Senior Management Team

Prasad Balasaheb Zaware - Senior Manager, Resource Mobilisation Unit

Prasad has expertise in management and agriculture, Prasad excels in portfolio management, liaising with agencies, content development, business analysis, client management, product marketing, and proposal development. He holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering and an MBA in Agri-Business Management. Before joining CYDA, Prasad worked with Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, Krishi Jagran, and Yuva Mitra. His role involves extensive travel, reflecting his commitment to fieldwork and client engagement.

Rajesh Rajak - Manager, Resource Mobilisation Unit

Rajesh has 18 years of rich experience and a diverse skill set. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and specialises in Balwadi and Non-formal Education & Training. Rajesh excels in program conceptualization, strategy development, and management, particularly on a large scale at the state and national levels. His expertise focuses on sustainable development, education, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation, employing systemic and interdisciplinary approaches. Throughout his career, Rajesh has significantly contributed to various esteemed organizations, including Gram Mangal, Watershed Organisation Trust, Indian Pollution Control Association, Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, and Bhartiya Jain Sanghatana. His dedication to education and community development has been recognized, notably being felicitated for "Proud to be a Teacher" by Aman Setu, Pune, in 2010. Outside of work, Rajesh enjoys travelling and indulging in art and craft, particularly Warli Painting, reflecting his creativity and cultural expression.

Anita Ramakant Jannu - Finance Coordinator

Anita brings 13 years of experience in finance and accounting to her role. Anita holds an MCVC in PSK and a B.Com degree. Her expertise includes billing, TDS, GST working, and proficiency in Tally ERP 9, Tally Prime, and MS Excel. Before joining CYDA, Anita served as Accounts Head at Dynamic Distributor, where she honed her skills in financial management and operational efficiency. She also gained valuable experience at Asian Books Pvt Ltd. Outside of her professional commitments, Anita enjoys cooking and reading, reflecting her diverse interests and balanced lifestyle.

Priya Pharande - Program Manager, Youth Unit

Priya has a strong background in youth empowerment, life skills, and gender and sexual reproductive health rights. She holds a Bachelor's in Pharmacy (BPharm) and a Master's in Social Work (MSW) specializing in Urban and Rural Community Development. With seven years of professional experience, Priya has gained extensive experience in youth development, community projects, and advocacy. She has worked at MASUM, Parisar, and Oxfam India and has six months of freelance research and training consultancy experience. Priya's diverse interests in writing, music, reading, painting, literature, movies, and travel enhance her creativity and perspective in her work.

Ankita Rudrappa Sutar - Specialist, Youth Unit

Ankita armed with an MA in CSR and a BA in Sociology, she focuses on youth social impact programs. Ankita excels as a trainer, program manager, and facilitator of collaboration and teamwork. With eight years of experience, Ankita has significantly contributed to various organizations, including the Magic Bus Foundation, Aadhunvia Consultance, the All India Institute of Self-Government, MeljoL, and the Akshara Centre. Beyond her professional work, Ankita enjoys travelling, trekking, and photography, showcasing her adventurous spirit and creative flair.

Umesh Dhananjay Chavan - Project Coordinator, Skilling Unit

Umesh is a versatile professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Urban and Rural Community Development and a Diploma in Fabrication. His expertise includes skilling, youth development, and rural development, with skills in program management, teamwork, multitasking, anchoring, and public speaking. With eight years of experience, Umesh has significantly contributed to organizations such as Lokgaurav Village Development Foundation, Aarit Rural Development Foundation, ACH Bejobbed Foundation, Civil Hospital, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Outside work, Umesh enjoys travelling, trekking, and photography, reflecting his passion for exploration and adventure.

Swati Baban Shirtar - Program Manager, Gender Unit

Swati holds an MSW in Family and Child Welfare. Her expertise encompasses gender issues, menstrual hygiene, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). With a strong focus on training, project management, collaboration, coordination, and supportive teamwork, Swati has dedicated 11 years to the social sector, primarily at CYDA. Swati's commitment to improving gender equality and promoting menstrual hygiene highlights her dedication to social welfare and community development. Her extensive experience and specialized knowledge make her a key contributor to the initiatives she leads.

Amol Shewale - Program Manager, Adolescent Unit

Program Manager, Adolescent Unit Amol holds a Master's in Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, he possesses a unique skill set. Over his seven-year career in the social sector, including six years at CYDA, Amol has demonstrated a strong commitment to community impact. He has also enriched his experience with a brief stint at the Karve Institute of Social Service and participation in the YES Foundation Fellowship. Amol's expertise includes project management, Management Information Systems (MIS), documentation, and proposal writing. He is proficient in tools like Power BI for data analysis, essential for optimizing program outcomes. Beyond his professional work, Amol enjoys movies, drama, reading, and travelling, which contribute to his creativity, empathy, and cultural awareness.

Pramodini Naik - Specialist, Education Unit

Pramodini holds an MSW in Family and Child Welfare and NET and SET qualifications. With a strong foundation in education, adolescent development, and gender equality, her skills include project planning, management, capacity building, POSH training, research, documentation, and monitoring and evaluation. Over her 16-year career, Pramodini has held various impactful roles. She spent six years at Intervida-Awakening Jagriti, where she shaped educational programs to empower adolescents and create gender-sensitive environments. At Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, where she dedicated five years, she focused on progressive pedagogical approaches and holistic student development. Her six-year tenure at BARTI showcased her commitment to educational excellence and inclusive practices. Her deep grasp of education and adolescent development intricacies, along with a firm dedication to gender equality, marks her as a leading force for change and innovation in the education sector. Beyond her professional work, Pramodini enjoys exploring new ideas, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and contributing to community initiatives.

Govind Bhosale - Manager, Support Unit

Govind specialized in Public Health, with a rich educational background that includes a Bachelor's in Zoology, a Master's in Health Sciences, an MPH, a PGCC in Gender Studies, and an Intensive Diploma in German Language. With a decade of experience, Govind has worked extensively in India with WHO, Action Against Hunger-India, The Ministry of Rural Development GoI, and AFARM, as well as in the United Kingdom with Equity Research and Insights Pvt Ltd. His exposure to various public health issues and interventions is comprehensive, covering mixed methods research, systematic reviews, epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation, and data management. Govind is recognized for his team management skills, having received the Best Project Team Award twice, highlighting his effectiveness in multidisciplinary settings. Beyond his professional expertise, Govind's interests in photography, poetry, cooking, and teaching enhance his creativity, communication, and engagement abilities within and beyo2nd the public health sphere.

Soumyashree Mohanty - Specialist, Support Unit

Soumyashree holds an M.Phil in Sociology. With a strong foundation in research and documentation, her skills include qualitative and quantitative research, content creation, and documentation. Over her 5-year career, Soumyashree has held various roles such as Research Assistant at the National AIDS Research Institute (ICMR), Senior Fellow on a UGC project, Research Assistant at Bharatiya Jain Sanghtan, Guest Faculty at Rajdhani Government College. She has also co-authored two research publications. Beyond her professional work, Soumyashree enjoys exploring spiritual dimensions, travelling, and expressing her creativity through painting.