Sonal Shah

Widely recognized as a leading voice on global development and an expert on policy creation, Sonal Shah brings considerable experience to her position as Head of Global Development Initiatives for Google.org. In this position since 2007, Shah has already developed a number of successful programs, including the “Inform and Empower” initiative. Additionally, Sonal Shah has coordinated many important partnerships with leading non-governmental organizations and businesses, such as the Omidyar Network and the Soros Foundation. Prior to beginning her work at Google.org, Sonal Shah served as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, where she led the development of the company’s environmental policy. Shah joined Goldman Sachs in 2004.

Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Sonal Shah worked extensively in Washington, D.C. From 2001 to 2003, Shah led the Center for Global Development as Director of Operations and Programs. From 2003 to 2004, Shah worked in the Center for American Progress as Associate Director. For both of these institutions, Sonal Shah leveraged her considerable experience in economics to develop intelligent policy initiatives on trade, global development, and reform. Prior to joining the think tanks, Sonal Shah worked in the United States Department of Treasury in a variety of capacities from 1995 to early 2002. Her last position with the U.S. Treasury was as Director of the Office for African Nations, where she specialized in economic issues related to sub-Saharan Africa.

Sonal Shah has received numerous awards for her work and has earned a stellar reputation for her innovative and intelligent solutions to global development issues. For this reason, Sonal Shah was recently appointed to serve as Co-Chair for the Technology, Innovation & Government Reform policy working group for the incoming presidential administration. Sonal Shah is also an advisor on the Obama-Biden Transition Project Advisory Board.