Trustees

Devendra Kumar, a self-made social reformer, emerged from a crime-prone slum where he and his infant sister were abandoned. Enduring poverty and adversity, he overcame challenges to establish the Ladli Foundation, focusing on vulnerable populations. Honored with national awards and praised by multiple Indian Presidents, his gender sensitization initiatives, recognized by the UN Secretary-General, showcase his global impact. He's a prominent policy analyst, speaker, and founder of the Ladli Foundation USA and the South and East Asia Foundation. He is not just a diplomat but a catalyst for gender-sensitive societal reform, fostering inclusivity worldwide. His mantra, Society is like a Canvas, It's you who need to paint it beautifully, fuels his commitment to transformative leadership and inclusive change.

Ms. Kamini Vaid stands as a dynamic force in the realm of social transformation. Armed with a master's degree in Social Work, she channels her educational background into an unwavering commitment to address intricate social challenges, championing justice and empowerment for marginalized communities. Her resolute dedication finds expression in her visionary endeavors, such as pioneering workshops and counseling sessions to establish sustainable menstrual health practices. Ms. Vaid's expertise extends to proficient organizational and managerial skills, evidenced through project execution, budget management, and effective stakeholder collaboration. Her impactful contributions have garnered international recognition, including the esteemed Diana Award from the UK Government, alongside commendation by the Delhi Commissioner of Police, underlining her fervor for uplifting disadvantaged women. Currently spearheading communications and operations at Ladli Foundation Trust, she personifies a transformative leadership spirit.

Ms. Anita’s journey embodies the intersection of gender justice, child protection, and women’s economic empowerment. A survivor of gender-based and familial violence, she was brutally assaulted for exercising her right to refuse marriage in a deeply patriarchal setting. Yet, she chose resilience over retreat. Beginning work at the age of 16 with a home-based sewing machine, Ms. Anita assumed responsibility for her elderly mother and two orphaned children abandoned due to domestic violence and marital separation. Through self-reliance and perseverance, she achieved financial independence, ensured the education and secure settlement of both children, and emerged as a self-made woman leader. Her lived experience became a foundational inspiration for Ladli Foundation’s mission to protect vulnerable women and children. As a Trustee, her leadership and compassion have contributed to safeguarding thousands of at-risk children, reinforcing community-based responses to gender-based violence and systemic neglect. Ms. Anita represents the transformative power of survivor-led leadership—demonstrating how dignity, economic empowerment, and lived resilience can drive sustainable social impact aligned with global human rights and SDG commitments.