87 Millennium - Eighteenth Edition BUSINESS SERVICES, CONSULTING AND HUMAN RESOURCES agricultural economics and became the first woman to be awarded a PhD in agricultural economics by the school in 1965. In recognition of her long-term contributions to her field, she has been conferred an honorary doctorate by Stellenbosch University, a research university in South Africa. Dr. Lele began her career as an independent scholar and development economist at the Institute of Economic Growth in Delhi, India, going on to become a senior advisor for the World Bank from 1971 until 2005. As senior advisor overseeing the World Bank Operations Evaluation Department, now the Independent Evaluation Group, she led assessments of the World Bank forest strategy programs and its Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. Between 1991 to 1995, she taught as a graduate research professor at the University of Florida, serving additionally as director of international studies from 1992 to 1993. Since 2018, she has served as the president of the International Association of Agricultural Economists and is the first woman elected president of the organization since 1929. As a leader in an industry dominated by men, many women seek out Dr. Lele, eager to learn from her experience and expertise. She emphasizes the need for perseverance to others interested in economics, identifying determination and resilience as the keys to her success. Dr. Lele hopes that her work will support initiatives to end food insecurity worldwide. She is the author of “Food for All International Organizations and the Transformation of Agriculture,” an article outlining the processes and challenges faced by international organizations working to combat the hunger crisis. In the future, she plans to continue her work aiding those in need. Dr. Uma Lele is a trailblazer for women in agricultural economics and a noted voice in her specialty for more than 50 years. Originally from India, she attended Fergusson College, graduating in 1960 with a BS. After immigrating to the United States to continue her education at Cornell University, she earned an MS in UMA LELE, PHD PRESIDENT International Association of Agricultural Economists Washington, DC
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