Saundarya Rajesh

Saundarya Rajesh is a social activist, indian entrepreneur, and author. She is widely recognized for her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She’s the founder and president of Avtar Group, and is praised for developing the idea of second careers for women in corporate India. She directs Project Puthri, a program that gives disadvantaged girls jobs of age from 13 to 18. In recognition of her efforts, the Minister of Women and Child Development named her one of India's "100 Women Achievers" in 2016. In 2016, she was given the Women Changing India Award by the NITI Aayog and the UN. Saundarya Rajesh was born in Bengaluru, India, in 1968.

She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Madras University. Later as she graduated before entering the business sector, she worked as a journalist. Saundarya has also won many awards and recognition for her work- '100 Women Achievers of India' by the Minister of Women and Child Development in the year 2016, The Women Transforming India Awards from the NITI Aayog and the United Nations in the year 2016, The Padma Shri, fourth highest civilian award, by the Government of India in the year 2018, Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the year 2019.

She has written a few books, and some of her notable works were the 99 Day Diversity Challenge: Creating an Inclusive Workplace in the year 2015, Second Career: Reinventing Your Life After a Break in the year 2016, Project Puthri: Empowering Underprivileged Girls Through Education and Employment in the year 2018. Saundarya Rajesh's contributions to promoting inclusivity and empowering women in the workplace have had a profound impact, not just in Tamil Nadu but across India. Her dedication and efforts have solidified her reputation as a respected entrepreneur and social activist in the country.

She was even awarded a Chevening Scholarship by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom in 2005 and chosen for the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) by the US government. Saundarya began her career at Citibank before working as a producer and compere for All India Radio and Doordarshan between 1992-1995 while also serving as part-time faculty at MOP Vaishnav College for Women. Saundarya Rajesh is the leading voice for workplace gender equality. Her efforts have increased chances for women in Indian business and helped spread awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion. She is an inspiration to women worldwide, and her work has had a profound effect on the lives of millions of people.