Diptesh Soni

About Diptesh Soni

Social impact leader and strategist with ~15 years of experience working across global health, economic opportunity, and innovation — helping mission-driven organizations surface bold ideas, incubate new models, and translate strategy into delivery.I’ve led and supported initiatives and teams working with governments, foundations, and social enterprises across Africa — including as lead strategist for the Gates Foundation’s Africa team, where I helped triple the team’s funding and regional presence over five years. Today, through my work with Axum and One Acre Fund, I advise clients and shape initiatives related to health financing, livelihoods, labor mobility, AI, and philanthropic partnerships.Born in South Africa and raised between there, the U.S, and Europe, I bring a deep belief in equity, evidence, and designing with those most affected at the center — grounded in lived experience across cultures and continents.

Experience

1. Senior Program Officer

   Gates Foundation

   Oct 2025 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

   Leading work within the Gates Foundation’s Philanthropic Partnerships Team to strengthen data on global giving, curate high-impact philanthropic opportunities, and explore how AI can transform generosity for global health and development (backfill position)

Education

• Boston University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Anthropology | International Relations

  2006 — 2010

• Columbia | SIPA

  Master's of International Affairs, Economic & Political Development

  2012 — 2014