Executive Team
We are a team of passionate educationists who believe that excellent teachers impact student lives in the classroom and beyond.
Uma Kogekar Chief Executive Officer
Uma Kogekar, an IT-professional turned educationist, oversees the overall operations at CEQUE.
She has over 20 plus years of experience, with the last 7 years at Muktangan, a Mumbai based non-profit. As an SAP, FI/CO, consultant she has advised clients to spread across Europe, Australia, and the US on financial processes. Involved in the implementation of ERP systems, she has been a senior systems analyst for different projects at HCL Technologies with clients such as Ebara Pumps, Italy, Alcatel,
Australia and AMD, US. After a brief stint at IIM, Ahmedabad at their Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, she moved to the field of education. Using her global experience, she was able to chart a vision for and implement ICT integration across all the schools under Muktangan.
She holds a B. Com (Honours) from the University of Delhi, a Post-Graduate in Systems Management from NIIT, and an SAP FI/CO certification from SAP, India. When not at work, she enjoys solving crosswords, doing calligraphy, and painting.
Varsha Parchure Program Lead
Varsha Parchure leads the field implementation of all programs at CEQUE.
She has over 17 years of experience in the social sector working on issues of women and child rights. She has focused exclusively on children’s education especially for underserved tribal populations. In her tenure as Director of Parivartan Mahila Sanstha, she has planned and implemented the Khelwadi project in 36 hamlets in Mokhada block of Palghar for development of academic and life skills in tribal children.
She has been instrumental in creating self-help groups for women empowerment in Palghar and has conducted training programs for gender sensitivity, the PESA act and MGNREGA schemes.
She has received several awards for her work in community development and women empowerment. Notable among them are the state level ‘Antyoday Award by Rambhau Mahalagi Prabhodini’ and ‘Thane Bhushan Award’ by Thane Lokmat. Varsha holds an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship from NMIMS, and a Masters of Social Work in Family and Child Welfare from Karve Institute of Social Services, Pune University. She enjoys spending time with little children, reading and dancing
Archana Shinde Fundraising and Partnerships Lead
Archana Shinde is the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at CEQUE.
She has an experience of over 20 years of teaching at Pre-Primary and Primary schools and has also anchored various schools across India as a principal. As a part of the NGO, Army Wives Welfare Association she has worked extensively towards the empowerment and welfare of women and children in the social sector.
A graduate in commerce as well as Bachelor in Education, she holds a Diploma in Business Management from Babasaheb Ambedkar University, Aurangabad. Her hobbies include painting, interior design, and cooking.
Alka Joglekar Systems and Technology Lead
Alka Joglekar is the Systems and Technology Lead managing the data and the processes in the organization.
She has over 30 years of experience in varied fields starting with 10 years as an IT professional followed by Corporate Training, Academic course preparation, Customer Relations and Travel & Tourism. Alka has a Bachelor’s degree in Science (Mathematics) from Pune University and an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Bombay University.
She is a prolific reader, an avid traveller and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Anjali Raghuram Academic Lead
Anjali Raghuram is the Academic Lead managing the team of pedagogues who design the curriculum framework and facilitate the coaches and teachers to use contemporary methodologies in teaching-learning.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Home Science, followed by B.Ed and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration. Her core subjects are Mathematics and Science.
She has over 30 years of experience in the field of education in India and abroad. She has been in a leadership role in a reputed school in Pune for about 8 years.
She is an avid reader and enjoys listening to all kinds of music.
Shubhangi Purandare Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
Shubhangi Purandare leads the monitoring and evaluation of programs at CEQUE.
In her 30-year career, she has worked with corporates and social sector organisations. With her professional experience - primarily in the education space and her intensive volunteer work, she is committed to making a difference in society.
She is a graduate in Electronics with an MBA in Marketing. When not at work, she enjoys learning new skills and mentoring young students and professionals. She paints, does crochet, loves to swim and solves Sudoku puzzles every day!
Dr. Sharadchandra Patil State Lead, Maharashtra
He has 25 years of experience in the education sector starting as a Lecturer and going on to be the Principal of DIET and the Education Officer of Primary and Continued Education. He has been honored by the Government of Maharashtra for the Best Performance in Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra.
He holds Master’s Degrees in Mathematics, Political Science, and Sociology. He is a good singer, listens to music, and plays the harmonium. He is an avid reader and enjoys traveling to holy pilgrimage sites.
Cosmos Joseph State Lead, Madhya Pradesh
Cosmos Joseph is currently working as State Lead, Madhya Pradesh, and oversees overall field operations in the state. While working with tribal children in the beginning of his career, he developed an interest in the field of education, especially early childhood education. He has over 9 years experience of on-ground implementation of various social development projects ranging from community mobilization to pre-primary and elementary education.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya Mangalore along with a diploma in HRM. He is a sportsman, and a nature lover and likes spending time reading books, listening to music, and capturing nature through his camera.
Ashish Kelshikar Mathematics Pedagogue
Ashish Kelshikar is the Mathematics Pedagogue at CEQUE.
He has over 4 years of experience in elementary and secondary Maths education as a teacher and teacher education faculty. He has designed curriculum understanding plans for teachers and assisted in the conduct of Maths workshops.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in Education from Mumbai University. He enjoys creating math puzzles.
Smita Dhage Language Pedagogue
Smita Dhage is the Language Pedagogue at CEQUE.
She has over 9 years of experience in an elementary and secondary school as a Teacher, Mentor, and Content Developer/Trainer. She has designed Language curriculums for teachers and assisted in conducting Language workshops.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Mumbai University. Her hobby is creating interesting activities for children to help them in learning Language.
Ashwini Shah Language Pedagogue
Ashwini Shah is the Language Pedagogue at CEQUE.
She brings with her over 29 years of experience in education, spanning from Pre-Primary to Secondary School in Gujarat and Maharashtra. She has served in various roles, including Teacher, Academic Head, and Mentor. Additionally, she has contributed as an Academic Content Developer, crafting language content for Classes 1 to 10.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from Mumbai University, as well as a B.Ed. Degree from IGNOU, New Delhi. Her passion for education drives her to inspire young learners and continuously develop engaging and effective language teaching methods. Her hobbies include reading, exploring new places, and hiking.
Harshwardhan Dange District Manager
Harshawardhan Dange is the District Manager for the Teacher Innovator Program, at CEQUE, for Chandrapur district. He manages a team of 9 coaches.
He has 23 years of experience as a master trainer and resource person in the sector of education and children’s health and sanitation. working closely with departments in the government of Maharashtra as well as UNICEF and non-profits.
He has a Master’s in Labour Studies and Bachelor’s in English Literature from Nagpur University. He has a flair for writing and has written several stories and has also been the sub-editor of Chandrapur Daily and worked as an announcer on All India Radio.
Dipti Pingale District Manager
Dipti Pingale is the District Manager for the Teacher Innovator Program, at CEQUE, for Palghar district. She manages a team of 10 coaches. She looks after the Kendra Pramukh Academic Leadership Programme (KPALP) and Teachers Fellowship Program in Palghar.
She has over 4 years of experience working with Ashram school teachers in a literacy enhancement program with Quality Education Support Trust, Palghar, and 10 years of experience working as a math and science teacher in schools.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mumbai University. Her hobbies include going to her farm and spending time with family and friends.
Sambhaji Bhise District Manager
Sambhaji Bhise is the District Manager for the Teacher Innovator Program, at CEQUE, for the Yavatmal district.
He has over 8 years of experience in the education sector. He has trained and coached tribal Ashram school teachers on the Level Based Learning Programme in the Palghar district. He has worked as a Programme Coordinator in the Kendra Pramukh Academic Leadership Programme (KPALP) aimed at academic leadership building in cluster heads from Maharashtra. In addition, he supported KPs to run Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in Pune and Palghar districts with DIET authorities.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from IGNOU and a Social Work degree from Pune University. He enjoys Sudoku, Chess, and watching Netflix series.
Ashwini Patil District Manager
Ashwini Patil is the District Manager of the Teacher Innovator Program at CEQUE for Thane district.
She brings 2 years of experience from her tenure at the Learning Space Foundation in Ganeshpuri and another 2 years as a primary school teacher. She started as a Coach at CEQUE and has 3 years of experience in that capacity.
Ashwini holds a Bachelor's degree and a Diploma in Teacher Education from Mumbai University.
Outside of work, Ashwini enjoys anchoring variety programs and shows, watching web series, and spending time with her family and friends.
Virendra Deshmukh District Manager
Virendra Deshmukh is the District Manager of the Teacher Innovator Program at CEQUE for the Nashik district.
He has over 8 years of experience working on Quality Education Programs with various NGOs.
Virendra holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Nagpur University.
Apart from his passion for education, he enjoys playing cricket, reading books, and watching motivational videos.
Vinaypratap Singh Tomar District Manager
Vinaypratap Singh Tomar is the District Manager of the Teacher Innovator Program in CEQUE for the Burhanpur district.
He has more than 9 years of experience in the education sector. Working as Block officer and District Program Assistant in Educate Girls NGO in Alirajpur and Dhar Districts of Madhya Pradesh, he has trained staff and volunteers of the organization. He also headed the Girl Child Education Promotion Program - Sampark Samaj Sevi Sanstha for two years as District Project Coordinator in Khandwa and Burhanpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. Apart from this, he has worked as a mentor in MSW and BSW courses for 4 years by Madhya Pradesh Government, Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Mahatma Gandhi Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Satna.
He holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Indore and a Master's degree in Hindi Literature from Bhoj University and B.Ed. He likes music, watching movies and traveling and meeting new people.
Firoj Khan District Manager
Firoj Khan is the District Manager of the Teacher Innovator Program in CEQUE for the Indore district.
He has over 13 years of experience in the field of education. Firoj has worked as a teacher, assistant coordinator, and program coordinator in the Samavesh Organization’s education program in the Harda and Dewas districts of Madhya Pradesh. He has also served as a Teacher Resource Person at the Azim Premji Foundation and as a Master Trainer for Vikramshila Education Resource Society in Uttar Pradesh’s Nipun Bharat Mission program. He earned the Changelooms Fellowship for his efforts in promoting education for girls.
Firoj holds an M.A. and an MSW from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. In his free time, he enjoys reading books, listening to music, and traveling.
Dr. Sadashiv Kambale District Manager
Dr. Sadashiv Kambale is the District Manager of the Teacher Innovator Program in CEQUE for the Belegavi district.
He has over 19 years of experience in the development sector, he has contributed significantly to various areas, including health, education, livelihood, child protection, monitoring and evaluation, and sponsor relations. He has trained targeted intervention staff across Karnataka and ASHA and Anganwadi workers on health and child protection topics. He has worked with diverse NGOs, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, and has successfully evaluated nine targeted intervention projects supported by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society.
He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Karnataka University, Dharwad. In his leisure time, he enjoys music, watching movies, and traveling.
