Q&A with Ria Akhilesh 

Tell us about your academic focus—what you’re studying and why. And, what brought you to Benefactor Group? 

Right now, I’m about to enter my senior year at Ohio State, which is crazy to think about! I have a major in finance and a minor in professional writing. I chose these two programs because they intersect two of my passions.  

As for how I came to Benefactor Group: the minor in professional writing program includes a capstone class that pairs students with various internships. Benefactor Group is a host for these internships and was my first choice—and now I’ve been interning here for almost two years! 

In general, participating in the minor in professional writing program was one of the best choices I made. The classes and faculty empowered me to find my personal voice in writing, which has allowed me to become a better leader in the business school and a better communicator in my personal life.  

What inspires you to serve the common good? 

Coming from a smaller town in Texas, I have seen firsthand that the best way to reach individuals directly is through the work of local organizations. When local organizations are empowered and resourced to serve their missions—be it through funding, strategy, or a great team—they can spread their magic, and the world becomes a better place.  

Like many, I find a special fulfillment when I feel the work I do reaches people directly in that way. Working with nonprofits—serving the common good with Benefactor Group—has been the most exciting way I’ve been able to do that so far. 

You’ve been with Benefactor Group since 2023. What have you learned from this internship?  

Something I’ve really appreciated, and learned a lot about, is being curious. There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. I’ve learned that the only constant is to keep my mind open. Honestly, this has helped me in my coursework—I’ve learned that the best way to solve a problem is to ask the right questions, and to remember that what’s best for an organization can change over time. 

I’ve also enjoyed learning the technical aspects of fundraising, and found this helpful for my college experience, as well—I’ve even been able to use the skills I learned at Benefactor Group to better fundraise for my honors program at school and my other involvements! 

We are living in rapidly changing times, which extends to the philanthropic landscape. What gives you hope for the future of philanthropy over the next 25 years? 

The obvious hope is that, over time, generations of givers will continue to become more generous. I’ve seen evidence of this while researching for our Giving by Generation literature review project, where we’ve been following studies about how different generations give to nonprofits. For example, I’m seeing that on average, more than half of my generation—Gen Z—are inclined to volunteer our time and efforts to the nonprofits we are passionate about. 

If you could make a $1 million gift to any organization, where would you direct your contributions and why? 

There are two important organizations that come to mind. The first one is the It Gets Better Project, which works internationally to empower and uplift queer youth, and the second is the National Immigration Justice Center, which works to afford equal opportunity to immigrants in America. These are two efforts I hold very close to my heart and want to support in the long term. When I graduate college, I know that my “adult money” is going to these organizations—even if it’s not a million dollars! 

Where can someone find you when you’re not at work? 

Currently, I am a full-time student, so you’ll likely catch me at Fisher College of Business, even at odd hours. Otherwise, I’ve been really enjoying trying new coffee spots in Columbus with friends—my most recent favorite is the Qamaria in Lewis Center! 

In Conclusion 

Ria’s observations about next-generation giving are true—according to a recent Giving USA special report, the growth in charitable giving by the Millennial and Gen Z generations is a positive sign for the future of the charitable sector. And, according to a recent FoundationSource report, the next generation only envisions increasing their charitable giving footprints: 80% of respondents aspired to be described as a “giver,” 63% an “advocate,” and 55% a “changemaker.” We’re excited to see what the next 25 years will look like—for the next generation of donors, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers.