Programs The WomenLeaders India Fellowship powered by Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices

Trushita Kadam is a dedicated Public Policy Analyst and Research Associate at the All India Institute of Local Self-Government (AIILSG), where she plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban governance and waste management practices. AIILSG, a prominent institution with over 93 years of history, empowers local self-governments in India through capacity building, research, and policy formulation, aligning with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Passionate about sustainable governance and social equity, Trushita believes in the power of inclusive governance to create more resilient and equitable communities. Her work involves addressing urban governance challenges with a holistic and innovative approach, aiming to create a future where urban environments are not only livable but also thrive in harmony with nature. She has made significant contributions to policy research in waste management and climate action initiatives. Trushita is a double graduate with a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Bristol, England, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She has further expanded her expertise through the London School of Economics Summer School, specializing in Development in the International Political Economy, and holds a professional certificate from IIT-B in Sustainable Urban Systems. Committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable communities, Trushita is driven by a mission to bridge the gap between policy and practice.

Ms. Tripti B G is the COO at Tamahar Trust, (a NGO), a Center for children with Developmental Disabilities at Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. She has been part of Tamahar Trust since its inception for the past 15 years She is responsible for monitoring the programs for children, training parents and staff. She has been instrumental in stabilizing the organization and in its growth. Tamahar works with children of all ages from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, offering holistic developmental interventions. These include Early Intervention, Special Education, Auxiliary Therapies, Family Programs, and Recreation. Family Programs offer Mental Health Services through counselling, support groups for parents, siblings and also Skill Development Program for the unpaid caregivers. The Vision of Tamahar Trust is “Prevention & Alleviation of developmental disability in children with brain damage”. The Mission is “To enable children with brain damage and their families to live a happy, healthy and dignified life in an inclusive society through rehabilitation services, capacity building , community engagement and advocacy”. The impact has been on 500+ families. The relevant SDG goals are : No.4 : Quality Education No.8 : Decent Work and Economic Growth No.10 : Reduced Inequalities All programs Tripti has risen from being an interventionist to a Program Manager to the COO. Her passion and commitment have helped her grow. Tripti’s belief is that every individual has something to offer. She is happy when a struggling child/family finds a footing. Tripti has a postgraduate degree in Psychology, 2 diplomas in Specific Learning Disability and autism.

Tanushree Patel is the Impact & Fundraising Manager at Saturday Art Class, a non-profit organization providing Visual Arts and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to children from low-income communities in India. In her role, Tanushree oversees Monitoring & Evaluation, Research, and Product Development, aligning her efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), by promoting inclusive and holistic learning environments. At Saturday Art Class, Tanushree has designed and facilitated training programs to help educators create safe and creative learning environments. To gauge the impact, she developed innovative indicators and assessment tools to track students’ behavioral outcomes and strengthen educators’ capacities. She has also been a key player in developing a WhatsApp-based chatbot for program delivery and monitoring, which has reached 140,000 children across India. Additionally, she leads research initiatives to explore the impact of visual arts and SEL, shaping the narrative on the broader influence of arts education within the learning ecosystem. With over six years of experience in the development sector, Tanushree has worked across various domains, including education, rural housing, and sustainable energy. She has been involved in projects related to governance and public systems delivery and co-authored a paper in Public Health and Social Welfare. A Teach for India alumna, Tanushree holds degrees in Urban Planning and Public Administration. She is driven by a passion for fostering learning environments where every child has the opportunity to express themselves creatively and thrive in today’s world.

Swetali Mahapatra is the Founder and CEO of Earthyweaves, a sustainable fashion brand that transforms heritage artistry into modern everyday wear. Dedicated to reviving traditional handloom practices and promoting environmental sustainability, Earthyweaves offers eco-friendly, handwoven textiles that support local artisans and preserve cultural heritage. Swetali leads the brand’s strategic direction, overseeing product development, marketing, and stakeholder engagement to align with sustainability and social impact principles. Along with her work with Earthyweaves, Swetali has extensive experience in the education and development sectors. She has played pivotal roles in organizations such as Teach for India, Vedantu, Great Learning, etc., specializing in program management, operations, stakeholder engagement, content development, and teacher training. Her efforts have impacted numerous schools, communities, and children, reflecting her commitment to equitable access to education & sustainable livelihoods. Swetali’s expertise spans sustainable business practices, social entrepreneurship, program management, and stakeholder engagement. She advocates for responsible consumption and production, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action, decent work, and economic growth. Driven by a deep commitment to social impact, Swetali believes in the transformative power of sustainable business models and education. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from Biju Patnaik University of Technology and completed an eMDP in General Management from the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.

Sruthi currently serves as Principal with Yuwa, India. Yuwa is an internationally acclaimed non-profit organisation that enables girls in rural Jharkhand, India to take their futures into their own hands. By bringing vulnerable girls out of isolation and into a positive team environment, Yuwa combats child marriage, gender-related violence, and human trafficking through its education and football program. Sruthi’s deep belief in education as a means of social change motivated her to apply to the Teach For India(TFI) Fellowship.Post her Fellowship, she continued to build leadership skills in students by joining the Kids Education Revolution (KER), a global platform that aims to reimagine education by advocating for the voice, partnership and agency of students amongst educators, educational leaders, and the government body. She has spent the last 5 years dedicated to fostering and empowering leadership and life skills with ~2000 students from across India.

Sriparna Das Chakraborty, a Botany graduate and UI/UX designer, transitioned from a successful 14-year career in graphic design to become a pioneering crochet and macrame entrepreneur in Gurugram, Haryana. Growing up in Kolkata, Sriparna was deeply influenced by the city’s rich blend of traditional crafts and modern innovations. Her passion for crochet was reignited during her pregnancy in 2012 when she sought quality handmade apparel for her newborn. But her failure to find a good one led her to establish Aamani’s Crochet in 2017, an eco-friendly manufacturing brand, bagged over 2,500 satisfied customers and employed more than 250 women artisans across India already. Through Project Zarriya by Aamani’s Crochet, Sriparna empowers women artisans by providing free training, enabling them to earn sustainable incomes. Her work has earned her the Haryana Garima Award and recognition as a State Artisan by the Ministry of Textiles. Aamani’s Crochet was also selected as a top 50 venture in NSRCEL & IIM Bangalore’s incubation program and ranked among the top 5 in IIMV FIELD’s Social Impactuare program. Notably, her crochet top was featured in The Archies movie, and her first crochet portrait was exhibited nationwide in 2024, celebrating 75 years of the Constitution. She is currently a finalist for the National Award in Handicrafts 2023 with her crochet sculpture entry. Sriparna’s mission is to revolutionize traditional crafts through sustainable practices, and her vision is to empower women artisans with advanced skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, contributing to SDG 8 & 9, while supporting seven other SDGs.

Shraddha Gosavi is the Founder & Visionary of Quest Journeys, where she serves as the Creative Head. In this role, she is responsible for crafting transformative travel experiences that foster social leadership and emotional intelligence among participants. Quest Journeys, her brainchild, offers curated journeys that blend travel with impactful social change, enabling individuals to become catalysts in their own communities. The mission of Quest Journeys is deeply aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Economic Empowerment, Gender Equality, Community Engagement, Infrastructure Development, and Partnerships for Sustainable Development. Quest Journeys is working on the programs that connect travelers with local communities, creating meaningful exchanges that empower both. Shraddha’s most recent & notable achievement includes piloting a project with architecture students to document village settlements, showcasing her commitment to blending education with social impact. Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of travel as a medium for personal and social transformation, Shraddha is committed to inspiring others to use their journeys as tools for growth and change. With a background in architecture from Mumbai University and a fellowship with SBI YFI, she is gradually building a solid foundation of expertise that underpins her work.

Shraddha Kadam is a Founder and Secretary of N.Y.A.A.S.S. (Nityah Youth Association for Awakening of Self and Society). She has completed her Masters in Social Work, SPPU and has been working in this field for past 6 years. She looks after the operations of the organization along with it’s finances and public relations. N.Y.A.A.S.S. believes in holistic development of students going beyond the regular academic learning. The organization focuses on various tools such as classroom infrastructure, teachers’ training & parents’ involvement in the holistic development of a child and has been working in 3 communities of Pune for past 6 years with more than 100 students. N.Y.A.A.S.S. is also working for Cybersecurity awareness in association with Cyber Cell, Pune. We are also going through an incubation programme at ATMA. The mission statement of N.Y.A.A.S.S. is ‘to empower people with integral education for realization of Self and well being of the nation’.

Suhasini Empathetic is a seasoned professional in education, training, and nonprofit management. As the Relationships Head at Sarthak Foundation, she plays a crucial role in donor management, fundraising, and event organization. With a vision of creating Happy Empowered Children the foundation reaches out to children living in urban slums and villages, helping them become self-sustainable through education, socio-emotional strengthening, and skill development. By addressing SDG 4 (Quality Education), Sarthak Foundation’s projects – Yellow Rooms, Yellow SLATEs & Sarthak Gurukul, impact over 8,000 children across Uttar Pradesh, providing them with holistic education. As a mindfulness practitioner, Suhasini has led programs on emotional regulation and stress management in schools, emphasizing holistic development. Her diverse career, supported by a B.Ed. and a postgraduate diploma in advanced computing, reflects her deep commitment to education and empowerment. What really drives Suhasini is her belief that by helping others and making positive changes in society, she not only improves their lives but also makes her own life better. She feels that giving and receiving, inspiring and being inspired, creates a cycle that keeps her motivated to keep working for the changes she wants to see. It’s this sense of connection and the impact of small, meaningful actions that keeps her passionate and committed to making a difference.

Sanyogita Singh is the Director of Ratlam Public School, where she has transformed the educational landscape by introducing innovative teaching methods and a rigorous STEAM curriculum. Under her leadership, she aspires to make RPS a beacon of academic excellence and holistic development, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Committed to advancing educational equity, Sanyogita has been instrumental in aligning the school’s mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of quality education and collaborated with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, South Asia to advance the SDGs through impactful initiatives and strategic programs. She spearheaded the Comprehensive Rural Education Transformation (CRET) Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge educational gaps in underserved rural communities through enhanced digital access and personalized learning resources. Her leadership has garnered numerous accolades, including the “Pride of Madhya Pradesh Award” for her outstanding contributions to education. She has also led Ratlam Public School to receive the “Best All-Rounder School” award from Chandigarh University, recognizing its exceptional performance across academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her swift adaptation to digital learning earned her the “Karma Yodha Award,” ensuring uninterrupted education for all students.

Sanika Chavan is the Co-Founder and Project Lead of SpoonShare, a pioneering mobile application designed to combat food wastage and promote sustainable food sharing. Under her leadership, SpoonShare achieved global recognition by ranking in the Top 10 worldwide and becoming the first team from India to secure a position in the Google Solution Challenge 2024. The app, with over 5,000 daily users, facilitates the donation of surplus food, contributing to the fight against hunger and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Sanika has served as a Tech Community Manager Intern at NxtWave, where she enhanced engagement strategies through analytics tools and integrated community feedback into product development. Her experience as a Data Analytics and Visualization Intern at Accenture equipped her with advanced data processing skills, achieving 95% accuracy in handling large datasets. Sanika also contributed significantly as a Liaison Officer for the G20 W20 Inception Meeting, coordinating with international delegates and earning a Letter of Recommendation from the Government of Maharashtra for her outstanding service. Her commitment to leveraging technology for social good, particularly in food security and sustainable development, drives her work. She holds a B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering from Deogiri Institute of Engineering and Management Studies and is skilled in various programming languages and frameworks. Sanika’s mission is to create innovative tech solutions that address global challenges, empowering communities and making a lasting impact.

Rufsana Begum serves as the Program Manager and Regional Lead at Voyage Educare Foundation, where she leads transformative educational initiatives. In her role, she drives systemic change by implementing data-driven strategies and fostering collaborative environments that enhance educational outcomes. Her work focuses on elevating parental engagement, refining classroom practices, and developing leadership within schools to create sustainable progress in education. Voyage Educare Foundation is committed to advancing education in underserved communities by empowering educators and improving student achievement, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). Rufsana’s dedication to education is deeply rooted in her journey as a first-generation learner from an underprivileged village in Assam. As the first girl from her community in Nagaland to achieve a state rank—an accomplishment recognized by the Governor—she has become a symbol of inspiration. Her commitment to education has earned her recognition from various organizations and institutions across India. Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Transformational Impact Journey during her fellowship with Teach For India. Driven by a passion to break barriers, Rufsana is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education. Her life’s work is guided by the belief that education is the most powerful tool for creating lasting change and empowering future generations.

Rucha Pande is the Chief Operating Officer at Mantra4Change since April 2021, and has a decade of experience in the education sector. At Mantra4change, Rucha supports programs and functions across the organization towards their mission of transforming public schools in India for millions of children. A graduate of MA in Education from the Azim Premji University and the Genpact Social Impact Fellowship, Rucha specializes in designing for scale. She aspires to nurture civil society organizations in the global south to develop high-quality, impact driven programs that leverage and contribute to evidence in the social sector.

Reethika Kuruvilla is a dynamic social entrepreneur and media expert dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged children. With a deep-rooted passion for early childhood education, she has spent over two decades championing the rights and potential of young learners. As the Founder and Managing Trustee of The Ashoka Tree, Reethika has spearheaded initiatives impacting the lives of over 80,000 children across five states in India. Established with the vision of ensuring every child across the country has the opportunity to read, play, and smile, The Ashoka Tree focuses on improving facilities, teaching aids, and infrastructure in unaided play schools across India as well as ensuring their mothers and women from the locality have a safe space to connect and reach out for help when needed. The Ashoka Tree works towards equal opportunities for children living with disabilities, promoting the need for equal rights for children with quality education, irrespective of gender or ability, to go to school. With certifications in Children’s Rights and Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as over two decades of volunteer work with children with disabilities, working with The Ashoka Tree remains one of Reethika’s greatest challenges, and yet, her greatest joy. Beyond her philanthropic endeavours, Reethika’s background in journalism and her role as mission directorMission Director (India) for the Global Alliance for Sustainable Media and Publishing underscores her commitment to the power of community and the ability to create lasting change through collective effort.

Monika Shukla is the Co-founder and CEO of Buzzworthy Ventures Private Limited (Humble Bee) and a dedicated advocate of micro-entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. A silver medalist from IIT Kharagpur, she began her career as a technologist at Goldman Sachs before pursuing a Master’s in Liberal Arts and Leadership at Ashoka University, where she gained a deep understanding of fields ranging from rural economics to public policy. Monika’s journey in social entrepreneurship took off with the launch of LetsEndorse, the world’s first marketplace for social innovations. Over the past decade, she has deployed over 450 social innovations across India and pioneered the UDYAMITA model for micro-entrepreneurship, which has been successfully operationalized in 115 districts across 5 states. Her commitment to empowering women through micro-entrepreneurship is now driving her mission to revolutionize the beekeeping landscape in India. By integrating technology with grassroots impact, Monika aims to equip small-scale beekeepers with scientific knowledge, continuous support through tech solutions, and robust market linkages. Her vision is to enhance hive productivity, bridge information gaps, reduce gender inequality, and bolster local biodiversity and climate resilience, thereby ushering India into a Golden Revolution. A German Chancellor (Humboldt) Fellow recognized among the top 15 Women Entrepreneurs Transforming India by NITI Aayog and the UN, Monika continues to innovate with purpose, striving to create a sustainable and equitable future by democratizing micro-entrepreneurship.

Meena Vaidyanathan has spent more than half of her career of three decades in co-creating sustainable solutions to bring transformative social change. In the initial years of her professional journey, Meena has held critical global roles in marketing, public affairs and senior management roles in some of the best known technology giants. Her role in developing institutional frameworks for adoption of biotechnology, executing global brand transformation strategies and crafting innovative organisational structures to impact business outcomes at scale, are some noteworthy highlights, some of which have been documented as case studies in Harvard Business School and INSEAD. Meena founded Niiti Consulting, a for-profit implementation-focused consulting business in 2010 with a view to enhance and accelerate social change at the grassroots. Over the past 14+ years, her distinguished team at niiti has worked on cutting edge projects with civil society, corporate foundations and academia that have translated into sustainable and implementable results on ground. Designed as a virtual organisation, the team at niiti is not limited by geography and built around an outcome-enabling philosophy for partners and clients. Meena has won several awards in her illustrious career and has been a mentor to many young entrepreneurs. She is currently actively working towards her goal of impacting one million women to be self reliant and financially independent by 2030. Meena has a double Masters’ in Biotechnology and Management and is a certificate holder in Social Entrepreneurship from INSEAD. Meena is also a skilled musician, travel enthusiast and nature-lover.

Manjula Kamtekar currently serves as the Secretary of Sai Social Empowerment Society (SSES), where she is responsible for administrative support, project coordination, communication, training and development, community engagement, funding and resource management, as well as advocacy and awareness. She holds a Masters in Social Work from Acharya Nagarjuna University. SSES is associated with NABARD, TRIFED, Department of Handicrafts, NSDC, and Skill India. The organization’s mission is to empower and uplift the community, particularly focusing on women. SSES has made a significant impact on the lives of several women in the area, contributing to rural development and receiving recognition for its outstanding work. The organization aligns with various UN Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, quality education, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities. Manjula’s dedication to social empowerment and community development has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the “Best NGO in the District” award from the District Collector and the “Contribution to Rural Development” award from the CGM of NABARD Telangana and Chief Secretary Finance to the State of Telangana. Her commitment to making a positive difference in society is what drives her work at SSES.

Madhumati Narayanan is the Founder & CEO of Shraddha Maanu Foundation (SMF), a not-for-profit organization established in 2018 in Chennai. Driven by a deep commitment to mainstream marginalized women and children through innovative education pathways, her work focuses on creating resilient livelihoods for women (predominantly housewives) and driving transformative community impact through holistic education. Under her leadership, SMF has trained more than 250 housewives from lower socio-economic backgrounds to become proficient foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) educators. The foundation’s efforts have provided thousands of underprivileged children with access to quality foundational education, directly contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality education for all), 5 (Gender equality), and 8 (Decent work and Economic growth). Madhumati’s career in the social sector has been marked by her role in spearheading the growth of SMF, where she leads strategic business development, impactful marketing campaigns, and the implementation of innovative training to strengthen FLN. Her entrepreneurial journey also includes founding education-centric ventures such as My Chapter One Reading Gym and MPower Learning Solutions, and consulting for startups on brand & communication strategies. Madhumati holds a management degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, an M.A. & M.Phil. in English Literature from Madurai Kamaraj University, and an MBA from Symbiosis, Pune. With over 25 years of experience, she is dedicated to transforming educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Jiss Mary Thomas is an education specialist with a deep commitment to transforming India’s education landscape. Over the past five years, she has worked across nine Indian states, engaging with diverse educational environments from rural and urban classrooms to government and innovative setups. This extensive experience, combined with her teaching background, has equipped her with a profound understanding of school systems, pedagogy, government operations, and policy implementation. She also brings expertise in instructional design and teacher professional development, further enhancing her impact in the field. In her current role as Officer of Learning & Innovations at Room to Read India, Jiss spearheads the strategic capture and dissemination of insights from the Scaling up Early Reading Intervention (SERI) project across six Indian states. She collaborates with cross-functional teams to document successful practices, identify bright spots and deviations, and share outcomes. Her work bridges the gap between planning and execution by producing learning briefs and reports for internal teams, governments, donors, and the broader educational ecosystem. Driven by a vision of an equitable education system, Jiss is passionate about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education and the opportunity to realize their full potential. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Delhi University, which underpin her expertise and commitment to educational transformation.

Thabitha Vani Manne is a seasoned social entrepreneur with 19 years of experience driving lasting change in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. Holding a master’s degree in social work, Thabitha has expertise in child protection, participation, and safeguarding, with a proven track record of designing and implementing impactful projects. Her extensive experience spans program management, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and community engagement, with a strong focus on child well-being and empowerment. Thabitha is working with renowned organizations, Magic Bus Foundation, and worked with Rotary International, and World Vision India, and has represented them in national and international forums. Her unique blend of leadership, technical expertise, and passion for social change makes her a standout applicant Magic Bus India Foundation is a leading NGO in India’s education and skilling sector, with a Pan-India presence since its inception in Mumbai in 1999. Our mission is to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and support needed to overcome challenges and secure meaningful livelihoods. Through our holistic approach, we engage with the entire ecosystem surrounding young people, including parents, peers, communities, and local institutions, to create a robust network of support. Our impact is tangible: – 98% of adolescents in our program showed a significant 46% improvement in school regularity, rising from 52% to 98%. – 76% of our adolescents completed secondary education up to grade 10 and transitioned to higher secondary, surpassing the national average of 69%. – We’ve seen a remarkable 17.5% increase in resilience and a 26% improvement in perceived self-efficacy among our adolescents. By addressing the complex needs of young people, we’re bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, and empowering them to thrive in life.

Jai Bharathi is an avid motorcyclist and serial entrepreneur. She led several national and cross-country motorcycling expeditions covering more than 1,00,000 kms across South East Asia and the United States to promote women’s safety and empowerment. Her efforts in the field of motorcycling have been appreciated by Honarable Prime Minister of India, & Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana. She was conferred by the government of Telangana with “Vishishta Mahila Puraskaram” in 2019 under Adventure category and won many other leadership awards & accolades. Observing the stark gender imbalance on the roads through her journeys, she founded MoWo Social Initiatives, a not-for-profit organisation with an aim to empower women through mobility as a skill for empowerment & employment. In about five years, Mowo trained 3500+ women in India with motor driving skills and pivotal in establishing India’s first Motor Training Centra exclusively for women in collaboration with the Deptartment of Women & Child Welfare, Government of Telangana. She was awarded the prestigious Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize 2022 and Visa Fund Women grants alongside several other recognitions for her work with Mowo.

Jaya Tiwari Jaya Tiwari, is currently Sr. Manager Implementation at Maitrayana Charity Foundation. She did her Master’s Degree in Human Development, S.N.D.T University, Mumbai and did desertion on Home Based Care for People Living with HIV. She also qualified for the National Eligibility Test and has earned a Junior Research Fellowship. She started working at Naz India in 2000 as a Research Assistant for an ICRW ( Masculinity study), worked with Parivar Seva Sansthan as a Clinic in charge, and also as officer in V.V. Giri National Labor Institute. From 2009, Jaya started her journey in Sports for Development sector with Goal program. Over the past 15 years the programme has reached more than 130,000 girls across India with Netball and Life skills program. Her vision for Maitrayana is to achieve a gender equal society in which girls and women can exercise their rights by leveraging the power of sport. She ensures high quality design and execution of sports for development programme exclusively for girls. She manages grants and is instrumental in the further development of the Young People’s Initiative program of Maitrayana. Jaya manages a team of 70 young leaders and builds relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Jaya provides trainings on HIV, Child protection, Sports for Development, Leadership and Sexuality. She has attended various leadership conference organised by Dasra (India), American Express, Women Win (Netherlands) and Laureus (UK) and has been a member of Global networks like Vital Voices and Woman Sports Leadership Academy (University of Chichester).

Ishita Sharma Founder & CEO, MukkaMaar Ishita Sharma is a feminist, actor and social entrepreneur. She started her acting career at the age of 13 and has worked with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, and Imtiyaz Ali. During this time she also pursued her education earning a Masters degree in Human Development, going on to work in the Psychiatric OPD in a charitable hospital. She has a strong penchant for performing arts and after completing a decade of training and performing Kathak at prestigious festivals, she founded her school of performing arts by the name Aamad, in 2014. Here she trained herself in martial arts, yoga, theatre, storytelling, writing, and various other art forms. Her cumulative gender experience led to the establishment of the impact-driven, not-for-profit organisation MukkaMaar, that through its work with government partnerships seeks to restore agency in adolescent girls. The core belief of MukkaMaar is that when the burden of safety is lifted, girls begin to explore their true abilities. MukkaMaar has worked with over 20K girls through it’s offline and digital interventions. Ishita has been awarded by CM Devendra Fadnavis in 2019 for her contribution to arts and society. She was awarded the ExpressAWE award making her ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the Financial Express group and FICCI. MukkaMaar’s digital program MukkaMaar with Mukki was awarded the SARTHI award for the top Technological Innovation for empowering girls by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Asian Disaster Preparedness Network held in Bali in 2022.

Hifza Afaq is the Co-Founder of Kaarigar Mandi, connecting small-scale footwear manufacturers and artisans with organised buyers, focusing on creating sustainable job opportunities for marginalized artisans. Through Kaarigar Mandi, Hifza Afaq is advancing UN Sustainable Development 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goals 5 (Gender Equality). Her business has created over 800 jobs for footwear artisans, with a goal to increase participation of women in the workforce to 50% by 2028. A passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment, Hifza Afaq is dedicated to providing artisans with access to global markets, standardizing manufacturing practices, and facilitating access to credit. Her innovative footwear line, the Exclusive Camelids Edition, celebrates the United Nations International Year of Camelids and underscores her commitment to raising global awareness about indigenous communities’ cultural heritage. Growing up in Agra, India’s largest footwear hub, Hifza Afaq developed a strong connection to her community, leading her to pursue work that uplifts marginalized artisans. She holds a background in technology and social entrepreneurship, leveraging these skills to drive positive social impact. Guided by her mission to recreate entrepreneurship opportunities for jobless artisans, Hifza Afaq, remains committed to fostering sustainable growth and economic independence among underrepresented communities.

Harshanisha Parejan is the Founder and CEO of Tuqqin, a social enterprise committed to promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions in marginalized communities. At Tuqqin, she leads a mission to empower women through access to eco-friendly menstrual products, focusing on breaking cultural stigmas and ensuring long-term health and environmental sustainability. The company offers products like menstrual cups and provides educational programs that have reached over 10,000 women by partnering with schools and colleges across India. Tuqqin directly aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Under Harshanisha’s leadership, Tuqqin has become a driving force in reducing menstrual waste and promoting gender equity. With a Master’s degree in Psychology, Harshanisha’s background in women empowerment and her experience as an executive assistant to top CEOs have honed her leadership skills and passion for social change. Her work is driven by a commitment to create inclusive and sustainable solutions that address critical health challenges while empowering women to take control of their reproductive health and well-being.

Ankita Singh is the Manager of Business Development at Digital Green India, with 8 years of experience in the agricultural sector. She mobilizes institutional resources, manages donor relationships, forges partnerships and secures philanthropic support, all to advance Digital Green’s mission of creating a world where farmers use technology to build prosperous communities. Currently, Ankita is contributing to the development of Farmer.Chat, an AI digital assistant that provides real-time, personalized agricultural advisories in users’ local languages. Before joining Digital Green, Ankita played a key role in launching sustainable agricultural technologies, such as gravity-based drip irrigation and an AI-based fertigation recommendation application, across North India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab. As a Program Lead at the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture, she was instrumental in launching major events, including the 1st World Agriculture Prize presented to Dr. MS Swaminathan, and developing initiatives to improve India’s agricultural marketing infrastructure, information systems, and communication tools for farmers. Ankita holds a B.Tech in Food Technology from SHIATS, Prayagraj, and her career mission is to channel the world’s financial resources into the development of communities that need them most.

Geeta Solanki Founder, Unipads India Pvt. Ltd. Geeta Solanki is a social entrepreneur in Women’s health and hygiene space. Unipads addresses period poverty at grassroots level through an economically sustainable model which creates financial opportunities for rural women and takes care of the environment by manufacturing and supplying reusable menstrual hygiene products like Cloth Pads, Period Panties and Cotton Undergarments. As a woman with family roots in rural agriculture, she was acutely aware of the issues and taboo surrounding menstrual hygiene in rural areas. This led her to establish a company with unique products tailored towards educating and providing women hygiene care to bottom of the pyramid customers. In the last 6 years, she has helped create employment opportunities for 394 village women, conducted free MHM sessions for over 114K girls in rural schools, reached out to over 3.2 million women globally hence preventing 900 million disposable pads from the landfills. She received the ‘Bharat Ki Laxmi’ award from The Ministry of Women and Child Development and was felicitated with ‘Women Transforming India Award’ by Niti Aayog, New Delhi for making major economic contributions to the country. Her impact resonated further as she was featured among the ’50 Inspiring Women-Gujarat Edition.’ Bringing home India’s only Glass Lion Award at the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity, 2022 in the ‘Health and Wellness’ category for Adeli, their social campaign drawing prominence to the plight of menstruating women in India stands as a monumental achievement for Unipads.

Eela Dubey, Co-Founder and CEO of EduFund, brings a powerful combination of academic excellence and a deep commitment to social impact to her leadership role. Graduating with cum laude honors from New York University, Eela’s academic journey ignited her passion for sustainable development. Early exposure to the impactful work of multilateral organizations like the UN, fostered through NGO work, further solidified this interest. Her professional path initially led her to Wall Street’s Quest Partners, where she honed her expertise in global finance. However, a yearning to drive tangible social change drew her back to India, where she joined US Freedom Capital in Mumbai. It was at US Freedom Capital that Eela, alongside her future co-founder Arindam Sengupta, identified a critical gap – the lack of accessible education financing options for Indian families. This pivotal realization sparked their shared vision for EduFund: a platform designed to bridge this gap and empower families through innovative financial solutions. Since founding EduFund, Eela’s unwavering focus has been on building and scaling the platform to revolutionize education financing in India, which has helped over 100,000 families. Eela’s bold ambition is to positively impact over 1 crore families and help create equitable access to education throughout India.

Divya S Karthik is the Co-Founder and Director of Sakya Foundation, an organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities across Karnataka and Odisha. In her current role, Divya oversees the strategic direction and implementation of initiatives that integrate health, education, and livelihoods, with a focus on creating inclusive communities. Sakya Foundation, under Divya’s leadership, partners with the Government of Karnataka to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Through the Aashayein program, the foundation has screened and supported over 4,000 children with neurodevelopmental disorders, providing critical early intervention and ongoing care. The foundation also reaches underserved populations, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive. Divya began her career as a physiotherapist specializing in pediatric care within the corporate sector. However, a transformative experience at an NGO highlighted significant gaps in disability care, inspiring her to redirect her efforts toward social impact. This pivotal moment led to the founding of Sakya Foundation, where she has driven initiatives that not only support individuals with disabilities but also empower women through sustainable projects like ‘Millet Sip,’ which creates employment opportunities while promoting healthy living. Divya is driven by a deep commitment to creating a society where every individual, regardless of ability, is valued and empowered. She holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in corporate social responsibility, further solidifying her expertise and dedication to social change.

Divya Jain is the Co-founder and Director of Indibni, where she spearheads initiatives to empower rural women artisans through sustainable development. Under her leadership, Indigifts®, a D2C brand by Indibni, has gained prominence for transforming traditional Indian crafts into contemporary, utility-based products. Currently, 300 rural women artisans are engaged, with goal to impact 10,000+ artisans by 2030. Divya’s work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality and decent work. She champions “Make in India, Take it to the World” approach, merging India’s rich heritage with modern market demands. A notable example is Seed Rakhi® an eco-friendly innovation that reflects her commitment to sustainable celebration. Indibni’s initiatives have made a significant impact, with over 5M lives positively affected since 2012 through the corporation and foundation. Stories among from many like of Sushila Devi from rural Rajasthan, who used her earnings from Seed Rakhi’s to become self reliant, underscore the transformative impact of her work. Indigifts featured on Shark Tank India for commitment towards sustainability and social impact. Divya has specialization in Digital Marketing & Communication from MICA and Bachelor’s Degree in Animation & Multimedia from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra. Her academic background, combined with her decade long experience enables her to create social impact with economic development. Through her fellowship project, “GLOCAL INDIA,” Divya aims to empower rural women artisans, innovate indigenous art and craft with climate-conscious products, expand globally through omni-commerce, and implement VOCAL FOR LOCAL mission nationwide with support of strategic partners and impact makers.

Deepanjali Khurana is a part of the leadership team at Prescinto (part of Gensol group) where she leads strategy, GTM and compliance functions. Prescinto is an AI-driven SaaS platform that helps renewable (solar, wind, and BESS) plant owners and managers improve the generation output by identifying where losses occur and recommending specific interventions to reduce underperformance. She is helping Prescinto achieve its mission to reduce 1 billion tonnes of CO2 per year and furthering SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. Deepanjali has been an avid sustainability enthusiast since her childhood. She has been a keen learner and has achieved various accolades in this space including being a TERI-certified “Mini-Environmentalist”, winning the prestigious “L’Oréal Sustainability Challenge” and securing national and state ranks in Green Olympiad. Deepanjali is driven by her keen sense of climate consciousness and driving change in this space through effective leadership. Apart from her professional ventures, she often tinkers with new ideas and products in sustainability and believes leaders have an undue advantage in effecting positive change in their circles and community. Deepanjali holds an MBA (Marketing & Operations) from MDI, Gurgaon and a BE in Electrical Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala.

Chitranshi Baranwal is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Vatsalya Wellness, a health tech startup focused on sustainable menstrual health through innovative products like Genie Pads. In her role, she oversees technology and product development, ensuring solutions meet the highest standards of sustainability and effectiveness. As a social entrepreneur, she has been pivotal in managing marketing strategies and customer engagement, with a strong emphasis on raising awareness about sustainable menstruation. She spearheaded the development of Genie Pads, a revolutionary product line utilizing Vatsalya’s patented BioSynQ technology, featuring biodegradable sanitary products that help maintain vaginal pH balance and reduce the risk of diseases, infections, rashes, and itchiness during menstruation. Under her leadership, Vatsalya Wellness has reached and educated nearly 300,000 tribal, rural, and underprivileged women in India, advocating for sustainable menstruation and overall health, while contributing to environmental conservation. This work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 6 and 13. Driven by a deep commitment to women’s health and environmental sustainability, Chitranshi is passionate about creating innovative solutions that empower women and promote well-being. Chitranshi has been honored with the International Woman Entrepreneur Award 2024 by Great Companies and recognized as a Changemaker by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. With more than 5 years of experience, she holds a degree in Microbiology, has authored three widely accepted textbooks by nursing students, and has enhanced her business acumen with courses from the Wharton School of Business.

Chhandosree Thakur is the Operational Head of LIVE FOUNDATION, a Jharkhand-based organization dedicated to the socio-economic upliftment of lac-growing farmers, with a special focus on empowering women. Under her leadership, the foundation has transformed the lives of rural communities by promoting sustainable lac cultivation practices and the plantation of lac host trees, ensuring both environmental sustainability and steady income for farmers. Her work with LIVE FOUNDATION is deeply aligned with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as eradicating poverty (SDG 1), promoting gender equality (SDG 5), and ensuring the sustainable management of land and forests (SDG 15). Chhandosree’s unwavering commitment to social justice, sustainable development, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge fuels her dedication to creating meaningful and enduring change in the communities she serves. LIVE FOUNDATION, under Chhandosree’s guidance, has become a beacon of hope for these communities, enhancing the value of lac products, leading to better pricing and improved livelihoods. The foundation’s initiatives include training women to create lac-based designer jewelry and artifacts, opening new market opportunities and fostering economic empowerment. Chhandosree’s academic achievements include a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, and she is currently pursuing a PhD. She also holds specialized training in strategic communication from Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad (MICA). Before entering the development sector, she had a distinguished career in journalism, working for national dailies like Hindustan Times and The Telegraph, where her reporting on women’s issues earned her several prestigious fellowships.

Dr. Jadhav Hemlata is a visionary educationalist, currently serving as the Director of the Institute of Integrated Skill Development and Employment Training (IISDET). Under her leadership, IISDET has become a leading institution dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employability through skill-based learning. The institution offers a wide array of programs in healthcare, hospitality, construction, paramedical, beauty, and fashion designing, with a strong emphasis on practical, on-the-job training. Dr. Hemlata has revolutionized the skill education system by introducing the DST (Dual System Training) module and the Learn and Earn scheme, which combine 30% theoretical education with 70% practical training. These initiatives have not only enhanced the employability of students but have also contributed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education, decent work, and economic growth. A member of the Paramedical Council of the Maharashtra Government and the Board of Studies, Dr. Hemlata has also played a crucial role as an examiner and moderator for the Maharashtra State Board of Skill Vocational Education and Training (MSBSVET). Her efforts have significantly impacted the education system, particularly in enhancing vocational training standards. Driven by a passion for empowering youth through quality education and skills development, Dr. Hemlata holds a BAMS (Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and a B.Ed (Bachelor in Education), which form the foundation of her expertise in educational management and innovation. Her work is motivated by a deep commitment to social impact and creating sustainable career opportunities for all.

Ankita Vyasa is the current Project Coordinator at Maruti Shiksha Evam Samaj Kalyan Samiti, where she leads initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and integrated waste management. Her responsibilities include overseeing the development and implementation of projects that align with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as gender equality, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. Maruti Shiksha Evam Samaj Kalyan Samiti is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social welfare and education, particularly among marginalized communities. Through its various initiatives, the organization strives to create sustainable development opportunities and improve the quality of life for those it serves. Under Ankita’s leadership, the organization has made significant strides in empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship programs, as well as implementing innovative waste management practices in rural areas. Her most notable achievements include the successful execution of a reusable sanitary pad manufacturing program and the ongoing ‘Waste to Best’ project in Ratlam District, which aims to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling. Ankita is driven by a deep commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. She holds a degree in social work, and her extensive experience in project management and community engagement has been instrumental in her success. Ankita’s work is fueled by her passion for creating positive change and improving the lives of those in underserved communities.

Ankita Rokana is the Founder and Lead Early Childhood Practitioner at EDuBrain Preschool, a pioneering institution in pinkcity, Jaipur dedicated to making early childhood learning more accessible and impactful. She has also co-founded Mommy Beans Co which is a members only community to strengthen early childhood learning awareness and curate experiences to elevate the same. In her current role, Ankita oversees all aspects of the preschool’s operations, from curriculum development to staff training, ensuring that the educational environment fosters both growth and simplicity for lifelong learning benefits. Ankita is committed to transforming early childhood education through innovative, inclusive practices. Her organisation’s mission is to provide a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where young children can develop foundational skills in a fun and accessible manner. The social impact of EDuBrain Pre School is significant, aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (Goal 4) and Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10). The preschool actively works to close educational gaps by offering scholarships and community outreach programs that make quality early education available to underserved families. Among her qualifications, Ankita is a graduate from Christ University, Bangalore and a post graduate from NMIMS, Mumbai. She was also a selected among the best Women Entrepreneurs of the country for the Goldman Sachs Women 10k Programme at IIM Bangalore. Her notable achievements include Aspiring Edupreneur by GSLC, Panelist at Scoo News Global Educators’ Fest and multiple publications in the domain of early childhood learning.

Abirami Vivek is the Founder and Director of Magnet Minds Preschool and Daycare, an award-winning institution that has set new standards in early childhood education. She also serves as a Trustee at Kankali Trust for Arts and Cultural Economic Development, where she spearheads initiatives that empower marginalized communities through arts-based programs. With over a decade of corporate experience, Abirami transitioned into child and counseling psychology, establishing herself as a leader in early childhood education and mental health. Under her leadership, Magnet Minds Preschool has been consistently recognized as one of the top preschools in India, known for its innovative use of the Froebel’s methodology. Abirami’s commitment to holistic child development and her passion for education have earned her numerous accolades, including the “Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All” and the “Woman of the Decade” awards from the Women Economic Forum. Abirami holds a Doctorate in Philosophy (D.Phil) from Rai University, Ahmedabad, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology from Bharathiar University. Her mission is to blend traditional values with modern education techniques, creating inclusive and nurturing environments that inspire growth and learning. She is driven by a deep commitment to empower others, especially women and children, through education and mental well-being. Credentials: Doctorate in Philosophy (D.Phil) in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education Master’s in Management (Marketing and Human Resources) Master’s in Psychology Alumna of the ISB Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs and Ambassadors programs