Ashoka U Executive and Leadership Team

Ajantha Balasooriya, the Chief Executive Officer at Ashoka U, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the global network of social entrepreneurs and changemakers toward achieving Ashoka U's mission of fostering societal transformation. Balasooriya oversees the development and implementation of programs focused on social innovation, empathy, and organizing for changemaking. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across Ashoka U's diverse initiatives, driving collaboration among fellows and partners to address pressing global challenges. This executive's focus is on scaling impact and empowering individuals worldwide to become agents of positive change. Ajantha Balasooriya's leadership is critical in maintaining Ashoka U's pioneering position in social entrepreneurship.

William Drayton, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Ashoka U, established the foundational vision for social entrepreneurship and changemaking. This executive spearheads the organization's core mission to create a world where everyone is empowered to drive societal change. Drayton's leadership involves cultivating a global community of social entrepreneurs, young changemakers, and institutions committed to co-leading solutions for complex societal issues. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer champions Ashoka U's programs in social innovation, empathy development, and changemaking organization. William Drayton's influence extends across Ashoka U's extensive network, fostering collaboration and innovation among thousands of fellows and partners in over 95 countries. This role is central to advancing Ashoka U's impact on a global scale.

At Dludla, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Ashoka U, drives the strategic direction and operational framework for fostering global changemakers. This executive is instrumental in building and nurturing Ashoka U's worldwide network of social entrepreneurs and young innovators. Dludla's responsibilities include overseeing the expansion of programs that promote social innovation, empathy, and effective changemaking strategies. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that Ashoka U's initiatives effectively address critical societal challenges by empowering individuals and institutions. At Dludla's leadership guides the organization's efforts to cultivate a culture of collaboration and co-creation among its extensive network of fellows and partners across numerous countries. This role is pivotal in advancing Ashoka U's mission to empower changemakers globally.

Jennifer Simpson, the Chief Financial Officer & Change Organizer at Ashoka U, manages the organization's financial health and resource allocation to support its global mission. This dual role involves overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across Ashoka U's diverse programs and international network. As a Change Organizer, Simpson integrates financial strategy with the core objectives of fostering social entrepreneurship and empowering changemakers. The Chief Financial Officer & Change Organizer works closely with other leadership team members to align financial resources with strategic priorities, enabling the expansion of initiatives in social innovation and empathy. Jennifer Simpson's oversight ensures the sustainability and growth of Ashoka U's impact, supporting thousands of fellows and partners worldwide in their efforts to drive societal transformation.

Donghao Huang, the President at Ashoka U, directs key strategic initiatives and operational functions that advance the organization's mission of empowering changemakers globally. This leadership position involves overseeing critical aspects of Ashoka U's global operations, ensuring the effective implementation of programs focused on social innovation and societal transformation. Huang collaborates with the broader leadership team to foster a robust network of social entrepreneurs and young innovators across more than 95 countries. The President plays a vital role in driving the organization's growth and impact, ensuring that resources are strategically deployed to support fellows and partners. Donghao Huang's focus is on enhancing Ashoka U's capacity to address pressing global challenges through collective action and innovative solutions.

Diana Wells, the President Emerita, Leadership Team at Ashoka U, provides strategic guidance and contributes to the ongoing development of the organization's global changemaking initiatives. This distinguished role involves leveraging extensive experience to advise on fostering social entrepreneurship and empowering individuals to address societal challenges. Wells's contributions are crucial in maintaining the integrity and impact of Ashoka U's mission across its international network. The President Emerita, Leadership Team supports the current leadership in cultivating collaboration among social entrepreneurs, young changemakers, and partner institutions worldwide. Diana Wells's enduring involvement ensures the continued advancement of programs focused on social innovation, empathy, and organizing for changemaking, reinforcing Ashoka U's commitment to positive global transformation.