NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Michelle Kurian is the dedicated Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Harvest Fund, a trailblazing social enterprise transforming communities in rural Zambia. Michelle possesses a proven track record at Gates Ventures (formerly Global Good) and TechnoServe.

At The Harvest Fund, Michelle spearheads initiatives that empower women’s farming cooperatives and promote sustainable farming practices. By creating profitable vegetable plots equipped with solar-powered irrigation systems, she is making a tangible impact on Zambia’s food security and economic growth.

Beyond her work in the field, Michelle is a respected member of the global business community, serving on the board of the Chazen Institute for Global Business at Columbia University. Her experience is grounded by a BA in Economics from Duke University and an MBA from Columbia University, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and innovation.