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Ragini Chaudhary
Director Strategic Initiatives at CASPIAN IMPACT INVESTMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED
Professional Background
Ragini Chaudhary is a dynamic figure in the realm of impact investing and social enterprises, where she works tirelessly to enhance financial inclusion and advancement in underserved communities. As a committed professional, Ragini plays a pivotal role at Caspian, focused on building robust partnerships and networks to solidify the organization's position as a premier debt provider for social enterprises and their investee companies. Her expertise extends to coaching, where she employs a unique model centered around empathy, engagement, and empowerment, guiding clients toward excellence in both their professional and personal journeys.
Prior to her current role, Ragini served as the Chief Executive Officer for Gray Matters Capital (GMC) in India. During her tenure at GMC, which is recognized as a leading global Impact Investment Fund based in Atlanta, she successfully established the organization's identity as a critical player in the education and employability sectors across India. Under her guidance, GMC managed over 12 active investments and innovated the Calibrator accelerator program, which has become a flagship initiative for delivering quality education within the affordable private school ecosystem. Ragini's leadership has also seen her represent GMC on the boards of various organizations including ISFC, Chrysalis, and Address Health.
With over 20 years of experience, Ragini's career spans a vast array of roles within social enterprises, financial inclusion, and impact investment. She has significantly contributed to grassroots organizations, small and emerging microfinance institutions, development financial institutions, and donor organizations across various countries including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Nepal. Her robust work has been instrumental in advancing social performance management practices within the microfinance sector, with a particular focus on gender integration in performance measurement, contributing to equity fund establishment for microfinance institutions, and developing comprehensive due diligence matrices that encompass both social and financial performance metrics.
Education and Achievements
Ragini Chaudhary's academic journey is marked by a series of prestigious qualifications that have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in her field. She studied to become a Passed Finalist at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the UK, laying a solid foundation in financial management. Following this, she obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), further enriching her understanding of rural enterprises and their socio-economic impacts.
Additionally, Ragini holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Mithibai College at Mumbai University, providing her with a well-rounded background in commercial studies. To further enhance her expertise in investment, she completed the Private Equity Program as part of Executive Education at the Indian School of Business in September 2011, and an Executive Education Program at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in August 2015. These esteemed educational experiences have not only strengthened her professional capabilities but also positioned her as a thought leader within the impact investment sphere.
Notable Contributions
Ragini has consistently demonstrated her dedication to empowering underserved communities through various initiatives and projects. While working with the Department for International Development (DFID), she managed the Poorest State Inclusive Growth Programme, a large-scale initiative focused on enhancing financial access for the most marginalized regions. This experience underscored Ragini's commitment to financial inclusion and her ability to engage effectively with social entrepreneurs and various stakeholders within the impact investment ecosystem.
With a profound understanding of both social performance management and gender-sensitive approaches in financial services, Ragini has developed frameworks that support the integration of gender considerations into social performance metrics. Her innovative contributions are recognized throughout the sector, as she has shaped policies and practices that facilitate better access to finance and services for women and underrepresented groups.
Overall, Ragini Chaudhary is a formidable advocate for social change, leveraging her extensive experience and expertise to foster sustainable development across emerging markets. Her passion for creating lasting impact is evident in every aspect of her career and personal commitments, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and transformative outcomes.