About Marina Shaikh
A Journey Guided by Purpose
Compassionate action, decisive leadership.
Marina Shaikh is a philanthropist, humanitarian leader and Founder of The Rising World Foundation.
Known for combining compassionate action with decisive leadership, Marina has dedicated herself to initiatives addressing some of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, particularly in the areas of women's empowerment, healthcare, education, child welfare and community development.
Indore. Daly College. Mumbai.
Born in Indore, Marina studied at The Daly College before earning her Bachelor's degree from National College, Mumbai.
Her professional journey subsequently took her to Europe, where she began her career in Brussels under former Member of the European Parliament Nirj Deva.
Brussels, the European Parliament & ACRE
Starting as an intern, Marina progressed to become Special Assistant and Advisor. During her time at the European Parliament, she worked closely with the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE), representing the organisation at international conferences in Turkey, Armenia, Italy and the United States.
Her international experience also extended to humanitarian initiatives. She supported the work of the Praksis Organisation in Athens, which provided economic, social and medical assistance to vulnerable communities.
Marina later served for two years as ACRE's Director General for India, bringing her international policy and humanitarian experience back to her home country.
Experience Transformed Into Tangible Social Change
Driven by a desire to translate experience into tangible social change, Marina founded The Rising World Foundation. Through the Foundation, she has led and supported initiatives focused on vulnerable communities, women, children, healthcare and humanitarian assistance.
During India's devastating second wave of COVID-19, Marina led large-scale relief initiatives delivering meals, ration kits, essential medical supplies and oxygen concentrators to families facing crisis.
"Meaningful change begins when compassion is followed by action."
Building Bridges Between People, Institutions & Communities
Marina continues to advocate for inclusive development, humanitarian collaboration and women-led social transformation. She also serves as a Member of the Advisory Board for the Center of Asia Pacific Studies in Prague.
Her journey continues to connect international experience with grassroots action — building bridges between people, institutions and communities in pursuit of a more inclusive world.
Explore the Full Journey