Our Experts

Shreya Aher is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Center for Economic Development and Execution (CEDx), where she leads the organization's mission to drive inclusive development through research, strategic partnerships, and open-source innovation. With an academic background in international studies and policy, Shreya has demonstrated a strong commitment to global cooperation, equity, and systemic impact. She later advanced her academic training as a scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she deepened her focus on international affairs, development policy, and institutional design. Her professional experience includes internships at the United Nations and various embassies, where she engaged in diplomatic research, multilateral negotiations, and grassroots coordination on development programs. This rare combination of academic excellence, global exposure, and strategic insight equips Shreya with the vision and capability to lead CEDx as a bold, next-generation think tank that bridges communities, policy institutions, and global challenges with actionable solutions.

Michèle Flournoy is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors and previously served as U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President Obama. She co-founded the influential think tank, Center for a New American Security (CNAS), significantly shaping contemporary defense policy discourse. Recognized globally for her expertise in national security, defense strategy, and strategic planning, Michèle has advised senior government leaders and organizations on critical defense matters.

Dani Rodrik holds the position of Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School, renowned internationally for his influential scholarship on globalization, inclusive economic development, and political economy. Rodrik's research focuses on developing equitable and sustainable economic strategies that balance global integration with local needs. Widely respected for challenging conventional economic paradigms, his insights have influenced policymakers worldwide.

Kori Schake is a Senior Fellow and Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), with extensive experience as a senior official in the U.S. government. Her expertise spans national security strategy, NATO relations, and the U.S.-led international order. Having served in various capacities including roles at the State Department, Department of Defense, and the National Security Council, Kori brings deep practical and strategic insights.

Mariana Mazzucato is Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL) and Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose (IIPP). She is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research on the economics of innovation, mission-oriented policy frameworks, and creating public value through strategic public investments. Mariana advises governments worldwide on aligning innovation policy with inclusive economic development.

DJ Patil previously served as the U.S. Chief Data Scientist under President Obama and currently holds leadership roles in technology policy and healthcare innovation. Renowned as a pioneer in data science and artificial intelligence, DJ has significantly shaped policy frameworks on technology governance, data ethics, and health tech innovation. His expertise combines deep technical knowledge with strategic insights, enabling organizations to leverage technology responsibly and effectively.

Kathryn Edin is the William Church Osborn Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at Princeton University and Director of the Bendheim-Thoman Center for Research on Child and Family Wellbeing. Her extensive research explores poverty, family stability, urban sociology, and community well-being through qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Kathryn is renowned for her ability to translate rigorous academic research into actionable social policies aimed at alleviating poverty.

Richard Florida is a distinguished urban theorist and professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management and School of Cities, as well as founder of the Creative Class Group. Internationally known for his seminal work on urban studies, economic development, and creative economies, Richard's insights have reshaped contemporary urban planning and regional development strategies globally. He advises governments and city leaders on leveraging talent attraction.

Matt Perault directs the Center on Technology Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill and serves as a Professor of the Practice at UNC's School of Information and Library Science. With deep expertise in technology policy, AI governance, and digital expression, Matt brings a critical understanding of the intersection between emerging technologies and policy implications. His work informs policymakers on effective strategies for regulating technology responsibly, balancing innovation and public interest.

Pinelopi Goldberg is the Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale University and formerly served as the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group. She specializes in international trade, applied microeconomics, development economics, and the socioeconomic impacts of trade liberalization. Goldberg is highly respected for her rigorous academic research and her significant contributions to global economic policymaking. She provides strategic insights into shaping global economic policies that promote inclusive growth.