Yasaswini Jonnalagadda
Introduction
Yasaswini Jonnalagadda is a dedicated entrepreneur and passionate social worker, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on society. With a background in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, she has amassed nearly a fifteen years of experience working with multinational corporations and startups. Currently, Yasaswini is the co-founder of a software startup alongside her husband.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Yasaswini is also deeply committed to social work. She believes in using her skills and resources to make a positive impact on society. Whether it's volunteering her time, organizing community events, or supporting charitable causes, she is dedicated to giving back to the community and helping those in need.
From a young age, Yasaswini felt a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to contribute to the betterment of society. Her journey towards social activism began in 2005 when she started assisting underprivileged girls in pursuing their education. However, it wasn't until her MBA days in 2011, where she encountered the philosophy of Karma Yoga, that her perception shifted. Inspired by her professor, whom she regards as her Guru, Yasaswini embraced the concept of selfless action for the benefit of others.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought about unprecedented challenges, prompting Yasaswini to take action. Witnessing the plight of migrant laborers, she and her husband initiated a grassroots effort to provide food aid from their own home. This led them to collaborate with the Rice ATM initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Ramu Dosapati, to feed migrant laborers stranded in Hyderabad during the lockdown.
However, Yasaswini recognized that food aid alone was not a sustainable solution to the underlying issues of poverty and unemployment. In response, she launched Project Prisha in January 2021, a livelihood project aimed at empowering women to become self-sufficient. Through Project Prisha, sewing machines were provided to unemployed tailors, catering services were established for displaced cooks, and various other livelihood opportunities were created for affected women.
The success of Project Prisha reaffirmed Yasaswini's belief in the potential to create a self-reliant society. Moving forward, she envisions expanding her efforts to focus on education and healthcare initiatives for underprivileged girls. With the support of her family, friends, and community, Yasaswini remains committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
Yasaswini has also been supporting tuition centers in the slums of Singareni Collieries for over two years. She provides financial assistance to the team and supplies the centers with indoor and outdoor games kits. These centers serve young girls, whether or not they attend school, ensuring that every girl has access to education and is not deprived of her right to learn.
Yasaswini's unique combination of entrepreneurial drive and social consciousness sets her apart as a leader in both the business and social spheres. Her passion for making a difference, coupled with her strong business acumen, makes her a valuable asset to any organization or cause she chooses to support.
Qualifications
Educational
Yasaswini attained a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with distinction from Vignan Institute of Technology & Science, affiliated to JNTU Hyderabad, graduating in 2005. Her academic journey was marked by exceptional leadership as she was elected as the President of AEEE (Association of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for her college. Additionally, she proudly holds membership in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Expanding her expertise, Yasaswini pursued a Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) with a major in Corporate Strategy from the esteemed Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, graduating in 2012.
During her PGPM, Yasaswini's empirical study on "STRATEGIES WOMEN EMPLOY TO OVERCOME PREJUDICES AT WORKPLACE" was selected for presentation at the prestigious IJAS (International Journal for Arts & Science) Conference in Florence, Italy.
Professional
Yasaswini's professional journey reflects a diverse range of experiences in various roles. Spending nearly five years at Infosys, she excelled as a Programmer Analyst, making significant contributions to various projects. Transitioning to Tech Mahindra, she served for almost two years, distinguishing herself as both a Project Manager and a Presales Manager. She also contributed to Presales activities at a startup for three years. Presently, Yasaswini serves as a Director at a startup for over five years, overseeing all operational aspects and driving the company towards growth and success.
Extra-Curricular Activities
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Yasaswini is a skilled Carnatic classical singer with over two decades of training. Her passion for music has led her to perform at multiple venues, earning recognition as an AIR Grade-B artist in the "vocal" category. She has also dedicated her musical talents to performing devotional songs at temples and on various TV channels, bringing joy and enrichment to her audience with her soulful renditions.
Social Service
Rice ATM
The Rice ATM initiative in Hyderabad, launched during the COVID lockdown, aims to provide food to the hungry. Mr. Ramu Dosapati, the driving force behind this noble effort, began by offering cooked meals to jobless migrant laborers and later expanded to provide dry rations from a kiosk named Rice ATM, open 24/7 near his home. Even after the lockdowns lifted, the ATM's services continued to reach distant areas, sustained by donor support. Recipients undergo screening for financial status and government benefits to prevent misuse.
Yasaswini has been associated with Rice ATM since September 2020, after learning about the initiative on social media.
Project Prisha
In January 2021, Yasaswini, in partnership with RiceATM, initiated "Project Prisha" to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families left without means of sustenance. Their initiative stands out for its focus on fostering self-reliance rather than perpetuating dependence through temporary relief measures. With an emphasis on sustainability, Project Prisha aims to provide lasting solutions to those in need. To date, the project has empowered over 3000 families by equipping them with essential tools for self-employment, such as sewing machines, fruit carts, tea stalls, and catering services. Each recipient undergoes a thorough background check to ensure targeted assistance.
Initially, they relied on personal income and savings to support marginalized communities. As news of their initiative spread through social and print media, generous contributions poured in from friends and well-wishers. Transparency has been their guiding principle, with donors always kept informed about the recipients of their contributions. Their role is to facilitate a direct connection between donors and manufacturers, ensuring accountability in every transaction.
Recognizing the enduring impact of the pandemic, they shifted their focus from short-term relief efforts to sustainable solutions. Through engagement with beneficiary families, they assessed their capabilities and aspirations, instilling hope and confidence in their ability to rebuild their lives. By providing personalized assistance based on individual strengths, Project Prisha aims to equip beneficiaries with the means to navigate future challenges independently. Presently, 90% of beneficiaries are self-sufficient, illustrating the effectiveness of their approach. These success stories not only validate their efforts but also inspire them to persist in their mission.
Reflecting on the day Project Prisha was initiated, Yasaswini takes pride in the journey undertaken. Their initiative embodies resilience and community support, empowering individuals to reclaim their dignity and make positive contributions to society. As they commemorate the progress achieved, they remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering sustainable change and uplifting lives through Project Prisha.
Awards & Recognition
Felicitations
Amazing Indians 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v54yCN0i7wE
Chosen as one of the top five finalists from a pool of nominees nationwide, with the distinction of being the sole representative from South India.
Kalavedika Seva Puraskaram 2023
Mathru Shakti Award 2023
HMTV COVID Front Line Warriors Award 2021
She Inspires Award 2023
Diamond Nari Puraskar 2022
Indian Humanitarian Award 2022
NTR Kalavedika Seva Award 2023
Appreciation from renowned Telugu poet & lyricist Shri. Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry
RED FM COVID Warrior Award 2022 by Mayor of Hyderabad, Smt. Gadwal Vijayalakshmi
Pride Of Hyderabad Award 2022
Appreciation by former Honorable Vice President Shri. Venkaiah Naidu (2023)
Felicitation by Inner Wheel Club Of Hyderabad (2023)
Invitations & Media Engagements
What COVID-19 taught: building a self-reliant society | TEDxIITHyderabad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf_1_8dNgRU
Project Prisha Founder Inspirational Story | SumanTV Talks | SumanTV Telugu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfaX4QqOkfA
RICE ATM : Ramu Dosapati & Yasaswini Jonnalagadda | iDream Women
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAkGpesgZFk
Project Prisha Founder Yasaswini Jonnalagadda | Women's day Special | Signature Studios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzRXDdl5mEw
Change Makers Awards Ceremony - Honorable Guest
Lead India - Guest Speaker
Vidyaranyam 6th Varshikotsavam - Special Guest
Aevum Jagat Launch - Chief Guest
Swasthya Nari Expo - Guest
Media Coverage
