Board Highlight- Durgesh Das
“Inspiredu is a grass-roots organization, and its commitment to equity is unparalleled. ”
Q. As an Inspiredu board member, what are you most excited about?
I truly believe that quality education can help fight inequality and empower individuals and communities to achieve their true potential. I volunteered at a Family Learning Workshop organized by Inspiredu a few years back, and it was very clear to me that the program could help students overcome barriers to learning and succeed in their academic and career goals. This role gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in reducing the digital divide for underserved communities. It also allows me to contribute to bridging the gap in access to technology and education and empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age. Additionally, I also like that I can collaborate with like-minded individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to drive positive change and create lasting solutions for this important issue locally in Georgia.
Q. What is your current job, and what does it involve?
I am currently the Head of Data, Analytics and governance at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE/NYSE). ICE is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds, and operates digital networks to connect people to opportunity. We operate exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange. We also provide comprehensive fixed-income data services and execution capabilities. We are also transforming and digitizing the US residential mortgage process at ICE Mortgage Technology.
Q. How do you relate to Inspiredu’s mission, values, and/or work?
I am also Volunteer Chairman of Leap to Shine, a nonprofit whose mission is to enable quality education for underserved children in India using best-in-class digital technology. We have learned a lot from Inspiredu’s solutions and have tailored it to work for conditions in India. We would love to continue to build on this partnership. Growing up, I attended government schools in suburban India and have seen the importance of education for the communities to thrive. Inspiredu is a grass-roots organization, and its commitment to equity is unparalleled. In 2022 alone, it served 1249 families, 1474 learners were engaged with their programs, and 1358 devices were distributed. Their work is very meaningful, and I am proud to be associated with it. Kudos to Richard and his entire team.