Aakanksha Sinha

Aakanksha Sinha has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and organizations. Recently, they have been working as the Senior Director of Research Services at Casey Family Programs since July 2021. In this position, they lead a team in conducting research, analyzing data, and publishing articles, reports, and book chapters. Aakanksha also coaches and mentors team members and collaborates with external partners to expand research utilization.

Prior to Casey Family Programs, Aakanksha co-founded Spice Waala in 2018, an Indian Street Food restaurant with a focus on social impact. Aakanksha developed a three-pillar model that emphasizes employee well-being, community outreach, and cultural awareness. During their time at Spice Waala, they achieved a 70% retention rate, provided food access to approximately 100 individuals, and increased awareness about diversity in Indian food.

Aakanksha also worked as a Consultant-Program Evaluator at Asian Counseling and Referral Service from March 2018 to August 2021. Aakanksha conducted research and served as the lead evaluator for various projects funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

In addition, Aakanksha has experience as an Assistant Professor at Seattle University from June 2017 to July 2021. Aakanksha trained social work students in mixed-methods research and human-centered design, provided mentorship and technical assistance to community partners, and conducted research and evaluation on topics such as food justice and international development.

Aakanksha has also worked as a Consultant-Program Evaluator at Capitol Hill Housing from June 2019 to January 2020, a Research Consultant at Design Impact from February 2017 to May 2017, an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University from September 2016 to April 2017, an Adjunct Professor at Miami University from September 2016 to December 2016, and an Adjunct Professor at Wright State University from September 2016 to December 2016.

Furthermore, Aakanksha volunteered as a Pro Bono Consultant at the Executive Service Corps of Cincinnati from February 2015 to February 2017.

Overall, Aakanksha Sinha's work experience includes leadership roles, research and evaluation, teaching, and consulting across various sectors.

Aakanksha Sinha began their education at Modern School, where they completed their high school education from 1993 to 2005. During this time, they studied English, Psychology, Mathematics, History, and Economics. Aakanksha then went on to attend St. Stephens College, Delhi University from 2005 to 2008, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Aakanksha'sfield of study focused on History, World History, and Political Science.

After completing their undergraduate studies, Aakanksha pursued a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with a specialization in Global Macro Social Work at Boston College. Aakanksha attended Boston College from 2010 to 2012.

Aakanksha continued their education at Boston College and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Social Work from 2012 to 2016.

In 2017, Aakanksha enrolled in the University of Virginia Darden School of Business to earn a certificate in Design Thinking for Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector.

Additionally, Aakanksha has obtained a certification in CITI training for Human Subjects from the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative. The specific month and year of obtaining this certification are not provided.