About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

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Jesal Thakker

On Purpose Associate, Challenge Works

She/Her

Jesal is an On Purpose Associate at Challenge Works.

On Purpose is a year-long leadership programme that develops associates to build the skills, experience and network to transition into a purpose-led career. Jesal has worked across India, America, Africa and UK in technology, wellness and hospitality. Her professional experience has been varied – from being at the forefront in launching wi-fi in public spaces in India, launching mobile internet in Africa and leading strategic technology partnerships for a global telecoms giant to being a head chef and an athletics coach. She has also set up and run her own hospitality business, dabbled in low intervention wine making and had her own natural wine brand. Jesal is passionate about sustainable food and agriculture, entrepreneur education and social impact investing.

She holds a degree in Economics and Mathematics and a master's in International Business. Outside of work, she enjoys long distance running and collecting toy cameras. She is currently finishing her sommelier qualifications and learning weightlifting.