OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP 2024 - 2025

Our leadership team oversees all projects in a given cycle and works to implement a long-term vision for the organization.

Sophia Gilani | Managing Director

Sophia Gilani is a third-year studying Economics and Public Policy Studies from New Jersey. She joined EC in the winter of her first year, and has worked with clients in real estate technology and healthcare. Last year, she led an engagement with a top NHL hockey team. As Managing Director, she is responsible for Eckhart’s overarching performance, finances, and administrative operations. Outside of EC, Sophia is a VP in Alpha Omicron Pi, Co-Founder of a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and a volunteer for the Institute of Politics. This past summer, Sophia worked for a hedge fund, and next summer, she will pursue private equity at GTCR.

Nicole Rodriguez | Principal of Business Development

Nicole Rodriguez is a third year student from Miami studying Economics and Political Science. Since joining Eckhart in the fall of her first year, she has worked with various clients ranging from a major athletic ware company to a large startup accelerator. Last year, she led a project with an emerging bioplastics startup. As Principal of Business Development, she is responsible for sourcing engagements, determining project scopes, and maintaining client relationships. Outside of EC, Nicole is the President of UChicago’s Business Organization for Latino Development and a VP in the Real Estate Investment Group. This past summer, Nicole worked for a healthy sweets startup in Miami, and next summer, she will pursue real estate investing at Goldman Sachs.

Nick Baumgartner | Principal of Strategy

Nick Baumgartner is a third-year from California studying Economics and Data Science. He joined Eckhart during the winter of his first year, and has most recently lead an engagement with an aerospace startup. As Principal of Strategy, he is responsible for leading all internal professional training, ensuring project quality across engagements, and overseeing Eckhart’s endowment and investing activity. Outside of EC, Nick is the social chair of Delta Sigma Pi and enjoys running and playing tennis. This past summer, Nick worked as a research intern at a boutique asset management and financial advisory firm, and next summer, he will pursue management consulting at Bain & Co.

Akaash Babu | Principal of Operations

Akaash Babu is a third year studying Economics and Data Science from Northern California. He joined EC in the fall of his first year, and has worked with clients in News Media, Publishing, and Private Equity. As Principal of Operations, he is responsible for directing recruiting efforts, driving consultant feedback, overseeing day-to-day club activities, and leading the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. This past summer, Akaash worked at KraftHeinz as a Strategy & Operations Intern, and next summer he will pursue investment banking at Morgan Stanley.

Shi Kai Chow | Principal of Engagement

Shi Kai is a third year studying Economics and English from Singapore. He joined EC the winter of his first year and has worked with companies in the rights and royalties and healthcare startup space. He recently led an engagement with a leading international NGO, enhancing their crisis prediction capabilities. Outside of EC, he helps out on the board of the Singapore Society and Delta Sigma Pi. As Principal of Engagement, he’s responsible for alumni engagement, developing relationships with recruiters, and EC’s overall professional development. This past summer, Shi Kai went back home to work in the Singaporean government as an Economist Intern, and next summer, he will pursue management consulting at Analysis Group.