Akhtar Badshah is a thought leader in social impact, philanthropy, corporate responsibility, and international development — as well as an author and artist. For ten years, he led Microsoft’s global community investment efforts as Senior Director of Citizenship and Public Affairs, overseeing the company’s worldwide philanthropy, employee engagement, and nonprofit partnerships.

Following his tenure at Microsoft, Akhtar founded Catalytic Innovators Group, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing social change through innovative approaches. He also teaches at the University of Washington, both at the School of Business (Bothell Campus) and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.

He designed and leads Accelerating Social Transformation, a professional development program for social impact leaders, and has authored several influential works, including Purpose Mindset and Our Urban Future, as well as co-authoring Technology at the Margins: How IT Meets the Needs of Emerging Markets.

Akhtar actively contributes to the sector through his service on the boards of Global Washington, Bellevue LifeSpring, the Microsoft Alumni Network, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Citizenship Center.