Mahnoor Ashraf

Mahnoor Ashraf (she/her) is the Policy and Research Intern through a partnership with the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. She began her career in finance and accounting, drawn to the field’s structure and analytical rigor. Over time, however, she realized she was most motivated by work that connects data and analysis to real-world policy decisions and public impact.

With that goal in mind, she pursued Pakistan’s civil service examinations and successfully qualified, an experience that prompted careful reflection on where she could have the greatest impact. She ultimately pivoted toward strategy consulting, working primarily with public-sector clients in the Middle East. In that role, she supported governments and policymakers on initiatives related to governance reform, economic development, and social welfare, deepening her interest in the intersection of policy, institutions, and implementation.

She is currently an MPP candidate at the University of Chicago, focusing on international development and global conflict resolution. She is particularly interested in policy roles that draw on her background in finance, consulting, and public-sector strategy to advance thoughtful, evidence-based solutions to complex public challenges.