Our Team

Our team combines seasoned as well as passionate and young professionals, bringing together diverse experiences and expertise.

Management & Governance

Zeeshan Ali Arfi

Co-founder & Managing Director

Zeeshan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Social Shapes Foundation. He has a background in product design, project planning, and operations management and demonstrates expertise in program design, implementation, youth development, community-based organizations, partnership management, and digital solution development.

Previously, as a Specialist at MicroSave Consulting (MSC), he effectively managed strategic relationships with various organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Making Cents International, BRAC Bangladesh, Shakti Foundation for Development of Women, India Post Payments Bank, Barefoot College International, Odisha Livelihood Mission, and NITI Aayog, among others.

Before his tenure at MicroSave, Zeeshan was National Product Manager at Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, where he successfully introduced banking products and digital lending solutions. He oversaw micro-banking operations and played a crucial role in Ujjivan’s transformation into a fully-fledged bank. Additionally, Zeeshan has held various positions at PRADAN, HDFC Bank, and Adhikar Microfinance, concentrating on youth development and providing financial assistance to clients at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

Siddharth Gupta

Director, Finance & Strategy

Siddharth is a Chartered Accountant and a law graduate with over 12 years of experience in the tax and regulatory domain. He has provided advisory services to clients (including Fortune 500 companies) across corporate tax, international tax, tax litigation support, M&A-related advisory, and other regulatory matters.

Manasi Narasimhan

Senior Advisor (Non-Executive)

Manasi is an experienced marketing and communications professional who recently made a pivot to the social impact space. She has over 2 decades of experience across some of India’s top organisations including Hindustan Unilever, Turner, Godrej and Mastercard. She now leads external engagements, ie communications, fundraising and all partnerships at CEGIS Foundation (The Center for Effective Governance of Indian States).

In addition to her work with CEGIS, she advises Social Shapes Foundation on all communications, outreach and partnerships. She also hosts a marketing podcast with Manifest, a trade marketing publication and gives guest lectures at leading universities.

Manasi holds an undergraduate BA (H) degree in economics from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi and an MBA from IIM Bangalore.

Vishal Kumar

Senior Advisor, Digital Initiatives

Vishal brings 18+ years of experience in digital transformation and AI innovation to advance technology for social good. As a marketing leader who has built world-class brands for Apple, Pernod Ricard, and Sennheiser, he understands how technology can create meaningful human connections at scale.

Currently Founder of LEAPX AI, where he has pioneered India’s first conversational AI Agent for Advertising, scaling the platform to serve 300+ businesses. His unique perspective combines deep marketing expertise with hands-on AI development experience.

A lifelong learner and self-starter, Vishal is committed to the philosophy of continuous improvement—helping organizations leverage cutting-edge technology to create 1% better outcomes for the communities they serve, every single day.

Prachi Agarwal

Advisor (Non-Executive)

Prachi is the co-founder of Social Shapes Foundation. She has over ten years of work experience in social research, data analysis, information design and communication, data representation, program and training design and curation, and capacity building. She is passionate about working with youth and the subject of Capacity to Aspire. She has previously worked in policy research and implementation roles and has a Management degree from Xavier’s Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar.

Parul Agarwal

Senior Advisor (Non-Executive)

Parul Agarwal leads the measurement function at the Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS). She supports the design and implementation of solutions to strengthen data systems in state governments.

Previously, she was associated with LEAD at Krea University in India, where she headed the financial inclusion team and managed the organization’s research portfolio under this thematic area. She actively participated in designing and implementing experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluation studies relevant to policy and practice. These included evaluations of government programs, programs by development institutions, and innovative products, services, and delivery channels.

Parul holds a Master’s degree in Rural Management from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University.

Athar Hussain

Manager - Administration

Athar has a decade of work experience across domains like customer service automation and office administration. He is an IT professional who has worked with companies like Airtel to automate their customer support backend processes. He likes to travel and interact with the village youth.

Design Team

Anju

Senior Progam Officer

Anju is a dedicated development professional with over 9 years of experience driving impactful initiatives in project planning, design, and implementation. Her core expertise lies in Project Management, planning, networking, and advocacy. Anju has contributed to transformative work with reputable organizations, including Bodh Shiksha Samiti, ChildFund India, Ashoka University, and Indus Action. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences-Tuljapur, Maharashtra, equipping her with a strong foundation for fostering social change.

Suchaita Tenetti

Curriculum Design Consultant

Suchaita has a PhD in Sociology from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, with a focus on gender studies and disability studies. She combines her interest in social justice with her training in Education and Literature and has over five years of experience in the education and development sectors as a teacher, teacher trainer, curriculum designer and researcher

Implementation Team

Itishree Panda

Program Manager, Vikalp

Itishree manages Vikalp program implementation across Odisha. She was previously a Team Leader based in the picturesque district of Gajapati, Odisha. With her strong academic foundation—she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science and a Master’s in Social Work from the esteemed National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar—she embodies dedication and expertise in her field.

Passionate about community development, Itishree focuses on empowering rural youth and children, especially those from the marginalized ‘Saora’ Tribal community. Understanding their unique challenges allows her to craft tailored initiatives promoting their growth and self-sufficiency.

In her role, Itishree catalyzes change, leading innovative interventions that foster community engagement and drive positive social transformation. She believes in the power of collaborative efforts, working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that development is sustainable and meaningful to those she serves. Her commitment to social justice and tireless efforts to uplift the underprivileged are evident in all her endeavors, making her a valuable leader and advocate for the communities she represents.

Shishira Nayak

Team Leader

Shishira Nayak is a dynamic and dedicated professional with a solid academic background in Zoology, having graduated from Karuna Shanti Residential College, Berhampur, in 2019. His commitment to community welfare is exemplified through his roles with the Odisha Government, where he served as a Block Resource Coordinator for the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing on sanitation and public health initiatives that significantly impacted local communities.

Following this, he took on the role of Hostel Superintendent at his alma mater, where he honed his leadership skills and contributed to the well-being of students. In February 2024, Shishira joined Social Shapes Foundation as a Learning Group Officer, channeling his passion for community development into impactful educational programs.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Shishira is an avid traveler and enjoys anchoring events, which allow him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This friendly nature fuels his motivation and energy, making him a vibrant presence in any initiative he undertakes. Whether he is leading a project or engaging with community members, Shishira’s enthusiasm for making a difference shines through in all he does.

Laxmipriya Muduli

Trainer

Laxmipriya Muduli completed her schooling from Gopikantapur High School in 2017 and pursued her Higher Secondary education in Science from Sarala Residential Higher Secondary School in 2019. She later graduated with Zoology Honours.

Before joining Social Shapes Foundation, she worked as a Science and Mathematics teacher in a government-aided school for two years and later served as a Botany faculty member at a residential science college for one and a half years.

Laxmipriya is passionate about teaching, reading books on philosophy and biographies, travelling, and learning about different cultures. She believes strongly in supporting the younger generation and helping rural youth build confident and meaningful futures.

As a Trainer with the Vikalp programme, she works closely with young people to create supportive learning spaces that encourage confidence, awareness, and informed decision-making.

Puja Pandey

Senior Learning Group Officer

Puja Pandey is a dedicated educator with a BA in Education (Honours) and a PGDCA computer certification. With six months of teaching experience in a primary school, she has demonstrated her commitment to fostering learning and development in young minds. Her journey with Social Shapes Foundation began as a beneficiary, but she ascended to the Learning Group Officer (LGO) position in Jharsuguda, Odisha through determination and hard work. In this role, Puja empowers young people in her community by guiding them towards fulfilling career paths.

Puja’s commitment to education is unwavering. She is particularly passionate about creating inclusive and accessible learning environments, firmly believing in the power of education and aspirations development to empower individuals and communities. Beyond her professional commitments, Puja enjoys expressing her creativity through Rangoli and Mehendi designs and exploring new places.

Chinmayee Benia

Senior Learning Group Officer

Chinmayee completed her higher education in the Science Stream in 2021. With two years of hands-on experience at a Computer center, she has developed a solid foundation in basic computer skills, which she continues to expand in her current role.

In August 2023, she joined Social Shapes Foundation as a Vikalp Saathi. After undergoing rigorous on-the-job learning and development programs, she became a Learning Group Officer (LGO) in her hometown. Chinmayee is passionate about her work and dedicated to community engagement. She often connects Read Morewith people from similar rural backgrounds and actively participates in children’s educational activities.
A multifaceted individual, Chinmayee balances her professional life with her interests in sports and dance. She is a remarkable athlete, holding a belt in Karate and proudly participating in district and state-level competitions. Her adventurous spirit drives her to explore new places, enriching her experiences and cultural understanding.

Jhilli Sabar

Senior Learning Group Officer

Jhili Sabar is a dedicated and determined young professional with a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications from Bharatpati Mahavidyalaya in Samantiapoli, Ganjam, in 2023. Her professional journey began as a Vikalp Saathi with Social Shapes Foundation, where she effectively applied her academic knowledge in a practical setting. Jhili’s commitment and eagerness to learn led her through various development programs, resulting in a well-deserved promotion to the role of Learning Group Officer in Ganjam, Odisha. She is now a Senior Learning Group Officer.

As a community champion, Jhili educates the youth and helps them build a better future in her Gram Panchayat and the surrounding areas. This role aligns closely with her aspiration to become a teacher and is a testament to her dedication and competence.

Beyond her professional commitments, Jhili has a love for travel. She finds joy in exploring new places and capturing the essence of her adventures through photography, showcasing her creativity and appreciation for the beauty around her.

Rajendra Dalei

Learning Group Officer

Rajendra Dalei comes from Mahalimba village in Ganjam district, Odisha. He completed his Higher Secondary education in Science from Chikiti Mahavidyalaya in 2020.

Following his studies, Rajendra moved to Kolkata, where he worked in the customer support sector for nearly two years with Innovation Call Service Pvt. Ltd. and Telemart Call Service Pvt. Ltd.

These experiences helped him build strong communication skills, professional discipline, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Rajendra has been actively engaged with rural youth and communities through the Vikalp programme. As a Learning Group Officer, he works closely with young people to support their educational journeys, strengthen their confidence, and help them make informed choices about their future.

Coming from a rural background himself, Rajendra deeply understands the aspirations and challenges of first-generation learners. He believes that timely guidance, encouragement, and community-based support can play a transformative role in shaping the lives of young people.

Umakanta Digal

Mentor, Maargdarshan | Manager, Training

Umakanta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science with Honors in Zoology from Berhampur University and a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Utkal University. He is passionate about empowering individuals and has devoted his career to education and community development.

With extensive experience in various roles, Umakanta has contributed to a range of esteemed organizations, including Child Care Institution (House Father), Sericulture Department (Technical Inspector), and Social Shapes Foundation (Learning Group Officer).

In addition to his professional endeavors, Umakanta is a creative individual with a love for writing and composing Christian devotional songs. He is deeply committed to mentoring rural youth, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Children hold a special place in his heart, and he cherishes every opportunity to teach, guide, and learn from them. Umakanta embodies the roles of a dedicated educator, youth motivator, and music composer, feeling grateful for the opportunities he has had to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Umakanta looks forward to continuing his journey of empowerment and enrichment within the community.

Smrutirekha Nayak

Mentor, Maargdarshan | Manager, IT Operations

Smrutirekha Nayak is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications from the Government Autonomous College in Phulbani, Kandhamal, Odisha.

Her professional career began as a Software Engineer at Auxiliobits Technology in Ajitgarh, Punjab. She then gained two years of experience as a Teacher at Carmel Computer Center in Baliguda, Kandhamal, Odisha. In pursuit of her long-held dream, she joined the NGO SWATI (Social Welfare Agency & Training Institute) as a Field Coordinator for the Target Intervention (TI) project in the Kandhamal district, collaborating with OSACS (Odisha State AIDS Control Society) and NACO(National AIDS Control Organization). In this capacity, she focused on crucial public health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis prevention, making significant contributions to the region’s public health.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Smrutirekha has a strong interest in traveling and exploring new places, which enhances her ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She actively participates in cultural activities, including Rangoli, drama, dance, and music, reflecting her appreciation for various artistic expressions.

Ranjita Sahu

Mentor, Maargdarshan

Ranjita Sahu holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the NIIS Institute of Information Science and Management, Bhubaneswar. As a mentor with the Maargadarshan Program at Social Shapes Foundation, she plays a vital role in guiding rural and tribal youth toward sustained educational engagement and career readiness.

Ranjita is passionate about working closely with students—especially first-generation learners—to help them stay connected to education and explore meaningful futures. Her work focuses on reducing dropout rates, offering personalized mentorship, supporting career planning, overcoming personal and academic challenges, and building confidence in their abilities.

Sibaram Nayak

Mentor, Maargdarshan

Sibaram is a dedicated educator and youth mentor with a strong academic foundation in science and education. He holds a B.Sc. (Botany Honours) from Khallikote Autonomous College, Odisha, and a B.Ed. from Asha College of Education, Andhra Pradesh, along with a PGDCA that strengthens his digital skills.

His journey with Social Shapes Foundation reflects steady growth and commitment to community education. He began as a Vikalp Saathi (community volunteer), progressed to Trainee Learning Group Officer (TLGO), and now serves as a Mentor in the Maargdarshan Program, supporting adolescents in partner schools to build confidence and make informed academic choices.

Known for his sincerity and rapport with rural and tribal students, Sibaram brings patience and encouragement to his mentorship. He enjoys reading, plantation activities, and cricket.