Nilmini Rubin

Nilmini Rubin is a highly accomplished individual who has made significant contributions in the areas of foreign policy, business, and democracy strengthening. Currently, she holds the position of Chief of Staff and Head of Global Policy at Hedera, a leading company in the blockchain and crypto industry. In this role, she is responsible for shaping the company's policy and strategy on a global scale.

Before joining Hedera, Nilmini Rubin became part of the international institution's policy team at Facebook, where she worked to drive policy improvements and initiatives. Her expertise and experience in global policy have positioned her as a valuable asset in navigating the intersection of technology, society, and governance.

Nilmini Rubin is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in foreign policy, business, and advocacy. She has dedicated her career to driving positive change and making a lasting impact in various areas of global significance.

With over two decades of experience, Nilmini has held influential positions in both the public and private sectors. She currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Head of Global Policy at Hedera, a prominent company in the blockchain and crypto industry. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing policy development and shaping the company's strategic direction on a global scale.

Prior to her involvement with Hedera, Nilmini Rubin joined the international institution's policy team at Facebook, where she contributed her expertise to drive policy improvements and address critical issues related to technology and society.

Nilmini is also recognized as the Co-Founder of Fix the System, an organization dedicated to strengthening democracy in the United States. Through this initiative, she actively engages in advocacy work and champions legislative reforms to address systemic challenges and promote fair and effective democratic processes.

Before her engagement in the private sector and advocacy work, Nilmini held a significant leadership position at Tetra Tech. As the leader of the company's global team comprising over 300 diverse professionals, she oversaw the implementation of energy and internet projects worldwide. Her work in this capacity resulted in significant advancements in providing electricity access and internet connectivity to communities around the globe, improving lives and fostering development.

Nilmini Rubin's extensive experience in policy-making is highlighted by her distinguished tenure as a senior aide. She worked for 12 years as a key advisor to Senator Lugar (R-IL) on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. During her time in these roles, she played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing legislative agendas focused on critical global issues.

Notably, Nilmini spearheaded the passage of impactful legislation that aimed to provide electricity access in Africa, increase global internet access, combat corruption through transparency, and reform U.S. foreign assistance. Her dedication and efforts in these areas have contributed to significant positive change and have been instrumental in shaping policies that promote accountability, development, and good governance.

One of Nilmini's notable achievements was the introduction of legislation to improve extractive industry transparency, which has been adopted by countries such as Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others. This legislation has helped to combat corruption and promotes responsible practices in the natural resource sector, making a substantial impact on global transparency and governance.

In addition to her policy work, Nilmini Rubin has also served at the White House National Security Council during the presidency of George W. Bush. In this capacity, she played an integral role in negotiating and securing agreements on important global issues such as non-proliferation, international health, and foreign aid. Her contributions to national security and global cooperation further demonstrate her commitment to promoting peace, stability, and development.

Recognized for her exceptional leadership and contributions, Nilmini Rubin has been honoured as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She is a member of esteemed organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations, the World Economic Forum Experts Network, and the Academy of the Global Teacher Prize. These memberships reflect her standing as a respected expert in her field and her dedication to creating positive change on a global scale.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nilmini has also pursued creative endeavours. She co-wrote an illustrated book titled "How Carrots Became Orange" with her oldest daughter, Renuka, and a colouring book titled "The United Shapes of America" with her middle daughter, Araliya. These projects showcase her commitment to education, creativity, and engagement with younger generations.

Nilmini Rubin's vision is driven by her deep commitment to creating a world that is more transparent, equitable, and sustainable. As the Co-Founder of Fix the System, she strives to strengthen democracy in the USA by advocating for legislative reforms and addressing systemic issues. Her vision includes empowering citizens, promoting accountability, and safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions. Nilmini believes that a strong and inclusive democracy is essential for fostering social progress and addressing the needs of all individuals.

As Chief of Staff and Head of Global Policy at Hedera, Nilmini plays a pivotal role in shaping policies with a global impact. Her vision revolves around harnessing the potential of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies, to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and improve governance. She envisions a responsible and sustainable approach to technology, focusing on data privacy, security, and regulatory frameworks. By leveraging technology effectively, Nilmini aims to create a more connected and equitable world where everyone can benefit from the opportunities provided by digital advancements.

In addition, Nilmini is deeply committed to promoting sustainable development practices. Through her work at Tetra Tech, she led a diverse team in implementing energy and internet projects that aimed to expand access to essential services in underserved communities. Her vision centres around balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social well-being. She envisions a future where sustainable development is a priority, renewable energy is accessible to all, and digital connectivity serves as a catalyst for social and economic progress. By promoting sustainable practices, Nilmini aims to create a more resilient and inclusive world for future generations.