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Srusti Abinash Puri
Empowering the Bottom of the Pyramid through Entrepreneurship
Professional Background
Srusti Abinash Puri is a seasoned consultant who specializes in enterprise creation, marketing strategy, and content creation specifically tailored for digital platforms. With a profound understanding of the social entrepreneurship landscape, she has coalesced her academic knowledge and extensive field experience to foster innovation and drive impact across various sectors. Her career path unfolds a rich tapestry of involvement with both national and international projects that underscore her expertise and dedication in the field.
Srusti is currently engaged in freelancing projects that encompass market research, value chain studies, and enterprise development. Her current engagements take her into meaningful collaborations with esteemed organizations such as NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and GIZ (the German Corporation for International Cooperation). Through these collaborations, she delves deeply into livelihood projects that aim to enhance socio-economic development in rural areas. Additionally, she is also conducting an evaluatory study with PwC, exploring the implications of various projects and contributing to evidence-based decision-making in her field. Her ongoing research study with Georgia State University further reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in social entrepreneurship and policy studies.
Education and Achievements
Srusti holds a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Her academic journey is rooted in a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature, which she achieved from Ravenshaw University. This strong foundation in liberal arts not only enriches her professional undertakings but also reflects her diverse interests, including literature, film, and dance. She completed her early schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), which laid the groundwork for her critical thinking and leadership skills.
Her professional achievements are marked by a series of impactful roles. As a former Chief Minister Skill Development Fellow at the Government of Odisha, Srusti played a pivotal role in nurturing skill development initiatives aimed at empowering youth through sustainable employment opportunities. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished as the Co-Founder of Good Jobs, an organization dedicated to connecting job seekers with socially responsible employment opportunities. Srusti has also made significant contributions as a Project Manager at Kuza One, where she was instrumental in driving projects that focused on micro-entrepreneurship in local communities.
In addition, her experience at the Society for Children (SOCH) as Chief of Staff for the Founder's Office showcases her leadership capabilities and commitment to social impact. Her prior roles as Research Associate at Georgia State University and as a field coordinator for various evaluation teams including the CAMPA Evaluation Team at PwC exemplify her research skills and analytical capabilities. Such experiences solidify her reputation as a knowledgeable consultant equipped to handle complex social issues and bring about transformative change.
Notable Contributions
Srusti’s contributions to organizations extend beyond traditional consulting roles. She has played key roles in numerous projects, such as the PMVDY (Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana) where she guided strategic initiatives focused on improving the livelihoods of indigenous communities. Her work as a Junior Consultant at Universidad Externado de Colombia and her internships at various organizations add layers to her already rich professional portfolio.
Her early career included impactful internships, such as her time at Dhriiti - The Courage Within, where she focused on market research, setting the stage for her later success in consultancy. Her efforts at Get Set Resumes and her leadership roles within E-Cell at TISS Mumbai have also laid a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial acumen. Furthermore, her affiliation with the Navodaya Alumni Association of Odisha (NAAO) underscores her commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Personal Interests
Beyond her professional pursuits, Srusti Abinash Puri is an avid reader with a passion for exploring various genres of literature, including poetry, film, and dance. Her interests enhance her creativity and enrich her professional engagements, allowing her to approach problems with a unique and multifaceted perspective. This diverse array of interests not only adds depth to her personality but also informs her work as a consultant where she often draws upon cultural narratives to connect with communities and stakeholders effectively.
Achievements
- Master's Degree in Social Entrepreneurship from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
- Co-Founder of Good Jobs, focusing on social impact employment opportunities.
- Former Chief Minister Skill Development Fellow, contributing to youth empowerment initiatives in Odisha.
- Project Manager at Kuza One, influencing micro-entrepreneurship projects.
- Research collaborations with Georgia State University, enhancing knowledge in policy studies.
- Key Contributions to PMVDY, supporting livelihood improvement for indigenous communities.
- Diverse experience across various roles in both national and international organizations, enriching her consulting expertise.
