Dr. Maliheh Paryavi is an international advisor, behavioral economist, and strategic thought partner to visionary women leaders. She believes in redesigning our world to better support human thriving, innovation, and economic empowerment — while elevating the impact of the trailblazing women who are shaping the future.

Through her one-of-a-kind advising practice, The Impact Elevator™, Dr. Paryavi catalyzes higher levels of clarity, alignment, and impact for visionary women leaders who are reshaping our world — policy leaders, investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs at the helm of high-impact, purpose-driven institutions, businesses, and ventures.

Beyond her advisory work, Dr. Paryavi is a respected voice in the global conversation on women’s impact, leadership advancement, and economic empowerment. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the fields of behavioral economics and international development.

She is the host of The Dr. Maliheh Paryavi Podcast, featuring in-depth conversations with world-renowned pioneers — including the first female private space explorer, former senior advisor to President Obama, New York Times bestselling authors, and distinguished scholars and thought leaders. Her conversations illuminate the intersections of women’s leadership and systemic transformation.

Dr. Paryavi is also the author of The Womenifesto: A Call for Women to Remember, Come Together, and Birth a New World Order and the creator of Thrive Letters, a monthly publication where she delivers grounded, nourishing guidance to women trailblazers as they elevate their leadership and impact.

Additionally, spanning over two decades, Dr. Paryavi has partnered extensively with the World Bank Group, advancing women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, leading high-impact international teams, and tackling complex human and economic development challenges across multiple regions around the world.

She holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University, with expertise in behavioral economics, political economy, and international development. She also earned a Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) from the Harvard Kennedy School and undergraduate degrees in economics and finance from the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Paryavi has served as a Fellow at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School and was the Editor-in-Chief of the Women's Policy Journal of Harvard.