policy formulation and execution. Her early career included impactful legal roles on Capitol Hill and in high-profile legal fellowship positions, emphasizing her versatile law expertise.
Education and Achievements
Pooja Raval’s educational background is as remarkable as her professional accomplishments. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the prestigious Washington University School of Law, where she honed her legal skills and developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of law as it pertains to public policy and philanthropy. Prior to this, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. This unique blend of education not only highlights her analytical skills but also her capability to bridge the gap between law and the scientific communities.
Pooja has received recognition for her contributions in various forms, ranging from awards for her legal acumen to acknowledgments for her leadership in advocacy work. Her ability to navigate multifaceted issues related to philanthropy, government policies, and social justice amplifies her reputation as a trusted legal advisor in the sector.
Notable Organizations
Throughout her impressive career, Pooja has worked for several notable organizations, including:
- William and Flora Hewlett Foundation: Serving as Senior Counsel and formerly Counsel, Pooja provides strategic legal support to this influential foundation that is committed to addressing some of the world's most pressing issues through philanthropic investments.
- Arabella Advisors: In her roles from Associate Director to Senior Director, she guided clients on effective philanthropic strategies and ensured legal compliance for various initiatives.
- USAID: In her capacity as Acting Deputy Director for East Asia, Pooja developed and implemented policies that impacted an array of international development efforts. Her contributions were crucial during her tenure focused on fostering partnerships in the region.
- Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President: While working in the Office of General Counsel, Pooja supported the implementation of important legal directives that influenced governmental operations.
Pooja’s diverse experience, including valuable internships at the Office of White House Counsel and roles at The Brookings Institution and House Committee on Foreign Affairs, reflect her dedication to public service and her relentless pursuit of knowledge in the legal field and beyond.
This extensive professional journey illustrates Pooja Raval's commitment not only to her clients but also to the causes that improve society at large. Her advocacy for effective philanthropy combined with her legal expertise positions her as an influential leader in both the legal and philanthropic spheres.
