Who We Are

Our team is made up of experienced professionals, trainers, and hundreds of community leaders and volunteers who work together to create impactful, inclusive, and accessible learning opportunities.

We are led by:

Sanjay Chittora

Sanjay serves as the Managing Trustee of STEP Academy, where he drives the organization’s vision and strategy. With over 15 years of experience in training, program management, and social development, Sanjay has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing impactful skilling initiatives that empower communities through employability-focused training programs.

Founder and

Executive Director

Mona Agrawal

Mona holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship, from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

She has been associated with STEP Academy for the past five years as Executive – Enterprise Development and Research.

At STEP Academy, Mona leads the organization’s research and communications efforts, contributing to program documentation, impact studies, knowledge development, and external communications.

Executive, Enterprise Development and Research

Jahid Makrani

Currently serving as an Executive at STEP Academy in Udaipur, Jahid has guided and supervised skill training and placement initiatives for over 14 years, developing strong expertise in it. Jahid holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Rajasthan.

Executive, Training and Placements

Ajay is a development professional with 12+ years of experience in community empowerment through skill development, financial inclusion, and livelihood initiatives. He is skilled in data management, capacity building, and team leadership, with a strong track record in community mobilization and stakeholder networking.
Ajay Singh holds a Diploma in Microfinance Development Management from the Centre for Microfinance, Jaipur (2011). He completed his Bachelor of Arts from MSJ College

Ajay Singh

Executive, Skilling and Employment

Purnima Barla is an education and community development professional with a Master’s in Education from Azim Premji University and a background in Social Work. She has worked with schools and rural communities across India, focusing on foundational learning, literacy, and child-centered education. In STEP, she is involved in curriculum development and managing social media initiatives.

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Purnima Barla

Senior Associate, Skilling and Employment

Mohammed Shoeab Sheikh is a B.E. (Mechanical Engineering) and M.Tech-qualified professional with over 12 years of experience in Technical education, counseling, and skill development. As a Placement Coordinator at STEP Aajeevika, he strengthens placement opportunities through industry collaboration and employer engagement. He also supports training quality mechanisms to ensure effective learning outcomes and employability. His work is dedicated to helping youth build sustainable careers and livelihoods.

Shoeab Sheikh

Senior Associate, Placement and Training Quality

With a B.A. from MLSU and over 14 years of experience in the accounts sector within 5-star hotels, Manju brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Having spent over 8 years with STEP, she has excelled in managing both Admin and Accounts, ensuring the smooth operation and overall well-being of our training centers and teams.

Manju Singh Chouhan

Associate, Admin & Accounts

Our Trustees

Smriti Kedia

Trustee

Smriti Kedia

Smriti Kedia is a development professional with 16+ years of experience in community-led enterprises and sustainable livelihoods for women and unorganized sector workers. As CEO of Sadhna, she safeguarded the livelihoods of 700 women artisans during COVID-19. Currently, she is a Senior Consultant at Aajeevika Bureau, strengthening teams and programs.

She has led initiatives with Tata Trusts and the Ministry of DoNER and supports rural women entrepreneurs as a Founder Trustee of Plustrust.

Sanjay Chittora

Managing Trustee

Sanjay Chittora

Sanjay is the Managing Trustee of STEP Academy, where he drives the organization's vision and strategy. With over 15 years of experience in training, program management, and social development, he has spearheaded impactful skilling initiatives.

Previously, Sanjay played a pivotal role at the Mine Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC), advancing livelihoods and rights for marginalized workers.

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Dr. Kamlesh Bhatt

Trustee

Dr. Kamlesh Bhatt

Dr. Kamlesh Bhatt, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, is a distinguished physician specializing in critical care and infectious diseases. Previously, Dr. Bhatt served as Executive Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services and as a Consultant Physician at GBH American Hospital, Udaipur.

As a trustee at STEP Academy Trust, he he actively supports skilling initiatives in the healthcare sector.

Krishnavatar Sharma

Trustee

Krishnavatar Sharma

Krishnavatar is the Co-Founder and Chief Mentor at Aajeevika Bureau, having previously served as Director of Programs for 20 years.

With decades of experience in program development and leading field teams, he has a deep understanding of community institutions and has been at the forefront of nurturing leadership in organisations of informal sector workers.