Executive Team
We are a team of passionate educationists who believe that excellent teachers impact student lives in the classroom and beyond.
Uma Kogekar
Chief Executive Officer
Uma is an IT professional turned educationist, bringing over 20 years of diverse experience to CEQUE. She previously worked with Muktangan, integrating ICT across schools, and as a senior systems analyst with HCL Technologies, advising clients across Europe, Australia, and the U.S. With a B.Com from Delhi University and a systems management background. Uma combines technical expertise with a vision for education reform. She loves to paint and do bird watching.
Varsha Parchure
Senior Lead - Government Relations & Program Growth
Varsha leads CEQUE’s government relations and program growth, with over 17 years in the social sector focusing on education and child rights. As Director of Parivartan Mahila Sanstha, she pioneered the Khelwadi project for tribal children and built women’s self-help groups. An award-winning leader, she holds an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship (NMIMS) and a Master’s in Social Work (Pune University). She enjoys spending time with little children, reading and dancing.
Archana Shinde
Fundraising & Partnerships Lead
Archana brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher and school leader to CEQUE’s fundraising and partnerships. She has also worked with the Army Wives Welfare Association, empowering women and children through education. She holds a Commerce degree, a B.Ed., and a Diploma in Business Management. Her hobbies include painting, interior design, and cooking.
Cosmos Joseph
Program Lead
Cosmos leads CEQUE’s Teacher Innovator Program. With over 9 years of experience in social development, especially early childhood education, he has worked closely with tribal communities. He holds a Master’s in Social Work and a Diploma in HRM. He is a sportsman, and a nature lover and likes spending time reading books, listening to music, and capturing nature through his camera.
Dr. Sharadchandra Patil
Program Quality & Audit Lead
Dr. Patil oversees CEQUE’s program quality and audit for Teacher Innovator Program. He has 25 years in education, serving as Lecturer, DIET Principal, and Education Officer. Honoured by the Government of Maharashtra for his contributions to Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra, he holds Master’s degrees in Mathematics, Political Science, and Sociology. He is an avid reader and enjoys traveling to holy pilgrimage sites.
Alka Joglekar
Compliance, Technology & HR Lead
Alka manages CEQUE’s data and systems with over 30 years of experience across IT, training, and program design. She also handles the HR function and provides oversight on the Finance function. A graduate in Mathematics from Pune University with an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute, she brings strong analytical and organisational skills. She is a prolific reader, an avid traveller and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Anjali Raghuram
Academic Lead
Anjali oversees CEQUE’s curriculum and pedagogy, helping coaches and teachers use contemporary methods in classrooms. With more than 30 years in education, including leadership roles in Pune, she brings deep expertise in Mathematics and Science teaching. She holds a B.Sc. in Home Science, a B.Ed., and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Administration. She is an avid reader and enjoys listening to all kinds of music.
Manjiri Indurkar
Communications Lead
Manjiri leads CEQUE’s communications. She is a writer, editor, and educator. She is the author of It’s All In Your Head, M (memoir) and Origami Aai (poetry), both published by Westland. With a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in English Literature, she blends technical training with a passion for storytelling. She is an avid reader and deeply engaged in popular culture analysis.
Ashish Kelshikar
Senior Mathematics Pedagogue
Ashish supports CEQUE’s math pedagogy with 4+ years of teaching and teacher education experience. He designs curriculum tools and conducts teacher workshops. He holds a Physics degree and a Master’s in Education from Mumbai University. He enjoys creating math puzzles.
Smita Dhage
Senior Language Pedagogue
Smita supports CEQUE’s language pedagogy. She has over 9 years’ experience as a teacher, mentor, and trainer, with a focus on language education. She has designed language curricula and facilitated workshops for teachers. She holds a Master’s in Education from Mumbai University. Her hobby is creating interesting activities for children to help them in learning Language.
Samir Warankar Senior Mathematics Pedagogue
Samir supports CEQUE’s math pedagogy. Samir brings over 15 years of experience in school education, including a decade as a classroom teacher and more than five years at CEQUE. He began his journey at CEQUE as a Coach, mentoring teachers in the field, and later served as Regional Pedagogue, Mathematics. He supports curriculum design and strengthens math pedagogy across programs. He holds a Master’s degree in Arts and a Diploma in Education. He enjoys solving mathematical puzzles, listening to music, and exploring new places.
Ashwini Bhunbhune Senior Language Pedagogue
Ashwini supports CEQUE’s language pedagogy. She brings 6 years of experience at CEQUE, where she has served as a Coach and Regional Pedagogue. Before joining CEQUE, she spent 3 years at QUEST as a Library Educator, using storytelling to support children's learning in ashram schools, and another 3 years training Anganwadi teachers. She holds a degree in Agriculture. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music and experimenting with different cuisines.
Alisha Angwalkar Finance & Admin Manager
Alisha Angwalkar manages finance, administration, compliance coordination, and operational processes at CEQUE. Alisha brings 18 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and donor compliance. She holds a Master's degree in Commerce. Known for her detail-oriented approach and collaborative style, she plays a key role in strengthening organizational systems and ensuring smooth internal operations. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, travelling, and exploring nature and new destinations.
Rahul Badoniya Regional Manager, Madhya Pradesh
Rahul manages CEQUE’s programs in Madhya Pradesh. He brings over 18 years of experience in education, community mobilization, child protection, youth empowerment, and livelihood promotion. He holds a Master's degree in Sanskrit and Commerce from Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar (MP). Prior to CEQUE, he has contributed to organizations such as Jeevodaya Society and Educate Girls, driving impactful initiatives at the grassroots level. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to soft music, drawing, and cooking.
Dipti Pingale
District Manager
Dipti manages CEQUE’s programs in Palghar, overseeing a team of 10 coaches. She has worked as a literacy enhancement trainer with Ashram schools and as a math and science teacher for 10 years. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Education from Mumbai University. Her hobbies include going to her farm and spending time with family and friends.
Sambhaji Bhise
District Manager
Sambhaji manages CEQUE’s programs in Yavatmal. With 8 years of experience, he has trained tribal school teachers and led professional learning communities in partnership with DIET authorities. He holds a Master’s in Psychology and a Social Work degree. He enjoys Sudoku, Chess, and watching Netflix series.
Ashwini Patil
District Manager
Ashwini manages CEQUE’s programs in Thane. She has experience as a teacher and coach, and previously worked with the Learning Space Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Diploma in Teacher Education. Outside of work, Ashwini enjoys anchoring variety programs and shows, watching web series, and spending time with her family and friends.
Virendra Deshmukh
District Manager
Virendra manages CEQUE’s programs in Chandrapur, bringing over 8 years’ experience with education NGOs. He holds a Master’s in Social Work from Nagpur University. He enjoys playing cricket, reading books, and watching motivational videos.
Firoj Khan
District Manager
Firoj manages CEQUE’s programs in Indore with over 13 years of experience in education. He has worked with Samavesh, Azim Premji Foundation, and Vikramshila Education Resource Society, and received the Changelooms Fellowship for advancing girls’ education. He holds an M.A. and MSW. In his free time, he enjoys reading books, listening to music, and traveling.
Ravindra Vishwakarma District Manager
Ravindra manages CEQUE’s programs in Burhanpur with over 14 years of experience in health, nutrition, and education. He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Passionate about strengthening systems and improving outcomes for children and communities, he brings a strong commitment to grassroots impact. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, travelling, and exploring digital tools.
