Machmud Makhmudov is a JD/MBA candidate at Stanford, Knight-Hennessy Scholar, political organizer, writer, and higher-ed admissions coach. Born in Uzbekistan, he grew up near Atlanta and played baseball at Oberlin College, where he studied Politics and earned both a Truman and Rhodes Scholarship.

After reading for an MPhil in Political Theory at Oxford, Machmud worked in speechwriting and on a number of political campaigns, including the Biden 2020 campaign. He also worked at the White House on the COVID Response Team and has recently spent time in corporate law firms as well. Machmud is a proud immigrant who hopes to continue to pursue public service in a variety of capacities throughout his life.

Hayley Batson (she/her) is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She received a BFA in Theatre, studying at The Atlantic Acting School, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, and Stonestreet Studios as well as minoring in Producing.

Hayley is continually pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry and loves collaborating with other artists whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.

You can get in touch with her at hwbatson@gmail.com

Instagram: instagram.com/hayleybatson

Subham grew in a small village called Bidhan Nagar in northeastern India – a region graced by the proximity of four nations: Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, and Nepal. This exposure to a myriad of traditions kindled in him an aspiration that transcended the conventional. He received his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur – the oldest IIT, inaugurated in 1951 by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s inaugural Prime Minister.

Subham advanced his educational pursuits with a master’s in Operations Research from Columbia University. He started his professional career at McKinsey & Company, specializing in strategic operations, digital transformations, and advanced analytics. He transitioned to join ConnectWise, a Thoma Bravo portfolio company, where he assumed the role of Strategic Initiatives Manager on the Growth Strategy team. In parallel, Subham co-founded Alokya, a venture that marries functional art with social purpose, partnering with rural South Asian artisans to meticulously craft premium products from sustainable materials.

Currently, Subham is pursuing an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania – a strategic step towards realizing his vision as a social entrepreneur and leader. His passion for Alokya is more than a business venture; it's a mission to elevate India’s traditional folk art on a global stage and to weave a fabric of opportunity for millions of underprivileged artisans. His story is one of ambition, bridging worlds, and a relentless pursuit of impact, guided by the rich heritage of his homeland and a visionary outlook for the future.