Rifat joins FSG with a background in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He hopes to combine his analytical acumen with his interest in economic development and emerge as a conscious leader in the social impact sphere. As a senior consultant, Rifat supports leaders across sectors to advance their organizational impact through a data-driven holistic approach, complemented by research and analyses.
Before FSG
Prior to FSG, Rifat pursued a Fulbright grant from the U.S. Department of State to teach English in northern Malaysia. Rifat began his career working in corporate finance and advisory solutions at Mizuho Bank, analyzing market landscapes and advising clients on strategic priorities. Rifat’s professional experiences include working in sustainable investment at NY Green Bank, global government affairs at Walmart, strategy consulting at Intercontinental Hotels Group, social enterprise consulting at Drinkwell, and campaign finance for Carolyn Bourdeaux’s 2020 congressional campaign in Georgia.
Rifat’s interest in social impact was fortified in college, when his team advanced to the regional finals of the Hult Prize in Shanghai for designing a social enterprise to improve the livelihood of people in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Outside of work, Rifat serves on the Board of Directors of Poligon Education Fund, a civic engagement nonprofit amplifying Muslim voices in policymaking.
Education
- Emory University, BA in Economics and French Studies
Affiliations
- Poligon Education Fund, Board of Directors
- Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Foundation, Gates Scholar
- QuestBridge, National Alumni Board Member
Languages
- Bengali (fluent)
- Hindi (proficient)
- French (intermediate)
On Working at FSG
Growing up in economically vulnerable communities, both in Bangladesh and in the U.S., I witnessed the crucial need for holistic development and socioeconomic mobility. After working in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, my conviction is that cross-sectoral, collaborative approach is essential to solve society’s most pressing challenges. At FSG, I am grateful to have the opportunity to work on creating sustainable social change in various sectors. I am genuinely impressed by the talent and humility of my colleagues at FSG and am immensely proud of the work the entire team is doing to build a more equitable future for all.