Ravindra Zende
Executive Director
Having 23 years of experience in journalism, both in print and media, with broad skills in research and a passion and expertise in being an avid activist for equality and justice ever since his student days, Ravindra Zende is multifaceted in various skills essential to run a non-profit. Over the years he has used his linguistic abilities, his writing and speaking skills for the betterment of society, especially marginalized people groups like backward and other backward caste communities, women and very recently the handicapped community that he calls “differently-abled”. Although Ravindra started his academic education in the field of electrical engineering; he was quickly dissuaded from that course and instead pursued a career in Media as an advertising professional in a regional language news house, which inspired him to start his own small advertising firm where he created many categoric advertising properties and events. Later he worked with a leading newspaper in western India. He has consulted with non-profits to create health education material and training programs. Ravindra’s multifaceted career spanning over 23 years makes him an ideal candidate to lead a social enterprise
Archana Zende
Director, Gender, Culture and Development
Archana is trained and experienced in Professional Social Work Practices. She has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Mumbai and another master’s degree in Gender, Culture and Development studies from the Women's studies Centre of the Savitribai Phule University of Pune. She also belts teaching experience of teaching and course writing in women’s studies discipline. She is specialized in training, capacity building, community mobilization, report writing and process documentation. Throughout her career, she has worked on issues concerning women and she complimented her experience with education in Gender, culture and development from the Sawitribai Phule University of Pune. Her essay is published in an international publication. She is currently pursuing doctoral research for the award of a Ph. D. from the same discipline. She has worked with forums, NGO’s. Government, semi Government and corporate entities in her career of twenty years in various capacities. Her long-standing experience in issue-based advocacy and gender sensitivity makes her the best choice for the task.
Datta Balsaraf
Datta Balsaraf is a committed activist and networker. In the last 30 years, he has formed various strategic alliances to achieve a significant impact addressing various social, cultural, political and development sector in Maharashtra. He is currently a Program officer at Yashvantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai. Datta is a big picture strategic visionary and also a kind and humble mentor to various leaders around Maharashtra.
Vijay Khankare
Vijay Kanhekar is a distinguished leader and organizer. He holds the esteem position as secretary ofMahatma Gandhi Seva Sangh, Aurangabad and Convener of Apang Hakk Vikas Manch (forum) of Yashvantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai, Both organizations work for the development, rehabilitation and welfare of persons with disabilities. Yashvantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai, is an umbrella institution for many small and medium nonprofits and community-based organizations.
Anand Pawar
Anand Pawar has been an active development professional since 1997 and has extensive experience in health, development, gender and sexuality issues working with various marginalized communities. He has an academic degree in professional Social Work and has managed various small and large development programs and initiatives addressing issues of gender and masculinity. He is the founder and executive director of SAMYAK, Communication and Resource Centre, Pune.
Shailaja Aralakar
Shailaja Aralkar has worked with right-based NGOs in various capacities over the past two decades. Shailaja has been actively advocating for the right to dignified work and wages for women waste pickers with the Government of Maharashtra and is associated with a trade union of waste pickers in Pune. She is State Resource Person at Social Accountability Forum for Action and Research (SAFAR) for Maharashtra.
