Earlier this semester, the Oglethorpe Economics Club hosted guest speaker and alumna Shalini Patel (Hulsey) ’95.

Shalini Patel (Hulsey) ’95

Patel, who majored in Business Administration and Economics, is currently the Coordinating Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Regional Economic Information Network.

In her role at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Patel maintains advanced knowledge of regional and macroeconomic developments and trends. By synthesizing economic data and investigating emerging economic developments, she derives conclusions regarding implications for the U.S. economy and monetary policy.

During the event, Patel discussed how she came to serve in her current position, what her office does, and how her work helps to inform Federal President Raphael Bostic in making monetary policy decisions.

The Oglethorpe alumna also offered advice to the students about how to prepare and advance their future goals in the discipline of economics and in research institutions like the Fed.

“Shalini Patel was insightful about her position at the Federal Reserve and how she came about receiving her position, said Economics Club President Fatima Izzraha-Boumahdi, a junior economics major. “Ms. Patel also discussed the role of women in economics and the need to see more in the field. She talked about her female mentor and how important she was in guiding Ms. Patel in her career path.”

“Ms. Patel offered advice about learning data software and its growing importance in the business world. She brought light to the importance of learning data analytics skills that would help us receive the best jobs.”