Cynthia Maharani is a Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion Program Lead. She leads GESI integration efforts in WRI. Prior to her tenure with WRI, Cynthia was a social and policy researcher for the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). Cynthia graduated from the International Relations Department at Gajah Mada University. She received a Fulbright Scholarship (MA) from Oregon State University majoring in Public Policy with a focus on marine resource management and anthropology.

Cynthia has a newfound passion for health and fitness. She is a mother of several stray cats that she adopted. She also loves ancient ruins and is passionate about Roman-Hellenic historical sites.