Monisha Merchant
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Monisha provides government affairs, program management, executive coaching, and financial analysis services to companies and nonprofits. She brings over 20 years of experience in telecommunications, engineering, international development, and government.
Prior to founding Lotus Advisory, Monisha was U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's (D-CO) senior adviser on business and economic policy.
In 2009, Monisha was elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents, where she focused on issues of fiscal oversight, innovation, college affordability.
Monisha was previously a product manager at Level 3 Communications, Deputy County Director for IRD in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami, federal government strategic planning consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, and electrical engineer at Lucent Technologies.
She has worked on global teams in Japan, Germany, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, and Nicaragua.
Monisha is a Harry S. Truman Scholar, Marshall Memorial Fellow, Truman National Security Project Fellow, Center for Progressive Leadership Fellow, and American Council of Young Political Leaders Fellow.
Monisha earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her M.B.A. from the Yale School of Management.
Monisha was born and raised in Colorado. She now lives in the Bay Area, but remains loyal to her Nuggets, Broncos, Avalanche, and Rockies (And Red Sox!)
INTEREST AREAS
Sharing Economy
Public Policy
Technology & Innovation
Economic Development
Nonprofits
FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE
Strategy
Program Management
Federal, state and local government affairs
Nonprofit Management
Finance & Budgeting
Leadership Coaching
Grant & Proposal Writing
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Concord Community Institute
Metro Denver EDC Regional Cooperation Award
Colorado BioScience Association Chairman’s Award
Colorado BizMagazine Gen XYZ
CLIENT IMPACT
Airbnb
Cal Alumni Association
Manufacturer’s Edge