By Tanaaz Jasani, Impact Investing Fellow at the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A.

Fresh out of college from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, I began my journey at theAga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) last September as an Impact Investing Fellow.

According to the Global Impact Investing Network, impact investments are made in companies, organizations, and funds with the intention to generate measurable social and environmental impact along with a financial return. AKF USA, as a founding member of the Global Impact Investing Network, focuses on mobilizing investment capital for high-impact social enterprises within the Aga Khan Development Network. The Foundation makes Mission Related Investments in profitable businesses and supports efforts to remove barriers that prevent the scaling of the impact investing sector.  For example, earlier this year AKF USA made an investment in the First MicroFinance Bank of Afghanistan (see this blog for details). That investment not only brings a financial return, but also aligns with AKF USA’s mission of alleviating poverty.

Being part of a cozy team of four in our department, I’ve received hands-on experience in supporting the investment process, from vetting potential investors to assisting with the closing process.  Most work days are learning adventures within themselves, where I get to utilize my creativity in writing policy briefs or connect with development thinkers at high-level conferences.  These experiences have allowed me to assist in streamlining the investing process by drafting best practices and creating working tools for vetting investors.

As a fellow, I have supported the process of impact investing. It has required me to draw upon my previous experiences in business and development. My time at the French-American Chamber of Commerce in San Diego, USA and TATA Honeywell in Pune, India provided me with hands-on knowledge of creating business plans, writing recommendations and insight into the business world.  Whether as an English teacher for an orphanage in India, or as a volunteer for building an eco-friendly orphanage in Belize, I have gained perspective on the challenges faced in developing countries.  The Impact Investing Fellowship has helped to pull together my varied experiences in development.

The young sector of impact investing continues to rise. The Impact Investing Fellowship has provided me with firsthand experience not only in learning about the sector, but also training in becoming a thought leader.