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 Sustainability & Growth Lead
Varsha leads CEQUE’s field programs, with 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 and 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.
Alka Joglekar Systems and Technology Lead
Alka manages CEQUE’s data and systems with over 30 years of experience across IT, training, and academic program design. 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.
Shubhangi Purandare Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
Shubhangi leads monitoring and evaluation at CEQUE, building on a 30-year career in education, corporate roles, and volunteer work. She holds a degree in Electronics and an MBA in Marketing. She paints, does crochet, loves to swim and solves Sudoku puzzles every day!
Manjiri Indurkar Communications Lead
Manjiri is a writer, editor, and educator, and CEQUE’s Communications Lead. 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.
Dr. Sharadchandra Patil State Lead, Maharashtra
Dr. Patil 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.
Cosmos Joseph State Lead, Madhya Pradesh/Karnataka
Cosmos oversees CEQUE’s field operations in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. 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.
Ashish Kelshikar 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 Language Pedagogue
Smita 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.
Ashwini Shah Language Pedagogue
Ashwini brings 29 years of teaching experience across Gujarat and Maharashtra, serving as a teacher, mentor, and academic content developer. She holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Care and Education and a B.Ed. Her hobbies include reading, exploring new places, and hiking.
Harshwardhan Dange District Manager
Harshwardhan manages CEQUE’s Teacher Innovator Program in Chandrapur, leading a team of nine coaches. With 23 years of experience as a trainer in education and public health, he has worked with UNICEF, NGOs, and government departments. He holds a Master’s in Labour Studies and a Bachelor’s in English Literature.
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 work 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 leads 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 Nashik, 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.
Vinaypratap Singh Tomar District Manager
Vinaypratap has more than 9 years in education, including leading girl-child education programs and mentoring social work students. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and Hindi Literature, along with a B.Ed. He likes music, watching movies and traveling and meeting new people.
Firoj Khan District Manager
Firoj manages CEQUE’s programs in Indore with 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.
