BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Gladys Sumithra
Treasurer & Founder Trustee
Dr. Gladys Sumithra holds a PhD in Economics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. She served for 25 years as Senior Director of the Planning Department, Government of Karnataka, and later as Senior Scientist in the office of the Additional Chief Secretary for Public Works and Housing.
She is actively involved in civil society development and serves on the governing boards of several educational institutions and non-profits in Bengaluru.
Mr. Thomas Paul
Managing Trustee
With a Master’s degree in technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Mr. Thomas Paul brings decades of experience in both the private sector and social development. He served as the Superintendent/Director of the Methodist Technical Institute at Vadodara, Gujarat and later as the General Secretary of Skills for Progress, an all-India network of over 200 vocational training institutions. For the past few years, he has been a freelance consultant to various international organizations.
His main forte has been community development and livelihood training for marginalized children and youth. His passion has been to help people realize and unleash the God given potential within them. He currently manages the day-to-day functioning of Development Focus.
Dr. P. Sethu
Founder Trustee
Dr. Sethu serves as the Director of Indienhilfe, India, a charity focused on empowering children from economically and socially weaker backgrounds. For over 30 years, he has been passionate about analysing and finding solutions for the empowerment of children, youth, and women and has led various national and international projects and delegations.
Besides serving on the Board of several organizations and institutions, he also provides consultation on administration and finance to several other organizations.
Dr. Hannah Anandaraj
Trustee
Dr. Hannah Anandaraj holds a doctorate in Social Sciences with a focus on Medical and Psychiatric Social Work. She previously worked as a Reader (Associate Professor) at Osmania University. With many publications to her credit, she also serves as a guide to research students. She has served on the boards of many organizations and committees. She was the Chairperson of the board of World Vision India and a member of the World Vision International Board.
She is currently an evaluator for a Child Safety Net program in Andhra Pradesh. Coming alongside, she encourages and enables Child-Centred NGOs to build on their strengths and overcome challenges, which has been a deeply rewarding experience.
Meet the Team
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Meena Jebaraj
Finance & Admin Executive
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Bijay Kumar Suna
Program Manager
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Saroj Kumar Chhatria
Program Coordinator
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Deepika Ekka
Project Coordinator
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Ann Mary Jimmy K
Project Coordinator
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Nancy Chandrasekhar
Asst. Project Coordinator
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Madhavi
Office Assistant
Jharkhand Teams
District : Ranchi
Block : Tamar
Back row from Left to Right:
Dina Bandhu Singh Munda (Block Project Officer), Deen Bandhu Singh Munda (Cluster Facilitator),
Baldeo Munda (Social Worker), Dhan Kumar Munda (Team Lead)
Front row from Left to Right:
Anjali Bala Singh (Samaj Sakhi), Lakshmi Kumari Gajapati (Social Worker),
Pushpa Kumari (Samaj Sakhi), and Shabnam Barla (Leadership Academy Facilitator)
District : Ranchi
Block : Silli
From Left to Right:
Akshita Dhan (Leadership Academy Facilitator), Chameli Kumari (Samaj Sakhi),
Renu Kumari (Samaj Sakhi), Kiran Kumari (Samaj Sakhi),
Amit Topno (Team Lead)
Districts : Gumla & Simdega
Blocks : Basia & Bano
From Left to Right :
Mathuel Naik (Block Project Officer), Anik Bara (Leadership Academy Facilitator),
Ruby Tirkey (Project Manager), Komal Lakra (Leadership Academy Facilitator),
Niman Tirkey (Block Project Officer)