Elli Wachtman, M.A.

A proud Columbus-native, Elli Wachtman (she/her) is a seasoned Social Entrepreneur and advocate with a deep commitment to empowering systemically marginalized communities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and equitable access to opportunity.

Elli has blended her expertise in business intelligence, strategic program development, and nonprofit leadership to drive measurable impact for over a decade. While a student at Capital University, she co-founded and led the Bonner Leader Program through its first three years, fostering a culture of service and civic engagement. She went on to earn her Master’s in International Development and a Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation for Global Impact from American University, further strengthening her ability to merge data-driven insight with community-centered change.

Alongside her academic and professional pursuits, Elli co-founded and continues to lead Sikhona Rescue Centre, an international nonprofit providing housing, economic empowerment, and holistic support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya.

Her leadership and impact have been recognized around the country, earning her a place on the Washington Business Journal’s 21 Under 21 list in 2021 and Capital University’s Young Alumnus Award in 2022. Elli’s approach is rooted in collaboration, systems thinking, and the belief that entrepreneurship is a powerful lever for social change. She brings to SEA Change a unique ability to connect strategy with storytelling, metrics with mission, and communities with the resources they need to thrive.

Connect with Elli on LinkedIn to explore ways to build a more inclusive and prosperous Social Enterprise ecosystem—and world.