Hiran Dewar
M.S. in Foreign Service Student
Hiran Dewar is a Master’s of Science in Foreign Service student pursuing a concentration in International Development and Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies Certificate.
She graduated from Stanford University in 2023 with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science (Biocomputation concentration) and a minor in Human Rights. With experience in advocacy, consulting, education, and technology, Hiran appreciates a multidisciplinary approach to improving how systems serve people, particularly marginalized communities.
At Accountability Counsel, Hiran supported research and advocacy on community complaints related to internationally-financed development projects, spearheading the creation of remote environmental sensors to address pollution concerns while meeting community needs. This work informed Hiran’s interest in participatory and ethical development processes, and the use of technology in furthering accountability and autonomy.
As an Implementation Consultant at FAST Enterprises, Hiran implemented public revenue software systems for state governments. Using human-centered design methodology, she collaborated with civil servants and end-users to build tools that reflected legal and administrative workflows and public-service needs. This experience contributed to Hiran’s focus on the intersection of technology and practical system design within the public sector.
Additionally, Hiran’s background in reproductive justice informs a holistic view of development that is attentive to equity, intersectionality, and the structural barriers that shape access to resources and rights.