Rana Banankhah

Hi, I'm Rana 👋

I’m an undergrad at Stanford studying Product Design and Strategic Management. I also invest in students at General Catalyst.

I'm passionate about:

• Social Experimenting: Figuring out the science and art behind facilitating authentic connection.
• Exploring: I want to explore as much as possible within my lifetime. Both physical exploration (i.e. exploring new countries, cities, holes in the wall) and intellectual exploration (i.e. learning new things, meeting new people). Curiosity is the best compass. Follow it.
• Entreprenuership: I used to think the best way to effect meaningful change was through policy. I’ve since realized that bureaucracy is not only too slow, but politicians have misaligned incentives. Entrepreneurs have a far greater ability to swiftly change the world.
• Philosophy: Currently exploring Buddhism and Zen philosophy.

In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, running, reading, writing, and tinkering.

Previously:

I dove deep into Education Policy, focusing on finding solutions for structural flaws within the education system and rebounding from the pandemic. After being appointed by Governor Newsom and being senate-confirmed, I served on the State Board of Education as a voting member representing California’s 6 million students.

Concurrently, I served as the Student Board Member of my school district, representing 30,000 students. I also co-hosted a few webinars alongside leaders like Secretary Cardona and Dolores Huerta and helped write and advocate for bills as the National Legislative Advisor of GenerationUp.

I explored my love of writing by contributing to the local paper, founding a literary magazine club, and serving as Vice President of the San Joaquin Valley Writers club.

Contact Me:

Twitter: @ranabanankhah
Email: ranab@stanford.edu
Investments: rbanankhah@gc-fellows.com

If you're reading this, you should check out my favorite story.