Why we're different
When we started this project, we knew we wanted to do things differently. Transparency is not just a buzzword to us. Local leadership is not just a theoretical model. Putting our scholars' interest above everything else isn't just something that we talk about. These are the core principles that we live by.
100% model
We want to maximize the impact of every dollar you donate. That's why our team in the U.S. and EU are volunteers and help cover our operational costs. This means 100% of your donation goes to our projects.
Local decision-making
Many nonprofits talk about grassroots , but few make it the core of their model. All of our operations are run by a team of changemakers in India. They understand local contexts and issues, and drive decision-making.
Trust-based giving
Our scholarships are based on a simple but radical ideal: trust. We relentlessly verify the facts on the ground, but we also believe in the right balance between controls and flexbility based on trust.
Core operations team
We believe decision-making should be made from the ground up, not the other way around.
Our Operations Team is the core of our organization. They are role models, mentors, and so much more.
Suntosh Soni
Jammu Lead (Since 2017)
Rajni Devi
Jammu (Since 2023)
Bhumika Kumari
Jammu (Since 2024)
Sadiya Siddiqui
Delhi Lead (Since 2022)
Soni Girsay
Delhi (Since 2023)
Nancy Chakma
Delhi (Since 2024)
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Tarun Chauhan
Delhi (since 2024)
Monika Khurana
Chandigarh Lead
How we got started
The power of chance
In 2014, Alessandro found himself volunteeering in a village deep in the Himalayas. Upon return, he convinced some friends that they should do something to help the people in this remote and neglected area. education: access was born.
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Over the years, the concept has evolved . We have focused on scholarships, learned the importance of local leadership, and become more effective. But we've never forgottten our humble beginnings and the lesson we learned from them: chance can be a powerful catalyst for impact if you're willing to take a leap of faith.
Support Team
An all-volunteer team from diverse backgrounds powering the strategy and fundraising of education: access since Day 1. We're united by the desire to always do what's right.
Managing Director & Co-Founder
Alessandro Bordoli
Consultant, Bain & Company
Operations & Co-Founder
Michael Vogel
Product Lead, Riverty
Fundraising
Christian Bordoli
Restaurant Owner
Fundraising
Luna Rivera
Student, University of Miami
Fundraising
Stephanie Hughes
Ex-Director, Uber
Operations
Maria Del Mar Calle
Operations Lead, Uber
Board of Directors
We introduced a Board of Directors in 2023 to help guide our strategy and ensure we are always maximizing our impact.
Since 2014
Priyanka Soni
Project Manager, WHO
Since 2023
Adithya Narayanan
Founer, Hushl
Since 2023
Lamia Kalam
Financial Consultant, PwC
Georgetown MBA
