Esrat Karim Eve
Social Entrepreneur | Founder, AMAL Foundation | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
Building skilled, climate-resilient, and gender-equitable communities across Bangladesh and beyond.
A Life Committed to Social Innovation
Esrat is an award-winning Bangladeshi changemaker who integrates climate resilience, gender justice, and social innovation to drive systemic change. With a global education and deep local roots, she has empowered over 50,000 lives through grassroots action and strategic leadership.
Personal Statement
At 25, I left the promise of America to return to my roots in Bangladesh, driven by a simple but fierce belief: no woman should have to choose between survival and dignity. I am the first girl in my community to go abroad for her Masters. With nothing but my savings and determination, I founded Amal Foundation—starting with just 20 women in a small room. Today, we’ve touched 50,000 lives, but every number has a face: the teenage girl who escaped child marriage through our loan program, the mother who feeds her family with income from our climate-resilient farming coop, the grandmother who saw electricity for the first time in her village. My work has earned me recognition, such as being honored as one of Asia's top 30 under 30 social entrepreneurs by Forbes in 2020.
Experience Details
Spearheaded youth-led organizations, non- profits, social enterprises and climate -resilient projects in underserved communities with compassion and leadership to solve complex social challenges
AMAL Foundation
Role : Executive Director
Timeline : 2014 – Present
As the Director of AMAL Foundation Bangladesh, I am dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through resources, education, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Our organization is committed to catalyzing positive change and fostering social empowerment across Bangladesh.
Countree Agro Ltd.
Role : Co-Founder
Timeline : 2022-Present
Countree Agro Ltd., based in Bangladesh, is the first agricultural firm dedicated to sustainable farming practices and quality produce.
I hold the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Countree Agro Ltd., where I play a pivotal role in overseeing operations and ensuring the company’s commitment to excellence in agriculture is upheld.
Amal’s Homemade Pickles
Role : Entrepreneur and Co-Project Lead
Timeline : 2024 – Present
As the Co-Project Lead of Amal’s Homemade Pickles, I work to transform a simple food venture into a platform for women’s empowerment and financial independence. This initiative provides rural women with training, resources, and market access, enabling them to generate sustainable income while preserving traditional recipes.
Khaas Food Ltd.
Role : Shareholder
Timeline : 2019-Present
Khaas Food Ltd., based in Bangladesh, is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting organic and locally sourced food products. They are known for their commitment to sustainable agriculture and are recognized for their high-quality products across the region.
I proudly serve as a shareholder of this forward-thinking company, supporting its mission to provide nutritious and eco-friendly food options to consumers while empowering local farmers.
Swedish Institute Alumni Network Bangladesh
Role : Vice Chairperson
Timeline : 2025 – Present
As Vice Chairperson, I work to strengthen collaboration among alumni, fostering knowledge exchange and joint initiatives on sustainability, leadership, and social innovation in Bangladesh.
Alpha Innovations Ltd.
Role : Shareholder & Board Member
Timeline : 2022-Present
Alpha Innovations Ltd., located in Bangladesh, is a dynamic technology company at the forefront of innovation, specializing in cutting-edge solutions.
I proudly serve as a shareholder and board member of Alpha Innovations Ltd., contributing to the company’s strategic growth and its mission to revolutionize technology in Bangladesh and beyond.
Nepal Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce
Role : Board Member
Timeline : 2025 – Present
As Board Member, I work to strengthen trade and development ties between Nepal and Bangladesh. By promoting cross-border partnerships and sustainable business practices, I advance opportunities that create livelihoods and foster inclusive growth, extending my broader mission of community empowerment.
Amal Foundation USA
Role : Board Member
Timeline : 2023 – Present
As Board Member, I help expand AMAL Foundation’s reach internationally, engaging global networks, donors, and partners. This role strengthens our capacity to address pressing issues like gender justice, climate resilience, and sustainable development in Bangladesh and beyond.
Springdale International School
Role : Trustee
Timeline : 2023 – Present
As Trustee, I contribute to building an inclusive and forward-looking education system that nurtures young minds to think critically and act responsibly. My role supports the school’s mission to prepare students with both global perspectives and community values, aligning with my commitment to empowering the next generation through education.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Role : Project Associate intern
Timeline : Jan 2014 - Jun 2014
As Project Associate Intern, I contributed to research and programme initiatives in global health and development. This early experience deepened my understanding of systemic challenges and inspired me to found AMAL Foundation, where I could apply these insights directly to empowering vulnerable communities
Projects & Impact
Year: 2022
Child Marriage Prevention Loan Project
Jan 2015 - Present
Countree – Empowering farmers through climate smart agriculture
Year: 2023
Establishing Climate-Resilient Communities
ear: 2023
Ucchash School
Year: 2023
Entrepreneurship to grassroots youth through clean energy
Year: 2023
Pickle Project
Year: 2023
Bogura Vocational Training Project
Year: 2023
Bogura Freelance Training Project
Year: 2023
Cooking Project
Year: 2023
Koyra Skill Center
Year: 2023
Developing a Circular Economy by creating Youth Entrepreneurship through plastic waste
Year: 2023
Sustainable Solution for Plastic Pollution
Year: 2023
Sustainable Model Village for Rohingya Refugees
Honors & Awards
Celebrated through awards and acknowledgments that highlight dedication, impact, and leadership in driving change.
Kindness & Leadership Asia Pacific Listee
by Kindness & Leadership 50 Leading Lights Asia Pacific – 2024
Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2020
Social Entrepreneurship class of 2020
Swedish Institute Leader Lab Fellow
Issued by Swedish Institute Sweden – 2021
Spark Accelerator Program
2016
Jolkona Catalyst
Issued by United State Department, USA – 2015
Watson Scholar
2014
Social Service Award 2025
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary Club of Dhaka North
TOYP (Ten Outstanding Young Persons) of Bangladesh
by JCI Bangladesh – 2024
Stories in the Spotlight
Featured in national and international media, sharing journeys of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment.
Voices on Stage
Engaged audiences worldwide through talks, panels, and keynotes on youth leadership, social innovation, and sustainable futures.
On Air: Podcasts & TV Shows
Shared insights and experiences with diverse audiences through engaging conversations on youth, social enterprise, and empowerment.
SDGs in Action
Esrat Karim’s Commitment to Climate Resilience, Gender Equality, and Sustainable Communities.