Zenia Tata Mentor 2010

Describe yourself briefly.

I am an International Development Consultant with 18 years of experience in business development and program design for not-for-profit organizations and social enterprises. I have a proven record in securing funds to support high-impact initiatives and am proficient in designing and implementing programs in rural and urban settings. My work has spanned 14 countries in Asia, Africa and Central America.

I am passionate about my work with economically disadvantaged populations, I believe in the innate entrepreneurial qualities of the poor and I am constantly searching for innovative solutions to global problems.

My wonderful list of clients include MIT's D-Lab, Medeem, Salaam Baakak Trust (recently voted best NGO in India by Rockefeller), Build Change, Sustainable Schools International, CU and D-Rev.

I also had the honor of being the Executive Director of International Development Enterprises (IDE) USA, an influential organization focused on income generation for poor rural farmers globally.

I have taught classes to amazing budding entrepreneurs at MIT, HBS, NYU and at CU.

In my spare time I am working on 2 new ventures. Otherwise, you can always find me hiking or scuba diving.

Describe why you are an Unreasonable Mentor.

I loved the concept of the Unreasonable Institute from the first minute I heard about it! The energy behind this organization is terrific....from the founders to the fellows, the mentors to the volunteers.

Having devoted my whole career to the social sector, I really admire and appreciate the challenge and creativity that the fellows bring to the table.

Problem solving is my forte and I believe you learn so much more from the process than the solution. Last summer, helping the fellows drill down into their enterprises and trying to anticipate and then solve some of their problems was a real highlight for me. I can's wait to do it again....and again...and again...