Shamina Singh
President, Center for Inclusive Growth & Executive Vice President of Sustainability
Mastercard
New York, NY USA
“There’s no such thing as being stuck. Being stuck is just a frame of mind.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationShamina Singh
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Born and raised in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia—her parents were immigrants from India who instilled in her the value of democracy and participation in politics.
Attended Old Dominion University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in women’s studies.
After graduating, she began working in political activism including Doug Wilder’s campaign to become the governor of Virginia and the first elected African-American governor in the U.S.
In 1993, she moved to Austin, TX to pursue working for Ann Richards’ reelection campaign for governor.
Attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received her master’s degree in public policy—was taught by Barbara Jordan, civil rights leader, and the first female African-American senator.
She has held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and even served as Senior Advisor to then House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
Transitioned into corporate social impact by working for Citibank and Nike—she is now the President of Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth & the Executive Vice President of Sustainability.
Since 2015, she has been serving a six year term on the Board of Directors for the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Certification/License
Development Economics and International Development
The Indian School of Business
Development Economics and International Development
The Indian School of Business
Certification/License
Global Leadership and Public Policy
Harvard University
Global Leadership and Public Policy
Harvard University
Career
President, Center for Inclusive Growth & Executive Vice President of Sustainability
I build partnerships and programs that positively impact people and the planet.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Politics
Helping People
Day to Day
In these roles, I am responsible for advancing equitable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. My daily work involves making sure that people who are not connected to the formal economy, get connected and become economically secure.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Getting involved in politics, model UN, etc. have been very instrumental in my career. Even if you don't plan on working in politics, the skills you can gain by volunteering and doing community involvement will benefit you no matter what you do. The other thing that is important is to intern in the field you are interested in.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Oh my god, are they going to find out that I don't know what I'm doing?"
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation Immigrant
Gender & Racial Discrimination
LGBT
Interviewed By
Old Dominion University Roadtrip
Old Dominion University students and alumni
