Mr. A.K. Singh is the Founder Managing Trustee and Director of LEADS. He holds a Postgraduate degree in Rural Development from XISS, where he was honored with the Best Award for Social Work in 1995. Represented India in the G20 summit, 2023 from leads. With extensive expertise in a wide range of issues, including the RTE Act 2009, Participatory Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Budget Analysis, the SDGs, Right to Information, Policy Advocacy, Government Schemes and Entitlements, Constitutional and Child Rights, and Livelihood Planning, Mr. Singh has established himself as a leading resource in these areas.

He has gained 29 years of experience as well as both national and international exposure, facilitating events at various levels and being recognized for his contributions. Currently, Mr. Singh serves as the Convener of the Jharkhand Right to Education Forum, Jharkhand State Budget Group, Jharkhand Voluntary Action Network, and Jharkhand SDGs Watch. Additionally, he is a steering group member of the National Right to Education Forum, People’s Budget Initiative, WNTA, SDGs Alliance, and a member of GCAP Asia.

In 2017, Mr. Singh received the prestigious International Education Excellence Award for his outstanding work in improving government schools in Jharkhand. His visionary approach, combined with a commitment to turning dreams into reality, has consistently driven positive change for the larger benefit of the community.

Ms. Nirjharini Rath, with 20 years of experience in the development sector, currently serves as the Programme Manager for 12 years at LEADS, where she has been overseeing HR and State-level Lobby & Advocacy since 2012. She holds an LLB and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Pondicherry University.

Ms. Rath’s expertise lies in effectively understanding, analyzing, and coordinating research efforts that drive LEADS’ initiatives forward, particularly in developing and supporting an advocacy agenda. She plays a pivotal role in organizing roundtable discussions and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials. Her responsibilities include managing in-person meetings, maintaining a comprehensive stakeholder database, scheduling appointments, drafting correspondence, and securing funding for various initiatives.

Mr. Mahendra Kumar has been an integral part of LEADS since its inception and brings over 25 years of experience in the development sector. He holds a postgraduate degree in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi, which he completed in 1995. Throughout his career, Mr. Kumar has gained extensive expertise from 19 years in various fields, including the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, Natural Resource Management, and rural livelihoods with a special focus on organic farming. He has also worked extensively in the areas of Clean Energy and Digital Documentation. His strengths lie in ensuring the successful execution of programs, adhering to timelines, and efficiently managing budgets for program implementation.

Mr. Bhawanand Jha has been serving as the Finance Manager at LEADS since 2013. He holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and an LLB from Ranchi University. With over 25 years of experience in finance, Mr. Jha brings extensive expertise of 11 years to the organization. In his current role, he oversees key financial functions including fund management, budgeting, financial analysis, and auditing. He ensures regular reporting to the board of trustees and provides financial insights and updates to the project implementation team, ensuring the organization’s financial health and compliance.

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Choudhary has been a dedicated member of LEADS since 2009, bringing over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. He holds an MBA from Sikkim Manipal University and has consistently demonstrated expertise in financial management. Rakesh is responsible for handling all accounting tasks, including timely processing of payments and receipts, and accurately documenting transactions using accounting software like Tally. He ensures strict adherence to the Finance Policy’s outlined procedures and manages the organization’s bank accounts, maintaining all necessary documentation for smooth and compliant financial operations. His attention to detail and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining financial accuracy and transparency at LEADS.

Mr. Satish Kumar Malik is a highly skilled accounting professional with over 18 years of experience in the field including 9 years in this organization. He holds a graduate degree in accounting and has a technical qualification in MS Office and internet proficiency. With extensive hands-on experience in using the Tally ERP 9 package, he demonstrates exceptional fluency and speed in operating the software. His strong command of accounting principles, coupled with his technical expertise, allows him to efficiently manage and streamline accounting processes

Mr. Ranjit Bhengra has been an integral part of the LEADS organization for the past 12 years. He holds MARD from IGNOU and a TTC from St. Columbus, Delhi. With over 16 years of experience in the fields of education, livelihood, SHGs, and sanitation, Ranjit brings extensive expertise and leadership to his role. Currently serving as a NRM Specialist and Project Coordinator at LEADS, he focuses on promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for SHGs. His work includes the development and implementation of Micro Credit Livelihood Plans, fostering financial linkages, promoting natural farming, and supporting livestock rearing. Additionally, Ranjit is involved in the MGNREGA-NRLM Convergence CFT and CFP Strategy programme, aimed at integrating rural employment schemes with livelihood development initiatives. His efforts contribute significantly to creating sustainable and resilient rural communities.

Mr. Ashutosh Jaiswal has been a dedicated member of LEADS since 2013, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the social development sector. He holds a Postgraduate degree from Utkal University, Odisha, and has made significant contributions in areas such as ECCE, Health and Nutrition, the RTE Act 2009, research, child counselling, and the formulation of SDP. Currently, Ashutosh serves as a Project Coordinator at LEADS, where his primary responsibilities include strengthening SMCs, formulating SDPs, and conducting capacity-building trainings for SMC members, teachers, and other stakeholders. His area of intervention focuses on government schools in the Murhu block of Khunti and the Bandgaon block of West Singhbhum District, where he works to enhance educational outcomes and promote holistic school development

Mrs. Nisha Tripathy has been an integral part of LEADS for the past 11 years, bringing over 16 years of experience in the development sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and possesses a deep expertise in women’s empowerment, child rights, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship development for SHG women. Nisha has also been a strong advocate for gender equity throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Network Coordinator at LEADS, where she continues to drive impactful initiatives in these areas.

Mr. Santosh Kumar holds a Post Graduate degree in Rural Development from Ranchi University and brings over 7 years of extensive experience in Health, Education, Livelihood, and Development projects. He has demonstrated expertise in research, monitoring, and evaluation, effectively managing teams of professional staff to achieve project goals and objectives. With strong leadership and management skills, Santosh has successfully led multiple initiatives, ensuring impactful outcomes. Additionally, he possesses a deep understanding of government departments’ working mechanisms, allowing him to navigate and collaborate efficiently within these systems

Ms. Tithi, over the past 2 years as a MEAL/Communication Officer at LEADS, has gained skills and experience shaping her into a dynamic and effective professional. Managing complex MIS data has sharpened her organizational and analytical skills, enabling her to produce insightful reports that guide strategic decision-making. A profound understanding of community needs, allowing her to tailor project strategies for maximum impact. Her participation in major conferences has refined her communication skills and broadened her knowledge base. Working with diverse teams has enhanced her collaboration and teamwork abilities, while her expertise in progress monitoring, project management, and quality control has equipped her to handle multiple projects simultaneously with precision.

Tithi has also excelled in content writing, social media management, public relations, and media engagement. Her analytical and observational skills, combined with her experience in research, dissertation work, and drafting proposals and concept notes, have made her an integral part of the organization’s success.

Ms. Rajni Ekka has been working with LEADS for the past 1 year, bringing with her 17 years of extensive experience in the development sector. Her role as an MIS professional has honed her skills in managing diverse datasets and producing comprehensive reports for various projects. Over her time at LEADS, she has gained valuable insights through her work in Jharkhand’s multifaceted landscapes. The exposure to fragile and challenging areas has not only strengthened her capabilities but also enriched her understanding, positioning her to showcase her expertise in future endeavours.

Her involvement in numerous consultations and her ability to effectively liaise with people at the grassroots level have expanded her knowledge and deepened her passion for the sector.

Mr. Aayush Ranjan joined LEADS in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience in advocating for the realization of key government acts such as the National Food Security Act, 2013, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, through his work with the Right to Food Campaign in Ranchi and various other districts of Jharkhand.

With a Post Graduate degree in Human Rights from Ranchi University, Aayush is deeply committed to addressing the pressing global challenges posed by climate change, particularly its impact on vulnerable and marginalized communities. His 4 years of expertise in this sector lies in promoting the realization of human rights and ensuring equitable access to resources for these groups. He is also dedicated to the formulation, analysis, and implementation of public policy. His work involves the thorough review and evaluation of various government schemes and policies, aiming to improve their effectiveness in delivering social justice and addressing inequalities.

Mr. Manish Kumar Singh joined LEADS in 2022. He has played a pivotal role in implementing sustainable solutions in rural Jharkhand, particularly through his involvement in clean energy initiatives and water bodies rejuvenation projects. With 2 years of experience, he has contributed to the successful execution of the Rural Access to Clean Energy (RACE) project and the Rejuvenation of Water Bodies project.

As a Postgraduate in Rural Development from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, Manish is deeply committed to addressing environmental challenges that impact the most vulnerable populations. His expertise lies in clean energy and water conservation, and he is driven by a passion for sustainable development. Manish’s commitment to public policy formulation, analysis, and implementation ensures that the projects he leads align with government schemes and promote long-term sustainability.