At the time of her internship, Simran was a Master of Public Affairs candidate at Brown University, specializing in Organizational Management. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts from Brown, where she studied South Asian Studies and Applied Math. She became passionate about social enterprise through research projects on economic development and female empowerment, as well as an internship at Sakhi for South Asian Women, an organization that fights against domestic violence in the South Asian community. She has also been the Director of Business Development for Brown Student Agencies, which supports and funds student-driven entrepreneurial ventures at Brown. In her spare time, she enjoys composing and performing music, solving crossword puzzles and trying different types of tea.

Here is what she had to say about her internship experience:

Q: How has your perspective on social enterprise changed as a result of your internship?

Prior to my internship, I had an extremely limited knowledge of the various types of social enterprise that exist. Through my interactions with the enterprises SEG serves I have gained a more nuanced understanding of the different ways in which an organization can have social impact and the various sectors that social enterprises operate in.

Q: What did you accomplish during your internship?

While interning at SEG, I primarily worked on proposing a model for third-party financial and legal services offered through SEG. This involved conducting research as well as taking into consideration the viewpoints of a diverse range of stakeholders for presentation of my proposal. I also conducted research regarding curriculum licensing models, strategies for outreach for SEG’s Loan Fund and engagement of social enterprises beyond SEG’s immediate network. I also performed miscellaneous administrative tasks such as drafting and sending donation acknowledgement letters.

Q: What did you learn during your internship?

Throughout the course of my research, I learned about financial management and strategies adopted by SEG and similar organizations. In addition, I gained deeper insight into how financials and the perspectives of various stakeholders impact organizational management, revenue generation and drive internal change.

Q: Why was the work you provided important to Social Enterprise Greenhouse?

The research and proposals I prepared for SEG were important to the organization as they were all related to financial sustainability, how SEG could navigate its network and better support the various enterprises it works with.

Q: How has your perspective on Social Enterprise Greenhouse changed as a result of your internship?

Prior to my internship, I had heard about SEG’s co-working space. However, beyond that, I was unaware of the different types of support the organization offers. As a result of my internship, I became familiar with and was able to appreciate the ways SEG assists social enterprises in the region and how it works to build an ecosystem that enables the development and success of organizations devoted to social impact.

Q: What have you changed your mind about since working in this internship?

Since interning at SEG, I have developed a profound understanding of the role an organization like SEG has in enabling social enterprises to succeed and increase their impact.

Email Simran directly if you want to learn more about her experience and what’s next for her at simran_vazirani@brown.edu.