Ami Thakkar

Ami Thakkar is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in youth workforce development and international programs. Currently serving as Senior Director in the Governance and Youth Workforce Division at RTI International since November 2013, Ami Thakkar focuses on enhancing employment prospects for young people through strategic partnerships, education reform, and career services. Previously, as a consultant for the World Bank in Laos, Ami Thakkar contributed to the STEPS project under the Adolescent Girls Initiative, establishing career centers to support young women. Ami Thakkar also held the position of Program Director at the International Youth Foundation, managing a significant positive youth development initiative across 25 countries, and served as an International Relations Officer with the US Department of Labor, overseeing a major global program to eliminate child labor. Educational qualifications include a Master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a BA in Political Science and English from the University of Maryland.