Our Trustees
Sumitra Mishra, Managing Trustee
Sumitra Mishra is the Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Creches, India. Sumitra makes significant contribution towards the design and development of programmes and policies that promote childcare provisions as an entitlement for women informal workers in India, and globally.
Previously, she was the Country Head of iPartner India, and has worked with Sense International India and National Association for the Blind. She is a TEDX speaker, has published pieces to her credit, and is a regular speaker at platforms highlighting the intersection of early childhood, gender, labour, and education.
She is a passionate believer in equal rights and opportunities for marginalised women and children.
Dr Neetu Sharma, Trustee
Dr Neetu Sharma is a seasoned development researcher with over 24 years of expertise in socio-legal and policy research, particularly focusing on child rights and food security. She is currently Co-Director at the Centre for Child and the Law (CCL) at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore. In this role, Dr. Sharma provides strategic leadership, oversees partnership building, and ensures the sustainability of the Centre’s initiatives.
As the Programmatic Lead on the right to food and nutrition at CCL, Dr. Sharma drives research, capacity building, and collaboration efforts with both state and non-state actors, within India and internationally. Her work with national and international NGOs prior to joining CCL has solidified her influence in the social development arena across India and South Asia.
Dr. Sharma is a member of several national and international committees and networks, advocating for child rights and food security. Her dedication lies in harnessing the power of law and policy for social transformation.
KN Gopinath, Trustee
KN Gopinath brings over 32 years of experience in the social sector.
Currently, he is the Executive Director of Dhwani Foundation, where he leads the strategic direction and growth of the organization, enhancing the operational systems and visibility of grassroots NGOs. Prior to this, Gopinath had a long tenure as Executive Director (Operations) at The Association of People with Disabilities (APD) in Bengaluru.
Gopinath also serves as the Managing Trustee of Motivation India, part of Motivation UK, specializing in wheelchair provision. He actively collaborates with NGO leaders to bolster credibility and accountability within the sector. Recognized as a thought leader, he contributes to ethical standards and education in disability services. He holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work and is a Certified Common Purpose Graduate.
Saleem Khan, Trustee
Saleem Khan is the Director of Philanthropy for Asia and Africa at The Bridgespan Group. Before joining Bridgespan, he was instrumental at the British Asian Trust for nearly six years, initially as India Director, where he established the Trust’s presence in India, and subsequently as Executive Director of Global Markets, expanding the Trust’s reach and impact across South Asia.
Prior to his tenure at the British Asian Trust, Saleem served as the Chief Executive of United Way of India, where he significantly advanced their mission.
He brings nearly two decades of private sector experience, primarily in financial services, having held senior management roles at Citibank NA, Aviva, and Godrej GE.
Saleem’s extensive background bridges both corporate and philanthropic worlds, driving impactful change across diverse sectors.
Meenakshi Batra, Trustee
Meenakshi Batra is a distinguished international development expert with over 30 years of global experience. She specializes in strategic leadership, organizational development, program management, and corporate social responsibility. Meenakshi has spearheaded humanitarian efforts and large-scale initiatives in India, Afghanistan, and Indonesia, and worked across South and Southeast Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
As the former CEO of Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India, she championed philanthropy and CSR, engaging over 300 corporations and supporting thousands of non-profits. She has held leadership roles with Americares, Save the Children, ChildFund, and War Child, among others. Recognised with several awards, Meenakshi is a thought leader in development and philanthropy. She serves on multiple non-profit boards and advisory committees.
Meenakshi holds a Postgraduate degree in Child Development and Family Welfare, with advanced studies in environmental education, gender, and leadership.
