Deepali is a skilled development practitioner with over 25 years of experience in planning and executing successful youth empowerment and education programs. Prior to joining the Foundation, she was a member of Plan International’s senior management team as the Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. In this position, Deepali managed Plan’s programming in twelve countries and strategically led the process of organizational change in the region, including the establishment of key partnerships with national governments, and the development of a gender equality strategy. She has also worked in various leadership positions with child-centered development organizations in South and South-East Asia, and Eastern and Southern Africa. She is a recipient of the President’s Medal of Friendship, which was awarded to her by the Government of Vietnam in recognition of her exemplary efforts to advocate for vulnerable and at-risk youth. Deepali received her Master’s in Social Work and Bachelor’s in Sociology from Delhi University.