Key strengths

• Problem-solver: likes challenging the status quo, likes innovating, likes start-ups
• Collaborator: enjoys mobilising a team around a shared goal
• Connector: good at joining the dots – be it people, networks, or ideas
• Porpoiser: adept at both big picture strategy and detail-oriented execution
• Purpose-driven: ultimate motivation stems from sense of purpose

Bio

Prior to joining On Purpose, Riya worked as a Portfolio Manager for institutional clients at Wellington Management, specialising in currency and fixed income investments. She focussed on the monetary, fiscal and structural policy landscape for various economies, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Scandinavia. As a member of The Wellington Foundation’s Grant Review Committee, she actively engaged in supporting local organisations that endeavour to improve the educational opportunities of disadvantaged youths. Before joining Wellington, Riya spent three years in capital markets at JPMorgan. Her interest in educational initiatives has seen her undertake several volunteer teaching projects across India, China and Brazil. Riya holds a BA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Investment Management from Cass Business School.

Placement 1: RBS

• Led the delivery of RBS Inspiring Social Enterprise, an initiative that aims to support social enterprises by working in partnership with the sector to improve access to expertise, markets and finance.
• Authored a paper to the Board drawing together the bank’s holistic support for the social economy; succeeded in securing senior level sponsorship for the bank’s social enterprise agenda.
• Led the delivery of the NatWest SE100 Insight Event, a 2-day leadership conference for 50 of the UK’s leading social entrepreneurs, in partnership with Matter&Co.
• Designed and implemented an improved impact measurement and reporting framework for RBS Social & Community Capital.

Placement 2: Do Nation

• Do Nation is a social tech startup that combines the best behavioural science with user-friendly technology to help people form simple, sustainable habits.
• Worked closely with the CEO on a seed/Series A round of financing.
• Engaged the team in co-creating a 3-year Business Roadmap outlining the strategy towards achieving financial sustainability, focussing on product evolution, distribution channels and partnership opportunities.
• Produced Do Nation’s 2015 Social Impact Report.
• Cycled from London to Paris for COP21 using the Do Nation platform to incite action against climate change; raised 91 pledges.

“Riya has been quite transformational for Do Nation. Her passion and commitment to the cause coupled with her focused commercial perspective make her a huge asset to a young, growing social enterprise. Riya’s work has involved writing award-winning applications, leading sales meetings, and, most significantly, preparing our investment pitch. Through this, she has demonstrated great diligence, team work, and versatility.”

– Hermione Taylor, Founder & CEO, Do Nation

A little more about me…

What social enterprise means to me: a sustainable way of doing business

The organisation I wish I’d started: Kickstarter

My favourite book / the book that changed me: The Blue Sweater – Jacqueline Novogratz