Class 14 (2015-2017)
Siddharth Dixit, India
Duke University – Master in International Development Policy
Siddharth is a mechanical engineer and graduate of the Manipal Institute of Technology. He also holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts through a collaborative effort with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, Carleton College and Sciences Po. In the past, he has worked with Ashoka-Innovators for the Public, as a consultant with their rural innovation and farming department. He has also worked with John Deere as a design engineer in their tractor division. During his time at John Deere, he was involved in initiatives that focused on children’s education through the Pankhudi Foundation and DISHA, John Deere’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program. He also co-founded the Acacia Foundation – a not for profit crowd funding organization aimed at finding donors to fund the education of differently-abled children.
Siddharth is passionate about reducing rural poverty and increasing the incomes of rural poor and small farmers. After finishing his Masters in International Development Policy Program, he wants to work with international organizations and government agencies to influence policies in the agriculture sector, particularly for making farming economically viable for marginalized farmers. He also plans to use his skills on the implementation side of the policies by building new value chains and institutions that are inclusive and compassionate to their needs.