SUSANTA CHAKRABORTY

HR & Admin Manager

Susanta Chakraborty is a HR & Admin Manager at LEAD. In his current role, he oversees core administrative operations and supports human resource functions across the organisation. He joined LEAD in 2008.

Susanta holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Mahatma Gandhi University. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, clicking photographs and playing around with new ideas on digital platforms.

Manglika Tripathi

Business Development Manager

Manglika Tripathi is a Business Development Manager at LEAD. Previously, she worked with organisations including Piramal Swasthya, Catholic Health Association and BBC Media Action.

Manglika has a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies and an MBA in Public Health Administration from IIHMR Jaipur. With a background in social and behaviour change communication, policymaking, proposal writing and strategic planning, she has more than 15 years of experience across the development sector.

Passionate about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, Manglika is currently engaged in obtaining certifications on the same. She finds genuine joy in singing, dancing and sharing her unique perspectives on movies through her reviews.

Yashita Jhurani

Associate Director, Strategy & Partnerships (Gender x Digital hub)

Yashita Jhurani leads Strategy and Partnerships for the Gender x Digital (GxD) hub at LEAD. She comes with a decade of experience in project management and government relations across sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, e-commerce, etc. Before joining LEAD, Yashita worked with organisations such as Invest India, Interel Consulting, TQH (The Quantum Hub), and PRS Legislative Research. She is also a LAMP (Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament) Fellow, having completed the fellowship in 2011-12.

Yashita earned a Master’s degree in Law & Diplomacy from Tufts University, Massachusetts and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Miranda House College, New Delhi.

In her downtime, Yashita enjoys travelling, listening to music, and taking care of stray animals.

SABINA YASMIN

Associate Director, Financial Wellbeing & Social Protection

Sabina Yasmin is Associate Director, Financial Wellbeing & Social Protection at LEAD, where she leads work on inclusive finance and social protection systems. Her research interests include agricultural economics, rural finance, development economics and applied microeconomics. Sabina is immensely passionate about using her work for the upliftment of marginalised people.

Prior to joining LEAD, she was a faculty in the Department of Economics at SRM University-Amravati where she taught economics to engineering and social science students.

Sabina received her PhD in agricultural insurance from Gauhati University where her doctorate research focused on addressing the issue related to implementation and adaptability of the crop insurance program in India. She has also been a MANF research fellow during her doctorate research. Pursuit of her growing interest in behavioral economics led her to attend a summer school in Tinbergen Institute-University of Amsterdam in Netherlands, where she conducted experiments in the CREED Lab on the effect of appearance on a person’s memory.

When she’s not working, she enjoys cooking and travelling and loves to paint, knit and write poems.

Shanmugam Manoharan

Knowledge Management Specialist

Shanmugam Manoharan is a Knowledge Management Specialist at LEAD, with a strong interest in making research and evidence accessible and actionable. Over the years, he has worked with organisations such as the World Bank, Delhi Assembly Research Centre, and other development institutions, contributing to a range of initiatives on rural development, gender-transformative evaluations, and livelihoods programs.

Shanmugam holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Passionate about the intersection of gender, caste, livelihoods, and social inclusion, Shanmugam is dedicated to delivering people-centered solutions that deliver real impact. Outside work, he enjoys history books, travel, and a good mystery thriller.

MANORANJITHAM S

Admin & Recruitment Officer

Mano Ranjitham is an Admin and Recruitment Officer at LEAD, where she plays a vital role in keeping organisational operations running smoothly. She supports recruitment, manages team databases, and ensures the timely preparation of documentation needed to support both field and central teams.

Mano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai. In her personal time, she finds joy in being with her family and staying rooted through regular spiritual practice.

Subhra Sen

Technical Lead, Research and Insights, (Gender x Digital hub)

Subhra is a Technical Lead of Research and Insights for the Gender x Digital (GxD) hub at LEAD. In the past, she managed programs for the Strategic Support States team at the Central Square Foundation. Her career began in an urban slum, sparking her interest in education and strengthening her passion when she worked with the Vikramshila Education Resource Society. During her Aspirational District Fellowship at NITI Aayog, she learned the importance of leveraging different platforms to inform people about available schemes.

Subhra holds a Master’s degree in Education from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Heritage University, Calcutta.

Subhra finds joy in learning from children in early childhood spaces. A cooking enthusiast, she loves to read and write short stories in local languages. Subhra is also all about eco-friendly living and has a knack for reducing and reusing like a pro!

Rasika Gopalakrishnan

Research Associate (Gender x Digital hub)

Rasika Gopalakrishnan is a Research Associate for the Gender x Digital (GxD) hub at LEAD. Previously, she was a Data Quality Co-ordinator for Sanius Health, a UK-based startup focused on delivering real-time insights to patients with rare genetic conditions.

Rasika holds a Master’s degree in International Human Rights from the University of Denver and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ashoka University.

Rasika is passionate about utilising data-driven research to shape policies that benefit traditionally underserved communities. Away from her office desk, she enjoys reading, swimming, and playing the piano.

Vaidehi Sahasrabhojanee

Policy Associate (Gender x Digital hub)

Vaidehi Sahasrabhojanee is a Policy Associate for the Gender x Digital (GxD) hub at LEAD. Previously, she was associated with the Quality Council of India, where she gained experience in government relations, research, and evaluation.

Vaidehi holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Christ University, Bangalore, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Manipal Centre for Humanities, Manipal.

She is deeply passionate about mental health and human rights, with a keen interest in exploring their intersection within the framework of government policies. Once she clocks off, she indulges in reading, travelling, and listening to rock music.

Ojasvi Bhardwaj

Senior Research Associate, Financial Well-being and Social Protection

Ojasvi Bhardwaj is a Senior Research Associate with the Financial Well-being and Social Protection vertical at LEAD. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant with the University of San Francisco on a study titled ‘Climate and Cooperation Experiment’.

Ojasvi holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi.

Her research interests are focused on the intersection of development economics, climate economics, and behavioral economics. Outside of work, Ojasvi loves capturing moments, stargazing, and cooking, or can be found in a corner endlessly solving sudoku puzzles.

Chetan Kharade

Director, Finance, Grants & IT

Chetan Kharade is a seasoned professional with over three decades of expertise in operations, finance, and strategic management. He has held leadership positions at WELL Labs and Pepe Jeans India, specialising in system automation, financial planning, and operational excellence.

At LEAD, he oversees financial management, grant administration, and technology strategy, ensuring streamlined processes and sustainable growth. Passionate about leveraging technology for efficiency, he also enjoys mentoring professionals.

Chetan is a Certified Cost Accountant from The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Mumbai.

Outside of work, he spends time travelling and reading Indian history.

Shrabani Usashi Mishra

Project Lead, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Shrabani Usashi Mishra leads the STREE initiative under the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. She is a development professional with over 11 years of experience driving social impact across India and the USA. With an MBA in Rural Management from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar and an MPA from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Shrabani blends deep grassroots expertise with a global outlook.

Shrabani’s expertise spans institution building, capacity development, and livelihoods, with a focus on SHGs and FPOs. She also has rich experience in MEL and has worked closely with refugees and asylum seekers, advocating for their rights and well-being.

An avid traveller and a book lover, Shrabani is always eager to explore new places, ideas, and perspectives.

Swati Agrawal

Senior Data Specialist, Data Innovations

Swati Agrawal is a Senior Data Specialist with the Data Innovations vertical at LEAD. As a researcher in Computational Neuroscience, she has made significant contributions through collaborations with institutions like DRDO Delhi and IIT Bombay.

Swati holds a PhD from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-Delhi, along with a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Swati’s expertise spans neuroscience, data analysis, and mental health. She is dedicated to translating research into practical applications to improve mental health and cognitive well-being.

Outside of work, Swati enjoys reading books on human psychology, deepening her understanding of the mind and behaviour.

Dhanan Chezhiyan

Senior Web Developer

Dhananchezhiyan is a Senior Web Developer/Web Master with LEAD. He manages all aspects related to LEAD’s portfolio of websites, including web design, development and ensure they remain updated. Dhanan has over 9 years of experience in creating dynamic, responsive, user-friendly websites and web applications, with a strong foundation in front-end and back-end development.

Dhanan is committed to ensuring the highest standards of quality and accuracy in web projects. He continuously seeks out new knowledge and skills to stay ahead in the fast-evolving web industry. He knows the ins and outs of the prevailing trends in the web creation arena and in the proper management of the same. Dhanan also specialises in assessing deficiencies in the operational systems and troubleshooting.

Dhanan holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications. In his free time, Dhanan enjoys playing cricket and swimming.

CHRISTOPHER GLAN

Data Manager, Data Innovations

Christopher Glan is a Data Manager with the Data Innovations vertical at LEAD. A data whiz, he specialises in data analysis and data cleaning. He has considerable field experience in both urban and rural settings from his previous work.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Anna University.

DIKSHA SINGH

Associate Director, Communications & Outreach

Diksha Singh is a certified knowledge management and communications specialist with over 12 years of experience across large-scale research and innovation programs. At LEAD, she oversees the learning and communications portfolio, working closely with the program teams to drive impactful narratives and data-led advocacy campaigns. Diksha’s work spans diverse sectors, including financial wellbeing, SME growth, women’s empowerment, digital inclusion, and mental health, with a common thread of centring the voices and agency of Global South actors. She has recently completed the Leadership in Strategic Communications certificate program hosted by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs.

Diksha has previously supported policy outreach for a USAID-funded program aimed at promoting digital payment adoption, and synthesized evidence to shape the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s digital inclusion policies. She has also served on the Board of Directors of SEEP Network, which included a member base of over 100 development sector organisations.

She began her professional journey as an analyst with the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). She has also worked with Praja Foundation and Akshara Centre in Mumbai, on initiatives aimed at fostering accountable urban local governance.

Diksha holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.

Elsa Eappen

Senior Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Elsa Eappen is a Senior Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Earlier, she was a Junior Associate with the Fintech for Inclusion team under IIT Madras Research Park’s 10X Initiative.

Elsa holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialisation in Development Studies from Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune.

Elsa is passionate about fostering inclusive economic policies that promote sustainable growth and gender equality. Her work is centred on leveraging data-driven research and innovative approaches to address complex development challenges. Outside work, she enjoys travelling, reading books, and discovering new cafes or eateries.

Vidhika Gadia

Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Vidhika Gadia is a Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. In the past, she worked as a Researcher at ActionAid Association and Programme Coordinator at Udayan Care.

Vidhika holds a Master’s degree in Youth Mental Health from the University of Birmingham, England and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ashoka University.

Vidhika is driven by a deep passion for research on mental health and human rights. When not immersed in work, she indulges in a mix of interests—from sports, music to the world of books. She also loves learning new languages and picking up fresh skills along the way.

Vandana Mohandas

Research Associate, Financial Well-Being and Social Protection

Vandana Mohandas is a Research Associate with the Financial Well-Being and Social Protection vertical at LEAD. Previously, she interned with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the World Food Programme under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Vandana has a Master’s degree in Economics from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Delhi.

A passionate researcher, Vandana is drawn to the themes of gender, behavioural economics and game theory. Away from her office desk, you can find her lost between the pages of a good book, or tackling Rubik’s cubes.

Kunwar Parijat Kumar Singh

Admin Officer

Kunwar Parijat Kumar Singh is an Admin Officer at LEAD. Having worked with organisations like Delhi Technological University, Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited, and the Public Health Foundation of India, he brings over 12 years of experience in project administration.

Kunwar holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Media Production and Management, as well as an MBA in Marketing from IGNOU. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

A culinary enthusiast, Kunwar enjoys experimenting with new recipes and diving into the latest tech trends.

Karan Raj

Senior Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Karan Raj is a Senior Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. In the past, Karan worked as a Research Analyst at NCAER, gaining significant experience in policy research.

Karan holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Christ University, Bangalore.

Karan is passionate about Applied Econometrics. When he’s not deep in data, he finds joy in reading, playing his bass guitar, and attending live theatre.

SANTHOSH KUMAR

Regional Field Manager, Field Operations

Santhosh Kumar is a Regional Field Manager with LEAD. He Joined LEAD in 2010 and has been worked in the capacities of a Project Assistant and Field co-ordinator. He has previously worked on long-term Impact Evaluation of the KGFS Model in Tamil Nadu. He has also managed market research projects for in the domain of consumer products and field studies in public health for WHO.

Santhosh Kumar completed his BBA at MK University.

Prasenjit Samanta

Senior Field Manager, Field Operations

Prasenjit Samanta is a Senior Field Manager with LEAD. He has extensive experience monitoring and supervising survey operations for large-scale assessments and impact evaluations across India.

Some of the projects he has been engaged with include: Targeting the Hard-Core Poor: An Impact Assessment, led by Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Raghabendra Chattopadhyay and Jeremy Shapiro, and a nationally representative study by the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS). He has previously worked with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, on the NFHS and AHS surveys, with UNICEF on a hospital assessment study, and with NCAER as a Field Monitor, where he worked with Prof. Sonalde Desai, Amaresh Dubey, B.L. Joshi, Mitali Sen, Abusaleh Shariff and Reeve Vanneman.

Prasenjit holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Netaji Subhash Open University and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Burdwan. In his free time, he likes to watch good comedic movies, meet people, and learn new things.

Santanu Pramanik, PhD

Research Director

Santanu is a seasoned research leader and statistician, with nearly two decades of experience in steering large-scale data innovation initiatives. As a Research Director at LEAD, Santanu oversees the research portfolio across thematic areas and provides methodological inputs and strategic oversight to guide project implementation. Prior to joining LEAD, Santanu was a Senior Fellow at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Deputy Director of NCAER’s National Data Innovation Centre. He has previously worked as a Research Scientist at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and as a Survey Statistician at NORC, an independent affiliate of the University of Chicago.

Santanu holds a PhD in Survey Methodology from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s degree in Statistics from the University of Calcutta. His interests lie in applying survey and research methods, such as remote monitoring of data collection activities, randomised controlled trials, multilevel modelling, and small area estimation to address critical development issues, such as access to health insurance, family planning, and labour force participation, among others. In his spare time, Santanu enjoys playing board games and bird-watching.

Meenu Jothsna

Research Manager, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Meenu Jothsna is a Research Manager with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Meenu holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai alongside a B. Tech in Biotechnology, from Anna University, Chennai.

Previously, Meenu worked for over six years at the Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore anchoring a cross-section of research and academic responsibilities. She was particularly part of the curriculum development process of a certificate program offered at the institute, titled Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF). Meenu was also a Senior Field Investigator for an IFMR-Harvard University project which aimed to collect evidence on the economic costs of low caloric intake in India.

Her research interests revolve around public policy, health equity and sustainable development. Once she logs off, Meenu enjoys kicking back with classic movies and the latest sitcoms.

Ryan Dsouza

Senior Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Ryan Dsouza is a Senior Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Previously, he worked at Pratham Education Foundation as a part of the Skilling, Entrepreneurship & Livelihoods division. He was also associated with the Rajasthan Grameen Ajeevika Vikas Parishad and Kantar IMRB.

Ryan holds a Master’s degree in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies from SIES College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai.

Ryan is passionate about research weaved around livelihoods and informal labour. Once he clocks off, Ryan enjoys regular cinema, football and takes off on hikes every now and then.

Siva Shanker

Senior Grants Manager

Siva Shanker is a Senior Grants Manager with LEAD. In this role, he works on streamlining finance processes and ensuring that day-to-day finance activities run smoothly.

Siva has over two decades of rich experience in handling finance and admin functions for international NGOs, such as World Vision. He has worked to influence change in many policies and guidelines in the finance and admin areas. He has also served in different parts of the country handling relief projects and rehabilitation efforts, especially during the Super Cyclone, Gujarat earthquake, Malda floods, and the 2004 Tamil Nadu tsunami. He is a certified USAID Grant Management Training professional. Before LEAD, Siva worked with SAATHII as Manager – Finance for the interim period and handled EU, Astrae & UNICEF Grants.

Siva holds a double Master’s degree in Arts and Finance. He is an avid sports enthusiast and has represented his university, district and state in volleyball competitions.

SAKTHIVEL ARUMUGAM

Manager, Creative Design

Sakthivel Arumugam is a Creative Design Manager with LEAD. In this role, he conceptualises and designs knowledge outputs and communication collaterals for projects under LEAD and its initiative, IWWAGE.

Sakthivel has extensive experience in working with agencies, and has handled branding and communication design for clients across industries. Some of his noteworthy campaigns include the Call of the Blue campaign for Yamaha, 10k Challenge Campaign for the Murugappa Group, and packaging design for CavinKare.

Sakthivel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Anna University and a B.sc Vis.Communication from Bharathiar University. He is a sports enthusiast and has represented his university in Kabaddi tournaments. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, reading, and cooking.

Vatsima Tripathi

Research Manager, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Vatsima Tripathi is a Research Manager with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. In the past, Vatsima worked toward researching and evaluating evidence-based solutions geared towards social impact.

Vatsima holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Governance from Azim Premji University and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University.

Her research interests lie at the intersection of livelihoods, gender, and the circular economy. She specialises in mixed methods studies, with a strong focus on qualitative research. When she’s not working, Vatsima likes to unwind by toiling away in her kitchen garden and occasionally takes up painting.

Nelson Mathews Mathuram G

Research Manager, Data Innovations

Nelson Mathews is a Research Manager with the Data Innovations vertical at LEAD. His primary research interests are social protection, public service delivery, and program evaluation.

Before joining LEAD, Nelson worked as a Research Assistant with J-PAL South Asia on a project led by Prof. Namrata Kala (MIT) & Prof. Julieta Caunedo (Cornell). He is interested in leveraging administrative data to inform policy decisions.

Nelson holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Governance from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. He is an avid reader and a footballer.

Pallavi Duggal

Communication Manager

Pallavi works as Manager- Communications & Learning at IWWAGE. She was last working as Communication and Advocacy Manager for Reckitt’s CSR programmes, Dettol’s Banega Swasth India (DBSI) initiative.

As far as her education goes, she has a master’s degree in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She also comes with experience in policy with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. To name a few, she has worked with International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), Aga Khan Foundation, Teach for India, FXB India. She is skilled in strategic communications, advocacy, project management, research, Sociology, data analysis (qualitative) and gender studies. She likes to spend time with her dog, bake cakes and try various cuisines in her free time.

Shivani Vaidyanathan

Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Shivani Vaidyanathan is a Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. In the past, she worked as a Research Intern at J-PAL South Asia and KPMG New Zealand. Shivani was also associated with Red Dot Foundation’s SafeCity project which works to improve the public safety of women and marginalised sections of society.

Shivani has a Bachelor’s degree from Symbiosis International University where she studied Economics as her major and International Relations and Computer Science as minors.

Shivani is deeply passionate about research centred around the intersections of gender. Outside of work, she can most likely be found playing a sport (football being her favourite) or working her way through her music playlist.

PREETHI RAO

Director, Partnerships & Outreach

Preethi Rao oversees the leveraging evidence function (collaborations, training, learning and communications, and innovations) and contributes to strategic decision-making at LEAD. Preethi has served the organisation in various capacities, such as Associate Director, Head – Innovation, Senior Operations Manager, and Researcher (MSME).

As an Innovation Champion, she drives new initiatives and is responsible for conceptualising new areas of interest for the organisation. Prior to heading the Innovation vertical, Preethi has overseen the entire field data collection and digitisation operations (spanning more than 10 states) of LEAD in her capacity as Senior Manager (Operations & Development). Preethi was the Director of the Jaipur Digital Payments Lab at Catalyst, where she oversaw the entire on-ground execution, managed partner/stakeholder relations, managed donor liaison and expectations, anchored M&E and was involved in the production of programmatic learning outputs. For IWWAGE, an initiative of LEAD conducting research on women’s economic empowerment, she serves as the Innovation Lead, assisting in setting up the hub, providing particular assistance in terms of confirming policies and procedures, and setting up outreach protocols in coordination with the team.

Apart from donning multiple hats at LEAD, over the years, Preethi has undertaken interdisciplinary studies on access to finance for small and medium scale enterprises and the influence of macroeconomic policies on the low-income populations. She has also been involved in developing, designing and leading research studies and short term projects in open data, financial inclusion and MSMEs.

Preethi holds a Master’s degree in Management from IFMR Graduate School of Business, where her focus areas were Finance and Marketing.

In her free time, Preethi likes to write poetry, read fiction and watch documentaries on Psychology or experimentation on human behavior.

SHARON BUTEAU

Executive Director

Sharon Buteau combines expansive experience of over 18 years in research and international development, with over 7 years in the field of digital financial services and financial inclusion. Sharon is deeply passionate about finding effective solutions to promote enterprise growth and development, and realising the untapped potential of micro and small businesses.

At LEAD, Sharon focuses on bringing the right combination of talent, expertise and stakeholders together to ensure that investments and efforts are perfectly aligned with the desired goals. Sharon holds significant expertise on how to leverage co-creation, collaborative processes, as well using the power of data from the ground up can improve socio-economic outcomes for individuals, households and enterprises. She has in-depth knowledge in “right-fit research methods” and significant experience in the domain of financial capabilities and well-being, and small business and entrepreneurship development.

Sharon started her journey at LEAD in 2008, when she arrived in India with a strong desire to improve society by producing impactful knowledge that can bring positive change. Prior to joining LEAD, Sharon was an economist with Analysis Group in Montreal, Canada.

Sharon holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the Universite du Quebec a Montreal, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Research Methods from the London School of Economics.

JOHN ARUN

Senior Expert, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

John is a Senior Expert with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. He was instrumental in establishing Catalyst AIC, a Fintech Incubator in Jaipur. His core areas of work range from project design, incubation support, project implementation and monitoring & evaluation.

With an extensive experience of 12 years in the development sector, John has a special interest in MSME growth and finance. His previous experiences include working for Tata Consultancy Services where he implemented a Computer-based Functional Literacy Training program, as well as with the Entrepreneurship Development program under the Bharatiya Yuva Shakthi Trust at Confederation of Indian Industries. He has also partnered in setting up an SME consulting firm.

John holds a Master’s degree from the Madras School of Social Work and an Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Madras University.

A travel bug at heart, he enjoys a spot of farming when he’s not fulfilling his wanderlust. He also volunteers at NGOs providing education to underserved children and vulnerable communities.

Aayesha Saxena

Senior Research Associate, Data Innovations

Aayesha Saxena is a Senior Research Associate with the Data Innovations vertical at LEAD. In the past, she worked as a Consultant with the Institute of Social Studies Trust, International Labour Organization, Institute for Human Development and SEWA on issues related to gender, labour, migration and development.

Aayesha holds an M.Phil from the Centre for Studies in Law and Governance, Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi. Passionate about qualitative research, her interests revolve around questions pertaining to the political economy of development, conflict and gender.

Aayesha loves the outdoors — and enjoys travelling to new places, apart from cooking and watching movies.

Durgesh Pandey

Field Manager, Field Operations

Durgesh Pandey is a Field Manager with the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. He specialises in field team training, monitoring, and managing survey teams across different projects. He has extensive experience in managing field surveys for large-scale impact evaluations in the domains of agriculture, digital financial services, MSME development, women empowerment, and livelihoods.

Prior to joining LEAD, Durgesh worked as a District Coordinator with Ekal Vidyalaya, where he worked on programs that aimed to alleviate poverty in rural parts of India with a focus on both tribal and non-tribal communities.

Durgesh holds a Master’s degree in Social Science and Political Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Dr. R. M. L. Awadh University, a PG Diploma in Rural Development from Indira Gandhi National Open University, and a Diploma in Information Technology from NIIT.

Harshita Pande

Senior Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Harshita Pande is a Senior Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Previously, Harshita was associated with Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH), Delhi as a Research Assistant for a project that studied the housing market of Delhi.

Harshita holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice from TERI School of Advanced Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Delhi.

Her research interests include Development Economics, Livelihood Security, Sustainable Development and Gender Studies. Outside of work, Harshita enjoys exploring new food avenues and can be found reading, painting and whipping up local recipes.

Megha Shree

Senior Research Fellow, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Megha Shree is a Senior Research Fellow with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Previously, she worked with organisations such as Brooke India and People Research on India’s Consumer Economy, where she handled diverse portfolios related to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research.

Megha has a PhD and M.Phil. in Development Studies from the Centre for Jawaharlal Nehru Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

If she’s not busy, Megha can be found spending time with family. She loves cooking, catching up on movies, listening to music, and, above all, resting at home.

Saradha Krishnamoorthy

Research Manager, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Saradha Krishnamoorthy is a Research Manager with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. She has previously worked in various capacities with grassroots organisations in the enterprise space.

Saradha holds a Masters’s degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex and a Bachelor’s degree in Technology from Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy.

Saradha is passionate about economic development, livelihoods and MSMEs growth and directed an in-house social enterprise unit in a previous stint. In her free time, she can be found training in martial arts, travelling and cosying up with a stack of books.

Deboparna Poddar

Research Associate, Financial Well-being and Social Protection

Deboparna Poddar is a Research Associate with the Financial Well Being and Social Protection vertical at LEAD. In the past, she worked for the District Strategic Programme for Maharashtra with GIPE and also interned with Central Square Foundation, One Health Trust and National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.

Deboparna has a Master’s degree in Economics from Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Her research interest lies in gender, labour, and development economics, with a particular passion for model building in labour theory.

When Deboparna steps away from her work, she finds solace in reading postmodernist literature and enjoying the timeless tunes of The Beatles.

Nadashree Mohan

Communications Associate

Nadashree Mohan is a Communications Associate with LEAD. She has a background in economics and policy research. Previously, she worked with ed-tech and software companies in strengthening their digital marketing presence and product development.

Nadashree has a Master’s degree in Politics & International Relations from Pondicherry University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Joseph’s College.

Nadashree is an occasional shutterbug and frequent traveller. In her downtime, you can find her curled up in between the pages of novels or watching reruns of her favourite sitcoms, all with a cup of coffee in hand.

Swathi Murali

Senior Expert, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Swathi Murali is a Senior Strategy & Technical Entrepreneurship Expert with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Previously, she led the Access to Finance and Ease of Doing Business work streams at GAME and set up the MSME and Capacity Building verticals in Haqdarshak after her stints at SELCO Foundation and Wadhwani Center of Entrepreneurship, Indian School of Business.

Swathi has a Master’s degree in Economics from Hyderabad Central University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Miranda House, Delhi University.

Swathi is passionate about building financial and entrepreneurial ecosystems for rural & tribal entrepreneurs and for the renewable energy sector. In her free time, she likes to play the veena, travel and volunteer in the education and health space.

Sudeshna Dey

Senior Research Associate, Health Systems and Quality of Life

Sudeshna Dey is a Senior Research Associate with the Health Systems and Quality of Life vertical at LEAD. An experienced demographer and quantitative researcher, she has over five years of involvement in public health research, program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for large-scale interventions.

Sudeshna holds an M.Phil and a Master’s degree in Population Studies from the International Institute of Population Sciences, Mumbai. Before joining LEAD, she was a Manager of MERL at Karnataka Health Promotion Trust.

Sudeshna is passionate about data-driven decisions and has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in managing projects to advance community health outcomes. Her research interests include public health, gender, adolescent health, and environmental epidemiology. Outside work, Sudeshna finds joy in writing, painting and sketching.

SUJATHA SRINIVASAN

Senior Research Fellow, Institutions and Society

At LEAD, Sujatha Srinivasan is responsible for the design and delivery of key strategic initiatives related to public infrastructure and basic services through a combination of research, outreach and policy advocacy.

Her research interests and portfolio span a range of sectors (include water and sanitation, solid waste management, energy, public health, financial inclusion, livelihoods), across various policy and governance reform areas (public finance management, public-private partnerships, inclusive business models for basic services, eGovernance, monitoring & evaluation). She leads a range of research-policy partnerships with central/sub-national governments in India.

Sujatha is an experienced management professional with over 10 years of multidisciplinary, global experience across practice areas, such as public sector and social sector development, banking and financial services. Prior to her current position, she worked for State Street Corporation (USA), Raytheon (USA) and Citibank (India).

Sujatha holds an MBA from Suffolk University, Boston and a Bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Madras.

Sandra Jose

Senior Research Associate, Financial Well-being and Social Protection

Sandra Jose is a Senior Research Associate with the Financial Well-being and Social Protection vertical at LEAD. Prior to LEAD, Sandra worked with the Institute of Rural Management Anand as an Academic Associate and a Research Associate.

Sandra holds a Master’s degree in Economics (with specialization in Development Studies) from the Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Sociology and Industrial Relations from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. She is interested in a range of development issues, such as gender, informal labour markets, education and waste.

In her free time, Sandra loves to read fiction and watch sitcoms. She is also a proud member of the BTS Army.

Pramod Tiwari

Head, Field Operations

Pramod Tiwari heads the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. He is a seasoned researcher with several years of experience and engagement in rigorous academic and policy research.

Prior to LEAD, he worked in various government health programs, essaying several roles ranging from managing the training of health providers to planning treatment delivery of leprosy patients with the World Health Organization. He also spent 9 years working on a variety of randomised control interventions in health and education in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and his native Rajasthan with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL).

Pramod has worked on evaluations of various kinds across multiple areas such as health, education, financial inclusion, migration, microfinance, and livelihoods.

Some of the studies Pramod has worked on include Improving Health Care Delivery in India (Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, 2009) in Udaipur, Putting a Band-Aid on a Corpse: Incentives for Nurses in the Indian Public Health Care System (Banerjee, Duflo, and Glennerster, 2008), Is Decentralized Iron Fortification a Feasible Option to Fight Anaemia Among the Poorest? (Banerjee, Duflo, and Glennerster, 2009), Economic Decision Making in Poverty Depletes Behavioral Control (Dean Spears, 2010), The Evolving Financial Ecosystem for Micro-Merchants in India (LEAD), NREGA Program with John Dreze and Prof. Amartya Sen (Nobel Prize in economic sciences 1998) and closely worked with Sir Agnus Deaton (Nobel Prize in economic sciences 2015) for Explorations in the Economics of aging.

Pramod holds Master’s degrees, in Chemistry, Public Administration, Sociology, and Business Administration (Human Resources Management), as well as a PG Diploma in Human Rights.

Mahantesh B S

Senior Regional Manager, Field Operations

Mahantesh is a Senior Regional manager with the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. Mahantesh joined LEAD in 2014 as a Field Supervisor and since then has managed field surveys for large-scale impact evaluations across domains such as mental health, agriculture, digital financial services, and MSME development.

Mahantesh has previously worked with Janaagraha as Field Surveyor on a Brown India Initiative Citizenship Index and Jaagte Raho projects.

Mahantesh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Sri Venkateshwara Institute. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, playing cricket and badminton.

Keerthana Ramaswamy

Learning & Communications Manager

Keerthana Ramaswamy is a Learning & Communications Manager with LEAD. She has a background in social work research and community development. Working in the homelessness and mental health space for some years now, Keerthana has been closely involved with evidence-based innovations led and informed by people with histories of disadvantage. Previously, she has anchored multiple portfolios at The Banyan, a non-profit organisation that offers services for those navigating complex trauma and marginalisation.

Keerthana holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Madras School of Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from University of Madras.

Keerthana is deeply interested in a number of cross-cutting stories revolving around the intersections of gender, housing, mental health, pop-culture & inclusion. She has a weak spot for long-form essays, mangoes and dogs, which is possibly the best way to get her talking when she is not hiding under a pillow.

Harshula Sinha

Senior Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Harshula Sinha is Senior Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Previously, she was working in areas dealing with public health, urban development, gig economy, and economic growth. She has also anchored writing and editorial positions.

Harshula holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, New Delhi.

Harshula’s research interests include human development, regulation, and institutional reform. When free, she can most likely be found catching up on public policy longreads or listening to music — occasionally both!

Avdhut Fadanwis

Software Associate, Field Operations

Avdhut Fadanwis is a Software Associate at LEAD. Avdhut has extensive experience in developing applications for CATI-based and in-person field surveys. Avdhut joined LEAD in 2009, prior to which he was working as a freelance programmer.

Avdhut holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Application from Indira Gandhi National Open University. He also holds an ACCP Certification from Aptech Education.

Avdhut is a big cricket fan and his love for the sport goes beyond playing. He has also umpired for the Baroda Cricket Association.

Aditya Tomar

Data Manager, Data Innovations

Aditya Tomar is a Data Manager with the Data Innovations vertical at LEAD. In the past, he worked as a Business Analyst with Swiggy where he leveraged advanced analytics to tackle complex business challenges. Additionally, he also undertook internships at both with LEAD and the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, focusing on data science and research.

Aditya is currently pursuing an integrated Master’s degree from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Programming and Data Science from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

Aditya is passionate about transforming data into actionable insights. When he clocks off, he enjoys staying updated on global innovations and finds solace in spiritual literature.

Preeti Bawa

Head, HR & Administration

Preeti heads the HR & Administration portfolio at LEAD. She is passionate about human-centred workspaces and enjoys connecting threads in the space.

Preeti has more than 17 years of robust experience in Admin and HR Management especially in the Development Sector. Prior to working with LEAD and IWWAGE, she worked as an Administration Manager with Catalyst, an initiative of LEAD. She also worked with FHI 360 for a decade in various capacities including Admin Officer and providing support to the Country Director.

Preeti has an Economics degree from Delhi University, Diploma in Office Management from YMCA, and Operational Management Diploma from MIT, and PGPM from Great Lakes Institute.

Sachin Shrivastava

Manager, Software Development and Programming

Sachin Srivastava is a Software Development and Programming Manager at LEAD. He is primarily involved in developing software, data analysis, and setting up data entry, including databases, for various projects at LEAD. Sachin joined LEAD as a Software Developer and Data Management Associate in 2007 and has worked on a wide range of desktop and web applications as well as devices during this time.

Sachin has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Ravishankar University. He also holds a Diploma in Computer Application from Aptech and a Diploma from the Department of Electronics and Accreditation of Computer Courses.

Sachin is a movie buff and also enjoys swimming and calisthenics in his spare time.

CHOCKALINGAM N

IT Manager

Chockalingam N is an IT Manager at LEAD, leveraging over five years of expertise in the field. He currently manages IT and network administration across LEAD’s operations throughout India

Chokalingam has an Engineering degree in Electronics and Communications from Anna University. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and photography, and is popular in the team for his groovy dance moves.

Kothandam D

Field Manager, Field Operations

Kothandam is a Field Manager with the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. He is currently involved in data collection and field operations for research projects in Chennai. He has been with LEAD since 2009 in various capacities, such as data correction and data quality checks, and has also been a team leader for more than five years.

Kothandam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (CSE) from Anna University. He has a passion for solving mathematical riddles and enjoys playing chess in his free time.

Elankumaran E

Field Manager, Field Operations

Elankumaran is a Field Manager with the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. His diverse professional experience covers marketing, project coordination, and construction supervision. He joined LEAD in 2011 and has monitored various projects in the Micro, Medium, and Small Enterprises (MSME) domain.

Elankumaran’s leadership skills were honed during his tenure as a Project Coordinator at ICDS Centres under UNICEF. He oversaw operations in the tsunami-affected areas of Nagapattinam District, demonstrating his ability to manage complex projects with efficiency and compassion.

Elankumaran holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Loyola College in Chennai along with a PG Diploma in Computer Application from the Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai.

Arul Raj A

Field Manager, Field Operations

Arul Raj is a Field Manager with the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. He is currently responsible for managing field operations in Tamil Nadu and field teams across different projects. He has managed fieldwork for audit studies, randomised control trials, and impact assessments, among others. Arul has worked in both rural and urban areas and has extensive experience in training, piloting and actual administration of field-based surveys.

Prior to joining LEAD in 2007, Arul worked as an interviewer and supervisor with IMRB International, where he had nearly 15 years of experience.

Arul holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Madras. He is a die-hard cricket fan and enjoys winding down with some music.

Abinaya Rengarajan

Senior Research Associate, Health Systems and Quality of Life

Abinaya Rengarajan is a Senior Research Associate with the Health Systems and Quality of Life vertical at LEAD. At present, she is working on an experimental study that seeks to improve the measurement of mortality associated with substance use disorders using verbal autopsies in India.

Before joining LEAD, Abinaya worked as a Research Consultant for the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability, where she aided in the preparation of model gender and child budget statements for the Government of West Bengal.

Abinaya holds a Master’s degree in Economics focusing on International Development from Trinity College, Dublin and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stella Maris College, University of Madras.

Neha Parakh

Senior Project Manager, Financial Well-being and Social Protection

Neha Parakh is a Senior Project Manager with Financial Well-being and Social Protection at LEAD. Her work areas have been around financial inclusion, livelihood, gender, and sustainable farming. With extensive experience in qualitative research, she has had the opportunity to work with government institutions, NPOs, funding agencies, and think tanks. Prior to joining LEAD, Neha was associated with the Better World Initiative program – Genpact’s CSR initiative.

Neha holds a Master’s degree from Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and a Bachelor’s degree from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur.

Neha loves to travel and explore new places, culture, people, and food. In her downtime, she enjoys dancing, singing and spending time with her daughter.

Ameya Dandekar

Data Manager, Data Innovations

Ameya Dandekar is a Data Manager with the Data Innovations vertical at LEAD. With a deep passion and curiosity for behavioural science, he brings rich experience in economics, data analytics, research and psychology.

Ameya has a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Pune, a Master’s degree in Behavioral Science for Management from the University of Stirling, and a Master’s degree in Economics and Psychology from the Paris School of Economics and Panthéon-Sorbonne, where he was a Charpak Scholarship holder.

Ameya’s expertise lies in Econometrics, Game Theory, Behavioural Finance, and Experimental Economics. He finds joy in blending his academic training with real-world data, bringing an unique and powerful perspective to his work.

Priya Jai

Admin and HR Manager

Priya Jai is an Admin and HR Manager at LEAD. Bringing with her over ten years of diverse experience in Administration, Human Resources, and Finance in the non-profit space, she has worked at organisations including SAATHII, Kalanjiyam, and YRGCare.

Priya has a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Madras.

Priya is deeply invested in shaping effective people strategies, developing impactful workplace policies, and enhancing internal systems and processes. She finds solace in the pages of books, nurturing her garden, and cherishing quality time with her loved ones.

Sutapa Majumdar

Senior Research Fellow, Financial Well-being and Social Protection

Sutapa Majumdar is a Senior Research Fellow with the Financial Well-being and Social Protection vertical at LEAD. A sociologist by training, Sutapa has over a decade of experience working in the development sector on issues of gender, health, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, urban consumption and the Indian labour market. In particular, she has been working closely with sexually marginalised communities across South Asia for research and advocacy on sex work and human rights.

Sutapa holds a PhD in Economics and an M. Phil in Sociology with a specialisation in gender from the University of Pune. Sutapa is a British Academy Fellow with the School of Global Affairs, King’s College London and recently concluded her postdoctoral research with the Laws of Social Reproduction Project, a collaborative effort between King’s College London and IWWAGE, New Delhi.

When not at work, Sutapa is happiest exploring new places and spending meaningful time with friends and family.

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Sayan Bhattacharjee

Executive, Field Operations

Sayan Bhattacharjee is a Field Executive with the Field Operations vertical at LEAD. He has extensive experience in training field personnel, monitoring, and management of survey teams across different projects and geographies. He has managed field surveys for large-scale impact evaluations across domains such as agriculture, digital financial services, enterprise surveys, and women empowerment. Most recently, he was engaged in managing the fieldwork for an IIED study on climate change, in Jodhpur and Barmer.

Sayan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Jaipuria College, Kolkata. In his free time, he enjos playing cricket and experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen.

SUMIRAN ARDHAPURE

Research Associate, Financial Well-being and Social Protection

Sumiran Ardhapure is a Research Associate with the Financial Well-being and Social Protection vertical at LEAD.

Prior to joining LEAD, Sumiran worked as a research assistant at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics on a project measuring the impact of chronic stress on economic decision making.

Sumiran holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor’s degree in the same subject from Fergusson College, Pune.

He enjoys deconstructing inequality and its various interconnections, particularly its combined implications on economic-decision making and poverty. In his spare time, Sumiran whips up homemade recipes, reads for pleasure, makes art and plays the occasional football.

Ramkumar Parameswaran

Head, Finance and Grants

Ramkumar Parameswaran heads the finance function of LEAD and supports strategic oversight and monitoring compliance, analysis, and procedural aspects of grant-making at LEAD. He has over two decades of rich experience in handling controllership, finance operations, and business finance integrations in various industries including startups and private equity across India, Malaysia, Dubai, and the US.

Ramkumar holds an M.B.A in Finance from Indra Gandhi National University and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Hons.) from Delhi University.

A strategist with recognized proficiency in spearheading business to accomplish corporate plans and goals successfully, Ramkumar identifies himself as a people lover, most comfortable in cross-cultural environments. When he’s not at work, you can find Ramkumar switching off with a game of sports or catching up on the latest buzz surrounding his favourite teams and athletes.

Ridhi Aggarwal

Senior Research Associate, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Ridhi Aggarwal is a Research Associate with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment vertical at LEAD. Her areas of interest include labor markets, women’s studies and public policy.

Ridhi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University and is also a Young India Fellowship (batch 2017-2018) from Ashoka University.

When she is not working on a deadline, Ridhi likes to indulge herself in a dance-off with the mirror or a recall of the feminist periodic table by Marisa Bate.

Debdulal Thakur

Senior Research Fellow, Small, Growing Businesses and Employment

Debdulal Thakur is a Senior Research Fellow with the Small, Growing Businesses and Employment at LEAD.

An economist by training, Debdulal has extensively worked in the areas of fiscal policy, budgets, urban finance and economics of education for the last sixteen years. He has previously worked with the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Pricewaterhouse Coopers India, BITS-Pilani and Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies. Debdulal has actioned diverse project-base portfolios funded by the UNDP, UNICEF, ADB and DFID related to budgets and public expenditure, especially geared towards strengthening the fiscal and governance position of the urban local bodies in India.

Debdulal earned his MPhil and PhD from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He also holds a Master’s in Economics from Kalyani University in West Bengal. In his free time, Debdulal enjoys catching the latest movie, travelling, cooking and above all, loves to take a nap.