Aarathi Kumar is a Senior Manager with the Executive Office at WRI India, working on strategy, innovation and collaboration. Based out of Bengaluru, she supports the adoption and application of innovation to address climate adaptation and mitigation challenges. Her work includes assisting in the design and implementation of accelerator programs for entrepreneurs working on climate technologies. She also leads WRI India’s engagement in the India Forum for Nature-based Solutions (NbS), a collective of research, practice and financial organisations seeking to facilitate the scaling of urban NbS for adaptation and resilience. Prior to joining WRI India, Aarathi worked at Micro Housing Finance Company (MHFC) Ltd., a company focused on financial inclusivity through the provision of housing loans to people employed in the informal sector. Over four years, she has worked in multiple departments, largely around financial and regulatory reporting, and Management Information Systems (MIS) where she built an interest in urban policy. Aarathi holds an integrated Master of Arts in Economics from IIT Madras, and a Master of Science in Urban Development Planning from University College London as a Chevening Scholar. An avid football fan, she also enjoys baking and listening to hip hop and history podcasts