Aakash Sethi

Board of Directors

Aakash Sethi

Founder & CEO, Quest Alliance
A. Sethi headshot

Aakash is committed to equipping Indian youth with essential 21st-century skills through self-directed learning, enabling them to navigate the evolving landscape of work and learning. Through his initiative with Quest Alliance, he is revolutionizing the Indian education and vocational training systems by integrating the principles and practices of self-learning, thereby enabling teachers to become advocates for 21st-century skills. This transformation not only empowers young individuals to take control of their careers but also instills in them a sense of purpose and autonomy, paving the way for their success.

Before founding Quest Alliance, Aakash played a pivotal role at Microsoft's regional office in Istanbul, overseeing digital inclusion programs across the Middle East and Africa. As part of the Regional Community Affairs and Citizenship team, he spearheaded initiatives focused on IT skills development for employment, contributing to a three-year regional plan. Aakash also served as the country director of the International Youth Foundation, where he collaborated with USAID to establish Quest Alliance in India. Aakash, with over four years of active involvement in AIESEC, the world's largest youth organization, held various leadership positions and conducted youth leadership programs in more than 10 countries. His passion for leveraging business to alleviate poverty and fostering collective action through multi-stakeholder engagement earned him recognition as an Ashoka fellow and Asia 21 leader. Additionally, he sits on the board of the Children's Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA). Aakash holds a graduate degree in economics from St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad.