This week on Planet Forward with Preetha, I am honored to host Zubaida Bai, an extraordinary leader who has dedicated her life to advancing global health, empowering women, and driving social impact. From her roots as a mechanical engineer in India to becoming a globally recognized social entrepreneur, Zubaida has reshaped the landscape of women’s health and rights through her transformative work.

As the founder of ayzh, Zubaida developed low-cost, life-saving technologies to address women’s reproductive health needs, profoundly impacting maternal health worldwide. Now, as the CEO of the Grameen Foundation, she leads initiatives that intersect gender, financial inclusion, and climate resilience, empowering women across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Zubaida’s inspiring journey has earned her recognition as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Echoing Green Fellow, and Ashoka Maternal Health Champion. Join us as she shares her story, her passion for driving systemic change, and her vision for creating equitable access to healthcare and opportunities for women globally.

This week on Planet Forward with Preetha, we are honored to host Lavanya Alagesan, the founder of REACTION Team—a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Indian diaspora during times of crisis. With compassion and commitment, Lavanya and her team provide vital assistance, from emergency response and medical support to resources for education, employment, legal aid, and social welfare.

The REACTION Team’s mission is to foster resilience and provide a lifeline to those in need, ensuring that no one faces distress alone. Join us as Lavanya shares her inspiring journey, the impactful work of her organization, and her vision for creating a more connected and compassionate global community.

In this episode of Planet Forward with Preetha, we are honored to feature Kedar Gore, a passionate naturalist, dedicated wildlife conservationist, and the Director of The Corbett Foundation. With over two decades of experience, Kedar has been at the forefront of preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainability, and raising environmental awareness across India.

A Fellow of the International Visitor Leadership Program and recipient of the prestigious Sanctuary Wildlife Service Award (2023), Kedar's contributions to conservation have been globally recognized. From co-authoring books like Great Indian Bustard: A Pictorial Life History to working with renowned organizations like WWF-India, Kedar’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting our planet’s natural heritage.

Join us as we explore his work, his vision for sustainable coexistence, and actionable insights into the world of conservation. 🌏

This week on Planet Forward with Preetha, I am honored to feature Shivani Malik, a trailblazing entrepreneur, mentor, and social change advocate. With degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School, IIM Bangalore, and the London Institute of Banking and Finance, Shivani's journey is one of resilience, vision, and impact.

From founding Mother's Kitchen International in London to mentoring businesses and individuals, Shivani has guided numerous companies to surpass significant milestones. She is also the founder of Daksh, an inspiring organization empowering young girls with skills and vision for a brighter, independent future.

Join us as we dive into Shivani’s journey of balancing entrepreneurship, mentorship, and her commitment to empowering women and creating a sustainable impact. Her approach to success across 12 dimensions of life is truly inspiring and thought-provoking.

In this episode of Planet Forward with Preetha, I’m excited to feature Akshay Guneti, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Green Worms, an organization dedicated to enabling a circular economy by eliminating plastic pollution and poverty in India.

Akshay shares his inspiring journey of working with 2,600 women waste-preneurs and over 350 direct employees across 120 coastal villages, driving impactful change through community engagement, innovation, and sustainable practices. Learn how Green Worms is transforming waste management while empowering local communities for a greener, equitable future.

Introducing Sangeetha Peter: A True Testament to Believing in Yourself and Following Your Dreams

In today’s episode of Planet Forward with Preetha: Conversations for a Greener Future, we dive into a conversation with Sangeetha Peter, a woman who not only believed in herself but carved out a unique space in the luxury jewelry industry through sheer determination and vision.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of Coimbatore’s most sought-after jewelry curators, Sangeetha's journey is one of resilience, passion, and self-belief. Her work has brought high-end brands and exquisite luxury trunk shows to Coimbatore, showcasing her flair for curating precious gold and uncut diamond jewelry with unmatched finesse.

But Sangeetha’s story goes beyond just luxury and craftsmanship. She’s a shining example of what it means to follow your dreams, break barriers, and create a legacy that’s entirely your own. As a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, she has inspired many by proving that, with belief and perseverance, you can carve your own niche in any industry—even one as competitive as luxury jewelry.

Join us as we celebrate her journey, discussing the importance of passion, how she transformed her vision into reality, and the powerful message her story holds for women everywhere: believe in yourself, follow your dreams, and create a path that’s authentically yours.

In this exciting episode of Planet Forward with Preetha, we sit down with Chandrashekhar Chincholkar, Founder & CEO of CMK Advisors LLP. With over 33 years of experience across corporate finance, capital markets, and sustainability, Chandrashekhar shares his invaluable insights into ESG, fundraising, and the future of e-mobility. Discover how he’s leading innovative projects and shaping the landscape of sustainable business.

Meet Monisha Krisha: A Champion for Our Planet’s Future

After a successful career in the corporate world post-MBA, Monisha Krishna made the pivotal decision to dedicate herself to raising her two brilliant daughters while nurturing her passion for the planet. As a global traveler, she witnessed both the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and its alarming destruction. This ignited her deep sense of responsibility to act.

Monisha co-founded Sacred Groves, a groundbreaking initiative driven by the purpose of protecting natural habitats. Sacred Groves empowers individuals and organizations around the world to take a stand against deforestation through innovative conservation models, such as tokenizing forests and developing ‘conservation commerce’ that weaves sustainability into the core of enterprise strategy.

With Sacred Groves already protecting forests in the UK and Canada, and recognized by global organizations like PwC and Microsoft’s Positive Impact Accelerator, Monisha’s work continues to inspire action on a global scale. Though not a formally trained environmentalist, her determination to protect the planet shines through in every initiative.

Join us as we dive deep into Monisha’s incredible journey from finance professional to environmental advocate, and how Sacred Groves is transforming our approach to conservation—one acre at a time.