
At Makkala Jagriti, our people are the driving force behind every impact we create. From passionate educators and program managers to dedicated field workers and strategic leaders, each member of our team brings unique strengths, deep commitment, and unwavering belief in the power of change. United by a shared vision for holistic development and social equity, our team works collaboratively to empower children, youth and communities – ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

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Chairperson & Managing Trustee

Trustee

Trustee

Member
Satyen is the CEO of Symphony SummitAI and a technology leader with over 25 years of experience. He has held senior roles including Vice President at IBM (India and South Asia), General Manager at Dell India, and Founder & CEO of the Vitage Group. An alumnus of IIM Bangalore and Nagpur University, Satyen is passionate about improving access to education. At Makkala Jagriti, he contributes his expertise in strategy and innovation to help the organisation scale its impact and reach more children.

Member
Kavitha is the Founder and Co-Director of The CanBridge Academy and Managing Trustee of Kilikili, initiatives that champion inclusion for children and young adults with disabilities. An alumnus of TISS Mumbai, she began her career with YUVA and MAYA, working in education, research, and advocacy. A trained Arts-Based Therapy practitioner, she designs creative, inclusive learning experiences for children with autism. Kavitha’s work reflects her belief that every child deserves opportunities for expression, learning, and belonging—values that strongly align with Makkala Jagriti’s mission.

Chief Executive Officer
Sunayana has been with Makkala Jagriti since 2016 and has led the organisation as CEO since 2020. She has been instrumental in shaping its strategy, scaling programs, and building strong teams to drive impact across schools, Anganwadis, child care institutions, and communities. An alumna of NIT Surathkal and SIBM Pune, she transitioned from the corporate world to the social sector through the SBI Youth for India Fellowship. Passionate about education equity, she believes in the power of education to transform lives and create opportunities for every child to thrive.

Director, Programs
Rohit brings over 24 years of experience across the industrial and development sectors. His journey in the social space began as a volunteer with organisations working on child rights, education, and the environment. Since 2011, he has worked full-time in the sector, contributing to programs in public health, education, and child protection. With expertise in community coordination, policy advocacy, and organisational development, Rohit brings depth and perspective to Makkala Jagriti as a leader, thinker, and influencer committed to social transformation.

Deputy Director - Programs
An educator with over a decade of experience, Amrutha leads the Early Childhood Education program at Makkala Jagriti. A former Teach for India Fellow, she has trained teachers across 700+ schools and holds Montessori certification. She works closely with Anganwadi teachers to create joyful, inclusive preschool spaces rooted in play and child development. As both a mother and educator, she believes that nurturing, developmentally appropriate early learning can transform a child’s lifelong educational journey.

Deputy Director - Programs
Vivek leads the School Program at Makkala Jagriti, bringing over a decade of experience in education, instructional design, and school transformation. With a Master’s in Education from Azim Premji University and an engineering background, he combines analytical thinking with a deep understanding of pedagogy. His work focuses on holistic development, child-centered learning, and professional growth for educators. Vivek is passionate about designing context-responsive programs that strengthen schools and empower teachers to create meaningful learning experiences.

Deputy Manager, Finance and Accounts
With over a decade of experience in accounts and finance, Aparna ensures financial accuracy and compliance at Makkala Jagriti. Her structured, detail-oriented approach strengthens systems, supports decision-making, and fosters accountability across teams. She is committed to process improvement and building systems that enhance efficiency and transparency. Aparna’s dependability and discipline make her a vital part of the organisation’s foundation and culture of integrity.

Deputy Manager, Human Resources and Administration
Thilaka brings over 16 years of experience in Human Resources, with expertise in statutory compliance, administration, and people engagement. Known for her warm and approachable nature, she believes in building genuine connections and fostering a supportive work culture. At Makkala Jagriti, she is driving initiatives to digitise and streamline HR systems to enhance efficiency and employee experience. Collaborative and people-focused, Thilaka is deeply committed to creating a workplace where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Senior Program Manager - CCI
Preethi brings over a decade of experience in education, guided by her commitment to equity and access for all children. A graduate of Azim Premji University, she leads with empathy, adaptability, and collaboration. Her leadership style is people-centered, focused on listening, learning, and enabling others. Passionate about mental well-being and lifelong learning, Preethi believes that effective leadership comes from being present, reflective, and responsive. Outside work, she loves exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines.

Program Manager - Community Transformation
With a Master’s in Social Work, Ramya brings rich experience working with children and youth in vulnerable circumstances. Her work spans counseling, life skills education, child protection, and promoting family-based care across Tamil Nadu in partnership with UNICEF and government agencies. At Makkala Jagriti, she champions holistic education as a means for children to overcome vulnerabilities and realize their potential. Deeply empathetic and purpose-driven, Ramya believes education can transform both lives and communities.

Manager, Partnerships and Volunteering
Aravind brings over a decade of diverse experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on empowering marginalized communities. With a background in risk management and entrepreneurship, he has co-founded startups and led over 80 nonprofit events. His expertise lies in partnerships, fundraising, and volunteer engagement. At Makkala Jagriti, he drives strategic collaborations to expand impact and reach. Aravind is deeply committed to building a more equitable society through collective action and leadership.

Manager, Operations, and Government Relationships
Sharath brings experience in sales, marketing, and partnerships to his role at Makkala Jagriti, where he focuses on strengthening procurement systems and collaborating with government departments. Drawn by the organisation’s mission, he is passionate about expanding its reach to more children. Known for his communication and relationship-building skills, Sharath believes collaboration drives sustainable impact. Outside work, he enjoys farming, which keeps him grounded and connected to nature.

Senior Manager - Program Design, Learning & Development
Ronita leads Program Design and Learning & Development at Makkala Jagriti, crafting experiential and inclusive learning experiences for children and adults. With a background in science, social work, and a Teach for India Fellowship, she brings analytical thinking and empathy to her work. Passionate about holistic education and equity, Ronita designs with purpose and creativity. She believes in continuous learning and reflection as pathways to creating lasting impact in the education ecosystem.

Deputy Manager, Communications and Documentation
Viba leads Communications and Documentation at Makkala Jagriti, weaving stories that reflect the organisation’s vision and impact. With a Master’s in Education from Azim Premji University, she blends empathy, clarity, and creativity to connect with diverse audiences. Passionate about using storytelling for social change, she believes words and design can inspire action and build understanding. Beyond work, Viba is an artist and a strong believer in the power of human connection.

Senior Program Manager - HDLC
Born and raised in a government school ecosystem, Thanuja now leads the Holistic Development and Learning for Children (HDLC) program at Makkala Jagriti. With over a decade of grassroots and system-level experience, she drives strategies that make learning spaces joyful and inclusive. Her expertise in teacher training and school transformation is grounded in empathy and her lived experience. For Thanuja, this work is both personal and purposeful—driven by her belief in equitable, child-centric education for every child.