"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful."

– Mother Teresa

People

As a citizen-inspired movement, we are led by the initiative and will-power of our people. From our visionary founders, core teams, support groups or volunteers, we move forward by the zeal of those who are willing to make a difference.

Leadership Team

Anubha Sharma

Founder & CEO

Beenaa Advani

Co-Founder & COO

R.N Mukhija

Hon. MD and Advisor to the Board

Amit Ratanpal

Independent Director

Chetan Desai

Independent Director

Management Team

Punita Singh

Central Coordinator, Programs

Aspar Husain

Project Coordinator, HSC

Heena Mulchandani

Project Coordinator, SSC

 

Vijay Kumar

Consultant AXF Curriculum

Ekta Sheth Balyan

Project Head – Lifeskills & Social Emotional Learning

Anwar Shaikh

Accounts

Ulka Kishinchandani

English Trainer

Anu Antony

Spoken English Trainer

Anasuya Devi

Maths Trainer

Centre Managers

Maya Rohera

Centre Manager, Andheri

Surabhi Mohta

Centre Manager, Amboli

Nirmala Mahesh

Centre Co Manager, Bhakti Park

Kusum Sharma

Centre Manager, Bandstand

Heena Mulchandani

Centre Manager, Colaba

Tanmai Hebbar

Centre Co Manager, Dosti

Sulekha Vasant

Centre Manager, Ghatkopar

Sweta Tibrewal

Centre Manager, Goregaon

Debika Mukhija Ajmani

Centre Manager, Juhu

Jasdeep (Seema) Kaur

Centre Manager, Karwe

Baisakhi Nair

Centre Manager, Malad

Dolly Shah

Centre Manager, Mulund

Chitra Saldanha

Centre Manager, Poisar

Rekha Gupta

Centre Manger, Powai

Mili Singh

Centre Manager, Romell

Aspar Husain

Centre Manager, Santacruz

Punita Singh

Centre Manager, Sewri & Dosti

Sapna Parekh

Centre Manager, Versova

Shailja Patodia

Centre Manager, Worli

Special Consultants

Sapna Kasat Patil

Payal Kumar

Gunjan Pai

Woodpecker Media

Rohan Mangalore

Let's Talk Money

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials from our volunteers, patrons, and well-wishers!

“While we keep talking about so much that is wrong with the world, there is also so much goodness and I can see it right here and I would like to be a small part of it!”

Twinkle Khanna

Actor

” It has been a beautiful 3 years with Angel Xpress. If you ask me, at #AXF, the most important of all is to think of innovative, fun ways to teach because that’s what makes teaching and learning fun for both the kids and us”

Zenobia Mody

Volunteer

” My time at AXF opened my eyes to a whole new world, one where children find a sense of belonging where they feel lost. It’s a place where volunteers find a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a place where a curious 20 something-year-old can explore himself and his relationship with the world.”

Raghav Kapur

Volunteer

“What a fun morning and what bright enthusiastic children! As always it reiterates the fact that education and opportunity are at the crux of true #equality and everyone can achieve their dreams. So happy to be a part of #AXF”

Tara Sharma

Actor

Heena Mulchandani

Project Coordinator, SSC
Centre Manager, Colaba

Heena always had a strong desire to teach children and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. AXF has given her the opportunity to do all of that and more! She has a special attachment with the children and makes every effort to give them as many different and new experiences as possible.
She is a post-graduate in commerce and has a prior work experience of 4 years in the startup industry. She also runs an independent personalized gifting venture called Framed Forever
At AXF, she not only teaches the curriculum to the 10th grade students but also manages the Colaba centre. Her ways of teaching are unconventional and her focus is on understanding rather than rote learning. She believes that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy and Jill a dull girl... Si, it's no surprise then that her classes are full of fun and enjoyment and not just studies alone!
She loves her Bollywood music, chai and long drives...

Aspar Husain

Project Coordinator, HSC
Centre Manager, Santacruz

Growing up in a small village and witnessing many social issues around him, Aspar was determined to work towards uplifting the disadvantaged in the society. In order to proficiently contribute as a social worker, he completed his Bachelors and Masters in Social Work.
With an academic and work experience of over 10 years, Aspar has been engaged with diverse organisations working with youth on gender sensitization, scholarship programs, vocational skills and women empowerment. Aspar believes that working with youth is critical as they are the future of tomorrow and helping them set goals and achieve them is vital.
At AXF, Aspar co-ordinates for the HSC program that aims at guiding and mentoring the youth towards goal setting, career aspirations and bridging them with the needed resources to achieve their goals as well as coaching them in their college education.
Aspar enjoys travelling, trekking and exploring nature.

Anasuya Devi

Maths Trainer

Anasuya Devi Rejeti, I am an MBA (finance ) and also hold a masters degree in Computer science. I have worked in the corporate sector for about ten years.

Currently I am pursuing my passion of teaching Mathematics and Science and conducting workshops to secondary section children. I have been teaching children from different boards such as CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, SSC etc since 12 years.

I am also an AUTHOR of about 36 books with titles such as

  • 'HAPPY PRACTICE' , 'EASY PRACTICE EVERYDAY" a series of Mathematics books for Primary kids.
  • 'MY SMART LEARNING' a series of activity books for kids in ages 3+ to 7+

I am a Maths trainer, mentor and Volunteer for Angelxpress Foundation which is associated with teaching Maths, English and Lifeskills to students from economically weaker sections.

Anu Antony

Spoken English Trainer

Anu Antony , is a volunteer with Angel Xpress since the last 4 years. She is an engineering graduate from Madras University. She currently teaches English at the Mulund center, manages the Spoken English Program at AXF and works with the AXF English curriculum team. She has 20 plus years experience in the training , consulting and education management industry having worked with NIS Sparta, Manipal Education and Knowlede Universe Singapore.
Anu is a Beatles fan and hopes to attend a Paul Simon concert someday

Dolly Shah

Centre Manager, Mulund

Dolly started off her professional career as a Jewellery and Graphic designer. While starting her own business did help her learn a lot of things, but her heart was always seeking something beyond what the commercial world could offer!

Being born and brought up by parents who are only into social work, she has seen them working selflessly for the good of others throughout their lives.

Taking this inspiration she had to move on in her life and follow what her heart said.

Her love for education and a desire to give back to society motivated her to look out for opportunities to start!!
AXF came into her life just at the right time and bang on!!- She has never looked back!

She hopes this is just the beginning of what we can achieve by helping to nurture young lives and carve a better future for our society :)

Let's Talk Money

Kavita Gunderia - Co-Founder

Kavita is a Chartered Accountant with over 18 years of experience in professional services. During this time she has developed excellent
training, presentation and business writing skills. She is a mother to two children aged 14 and 11 who enjoy reading, discussing and debating fiction, history and current affairs with their parents.

Urmila Sampath - Co-Founder

Urmila is a Chartered Accountant with over 16 years of experience spanning a stint in professional services and in corporate finance for
a large multinational. Apart from financial knowledge, she also has excellent interpersonal skills having worked with diverse groups of
people over the years. She is also a mother to two children aged 14 and 10 who are passionate about the fine arts and are keen birders.

Rohan Mangalore

Rohan is passionate about all things data. A Chartered Accountant and analytics professional working with a leading consulting firm in Singapore, Rohan handles AXF's analytics function to help improve the effectiveness of AXF's programs. When he is not working with data, you will find him kayaking or running.

Woodpecker Media

Woodpecker Media is a consulting company catering to conceptualized events, PR, transformational digital marketing strategies and creative brand design. We help drive presence on key social media platforms to help businesses grow through in-depth understanding of market place and foster a good relationship with our client.

Chitra Saldanha

Centre Manager, Poisar

Chitra did her engineering from BIET, Mysore University in 1987. After a corporate career of 12 years she chose to devote her time to her family. However with time she felt that she needed to give back to society. In 201, she took up a course from Nirmala Niketan College of Social work. Fortunately for her, a classmate from Nirmala Niketan was already working with AXF Goregaon. In March 2018, she started with just 4 kids at the skating ground in the Poisar gymkhana which was arranged for by the founder of AXF - Anubha Sharma.
The bonding was instantaneous. The kids were so eager to learn that it was enough motivation for her to go out there and give her best everyday. With time and valuable contributions from volunteers, they built the center from 4 to 70 students.

Shailja Patodia

Centre Manager, Worli

Shailja, born and brought up in Kolkata and settled in Bombay nearly 30 years ago. She is qualified in Sociology and Early Childhood Care Education. She had the chance to work for many primary schools including the prestigious, Sophia Polytechnic.

Shailja has previously volunteered with many institutes including high schools by arranging fundraising programs and AXF was another milestone in her journey. In 2019, she joined AXF and is currently the centre head of Worli.

Since Shailja has always been a teacher, working with the underprivileged gave her the wholesome touch, making it a complete experience for her. Combining the resources AXF provides with her passion to teach, there is a bright looking future waiting for those children.

Mili Singh

Centre Manager, Romell

The centre head of Romell, Mili Singh, believes that being around her Romell students, whom she treats like her own, is something that brings her more joy than anything else in life.

Describing herself as an extrovert, her confidence and go getter attitude has given her exceptional leadership qualities.

Besides this, she also likes to divulge in a plethora of other activities including sports and outdoor adventures. Being a Gladrags Mrs India contestant who quit to be alongside her crying little one, she has come a long way and continues to guide not only her daughter, but also all the children at AXF Romell as a mentor.

Jasdeep (Seema) Kaur

Centre Manager, Karwe

As she calls it, “the good karma express”, Jasdeep has been with the foundation for 2 years and each step of the journey has been fulfilling in its own way. To be able to teach children who are extremely enthusiastic and eager to learn was an amazing experience for her. Jasdeep herself has been an educationist for over 20 years and teaching children has always been a passionate area for her.

Sulekha Vasant

Centre Manager, Ghatkopar

There was a time in Lekha’s life where things had taken an absurd turn, it was the demise of her husband. In 2016, an insignificant abdominal pain ended in a catastrophe in their lives as it was diagnosed as lung cancer. It was everything she was not prepared for. Throughout the journey of eight months, they shared immense positivity and strength. Her husband never let anyone see the pain he was going through and always strived to be full of life. He was a pillar of strength, always encouraging her to learn new things and be brave in any situation. She gives him all the credit for who she’s become. Soon after he passed she knew it was time to let go but hold on to all the time they shared, all moments and the memories. Her mother and children were by her side but she had to take the reins of her life into my own hands. Her whole life came crumbling down to her feet but there was still some hope. AXF came to her at the best possible time. After joining AXF, it became the flame of strength through difficult times. In 2018, AXF helped her find a purpose in life. She joined in as an English volunteer and is currently a centre head. Due to the pandemic, her work faced some setbacks too with volunteers showing interest to join but discontinuing as they face connectivity issues. Along with a scarcity of devices. It has been challenging for her but has also kept her occupied during the whole time. ( I am thankful to AXF for giving me this opportunity!!!!)

Tanmai Hebbar

Centre Co Manager, Dosti

Tanmai comes from the coastal town of Karnataka, Kumta. Along with pursuing her M.Sc. in Plant Physiology from the University of Agricultural Sciences, she is also a gold medallist in Agriculture and has been qualified in the UGC NET Exam . She started her career with Sarpan Agri- Horticultural Research Centre in Dharwad and then moved on to Somaiya Organo Chemicals Ltd. situated in Mumbai. She came to know about AXF from a friend and did not hesitate to join. Her journey with AXF started in 2016 August as a Maths volunteer for the Sewri branch. In September 2018, they opened the AXF Dosti Centre and she began to co-manage it . Volunteering with AXF brought her sheer happiness and satisfaction as she got a chance to interact with many educated like-minded people who are from different professional backgrounds and were willingly contributing their time and talent in shaping the youth's future.

Nirmala Mahesh

Centre Co Manager, Bhakti Park

Nirmala feels a dire need to be around the little ones, it was her calling. It was this very reason why she had been teaching for 12 years in one of Mumbai's elite schools. After a decade of teaching that need began to fade away, it started losing its charm. Nirmala spent the next 2 years pondering what caused it until an opportunity popped up on her Facebook wall of one of AXF’s post. The calling had been refined to uplifting the lesser privileged through education. Since 2017, she’s been around doing what she loved through AXF.

Surabhi Mohta

Centre Manager, Amboli

Surabhi has a double masters in commerce and business administration. She has worked with Tata-Aig Life Insurance for 10 years. She taught MBA students at NMIMS for couple of years before becoming stay at home mom. She is an avid reader. She did a teaching course PGCITE(Post graduate certificate in teachers education ) from Podar International School in 2019 to hone her teaching skills. She is the center head and Maths mentor of AXF Amboli.

Gunjan Pai

Consultant

AXF offers Gunjan three of her favorite things: writing, passion for change and all-things-heart.

As a communication strategist for AXF since its inception, she expresses the brand in a lucid manner for use in various communication media. Her understanding of media platforms and the diversity of people adds value and meaning to the brand.

A Post Graduate in Mass Communications, Gunjan worked at leading advertising agencies in India, before kicking off Copylove, her own boutique copywriting studio.

When not writing for clients, this mompreneur pens soulful poetry and indulges in all things Sufiyana.

Payal Kumar

Consultant

Payal is one of the reasons which led to AXF’s existence. The founder, Anubha, was moved by stories shared at Payal’s Barbie Party for over 25 slum kids and was inspired to explore volunteering.

An advertising professional turned photographer, Payal is absolutely at home at AXF.

Her photographer’s eye gives her a completely different perspective of looking at AXF kids. While her advertising background lets her pull the right strings in marketing, funding, organizing events and more.

A people’s person, Payal finds joy in little things of life. When she is not behind the camera, she practices Reiki, SCUBA dives and goes wherever her heart takes her.

Sapna Kasat Patil

Consultant

Sapna is the go-to person when AXF needs to craft its marketing, branding, and design.

She seamlessly mingles the nuances of science and art to present a unique perspective to AXF.

Having lived in various cities like Amravati, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad add a unique facet to her thought process. Her training at the renowned National Institute of Design (NID) with expansive experience of over two decades let her open doors to her own venture, Design August.

Her leisure time is usually spent strolling down the art galleries and shopping on the street markets.

Sweta Tibrewal

Centre Manager, Goregaon

The Goregaon Centre is like her own baby to Sweta.

She has been with it since its inception and today nurtures it as a Centre Manager. She never misses any opportunity to connect with AXF kids and paves a path for their future. She is also a favorite among the volunteers.

A commerce graduate, Sweta finds her life journey a perfect combination of challenge and excitement. She applies her creative mind in managing her designer brand Amodini. Long drives with old Hindi songs in the background are a perfect way for Sweta to relax and speak her mind.

Also, she can never refuse a plate of pani puris.

Rekha Gupta

Centre Manger, Powai

Sports does amazing things to enhance one’s personality. Just like it did to Rekha, the Centre Head at Powai Learning Centre and an English & Math Teacher.

An avid sportsperson, Rekha is driven by dedication towards helping the kids learn and loading their lives with abundant love. She credits her ability to perform under pressure and the discipline she practices to her sports training.

Her professional background as a Production Engineer with Bayer, helps her look at hurdles of life with an rational mind. A believer of simple living and high thinking, she travels the world in real, and through books.

Maya Rohera

Centre Manager, Andheri

A go-getter, Maya handles the AXF Andheri Centre efficiently. She connects well with the kids and mentors them to create an impact in their lives.

At AXF, she ensures that the team finds resources and volunteers at the right time. Her determination is showcased in her professional life of a Chartered Account as well. With her grit, Maya strives to make this world a better place.

It leads her to involved in various causes that work for the environment. She often unveils her other facet as a cook, when she serves the best of recipes to the world around her.

Kusum Sharma

Centre Manager, Bandstand

Kusum’s role in AXF is an extension of her true self. Her journey from being an English Teacher to being the Head of AXF’s first centre at Bandstand is an inspiring one.

She approaches the AXF kids with the patience and warmth of a teacher. As a reliable centre manager, she ensures that they are provided with everything they need; and the kids reciprocate with abundant love. A graduate in English, Kusum is happy to have inspired them to take charge of their lives and dream big.

One more way in which she expresses her affection is through delicious food passionately rustled by her.

Sapna Parekh

Centre Manager, Versova

Just like every recipe has unique ingredients, every child has unique talents. Who else would understand this better than a chef!

Sapna, a home-chef turned Manager at Versova Centre, focuses on bringing meaningful change into the lives of the AXF kids. She has earned the title of Rani Laxmibai for her active involvement in community development crusades.

A graduate in commerce, Sapna also participates in cleanliness drives with BMC authorities and cops. When she is not playing her roles of manager and chef, she finds peace in yoga, travelling and relaxing on the beaches of Goa.

Baisakhi Nair

Centre Manager, Malad

A believer in good karma, Baisakhi hopped on to the ‘Good Karma Express’ due to her love for kids.

After working with various BPOs and MNCs, she partnered with her husband in a production house of ad films, movies, and short films.

A mother of a 9-year-old mischief-maker, the Centre Head doubles-up as a visiting teacher for English and Social Skills. A life skills trainer and a sports enthusiast, she also keeps herself updated with the latest in fashion.

Ekaterina Skomorokhova

English Curriculum Team Leader

Ekaterina has an interesting story of her passage from her home in Russia to a small part of India.

A student and later a teacher of history, Ekaterina straddled in the advertising world before following her calling of a professional English teacher.

At AXF, she chalks-out English Curriculum as a part of the Central Curriculum Team. Her experience in diverse subjects and domains helps Ekaterina in her role at AXF. While her family is still in Russia, Ekaterina enjoys her life in India.

Anwar Shaikh

Accountant

Anwar is an integral part of the AXF Team since its inception.

A Chartered Account by profession and passion, he has garnered ample experience in the domain of taxation, book keeping, audits and financial planning. Along with his firm, Anwar plays a vital role in managing finance, accounts and taxation at AXF.

A man of numbers, he counts on AXF to contribute to lives of the underprivileged kids and empower them to create a bright future of the country. He’s glad to partner with AXF and achieve this unified goal.

Ulka Kishinchandani

English Trainer

After completing BSc in Microbiology, Ulka was a happy homemaker for many years.

Today as a volunteer and Co-Centre Head at Juhu Learning Centre, Ulka maximises the opportunity to interact with and create a lasting impact on children at the centre.

Popularly known as the brand ambassador of AXF, her warmth and compassion help her to not only connect joyfully with the children but to also be a mentor and trainer to fellow volunteers, a purpose that fills her with a sense of deep satisfaction and joy. Ulka loves all kind of music including EDM, something her two sons are secretly proud of.

Debika Mukhija Ajmani

Centre Manager, Juhu

Debika mobilizes volunteers, gets funding through corporate and friends, and spreads the word about our centre.

A Chartered Accountant by qualification and a perfectionist by nature, this mother of two quit her career to nurture her children. But her desire to do more and “an addiction to love” inspired her to pour her heart out to the children of AXF.

From being an Maths Volunteer to taking charge of the Juhu Centre, the compassionate, driven and lively Debika is now part of the core management team.

But if you’re a good friend and not a healthy eater, be prepared to see the tough side of this health freak. ld Bollywood numbers and family for company.

Ekta Sheth Balyan

Project Director, Central Team

Ekta’s tryst with AXF commenced when she met Anubha and was impressed by Anubha’s steady goal for AXF and the focus with which it was pacing ahead.

A PR and communications professional for over 13 years, Ekta knew the importance of life skills and value education that AXF emphasised on. And that’s what actually made her take the plunge in AXF’s journey.

Her experience with various renowned PR agencies helped her fulfil her role at AXF perfectly. A Reiki Practitioner and Teacher, Ekta loves to travel in real life and through books.

Punita Singh

Central Coordinator, Programs
Centre Manager, Sewri & Dosti

They say that you can take people out of Delhi, but can never take Delhi out of people. Perhaps, that’s what defines Punita’s energetic approach towards managing the activities of all the centres across Mumbai in her role as the Central Coordinator at AXF as well as heading the Sewri and Dosti Centres

Her passion for teaching motivated her to join as a maths teacher at AXF in 2014 at Sewri. She is awed by the energy exuded by the kids at AXF and that’s what keeps her going.

Punita has a background in Psychology and Public Administration, and also an MBA in Marketing, and has worked with firms like Citibank and American Express. Her interests span across art and painting, gardening and cooking. And if there’s one thing she cannot live without is her Friday Night celebration with friends and family.

Vijay Kumar

Consultant AXF Curriculum

Vijay brings a rich work experience of 7 years of working in the education sector to the table.

Vijay, a former Teach For India Fellow uses his learning to lead our curriculum team, trains volunteers and carries out monitoring and evaluation at AXF. He has a practical approach to new ideas, always backing them up with research from credible organizations or well-established theories. Vijay’s qualification as a Masters in Social Work in Child Rights helps understand the situation of AXF kids better. When not buried in reflective exercises, he is immersed in music.

Chetan Desai

Compliance, Risk & Governance

Mr. Chetan Desai has dabbled in audits and accounting for years. He has over almost four decades of rich work experience at M/s. Haribhakti & Co. LLP, where he was heading the audit and assurance division, and went on to become the Joint Managing Partner of the firm.

Dr. Swati Popat Vats

Resources & School Connects and, Advisor to the Board

Driven by determination, conviction and the power of ideas, Dr. Swati Popat Vats set out to transform the face of pre-primary education in India.

Along with establishing Podar Jumbo Kids as one of the efficacious brand of play school chains in India, Dr. Swati’s strong association with AXF has been valuable in attaining spaces in various schools for volunteer training programs.

Amit Ratanpal

Director and Honorary CFO

Amit straddles the two worlds of business and child education with ease.

At AXF, he leads from the front as the CFO and offers accounting and legal advice. He is the Managing Director of Blink Advisors, a private equity firm and is on the board of several education start-ups. He also maximizes his network and connections in various ‘for profit’ and ‘not for profit’ corporate segments. It helps broaden AXFs reach far and wide.

His guidance and support on multiple levels has served as a pillar for growth for AXF. Amit’s belief in AXF’s passion helps it develop long-lasting partnerships that come together to create a bright future for the underprivileged kids.

R.N Mukhija

Hon. MD and Advisor to the Board

Mr. Mukhija guides AXF with his foresight bolstered by an experience with the Corporate Sustainability Programs. With his past experience as Director at Larsen & Toubro, Mr. Mukhija plays a vital role as the Honorary MD and Advisor to the Board.

An Electrical Engineer from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Kharagpur, he was conferred with the prestigious “Distinguished Alumnus” of IIT award. He has also completed his 2-Tier Top Management program at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)–Ahmedabad. His rational mind and a kind heart let him mentor the AXF team as an advisor in their vision for the future of AXF.

Beena Advani

COO

Beenaa is the COO and looks after HR, Finance, Logistics and is the sturdy pillar of AXF.

Through AXF, Beenaa realizes her cherished dream is to create opportunities for every child through education.

A proficient businesswoman and educationist, Beenaa ran franchises for Euro Kids for over 10 years. However, she readily joined hands with Anubha with a shared dream, eventually closing the Euro Kids franchise to join the Angel Xpress team in an executive capacity. A warm, approachable and kind person, Beenaa fills the AXF family with love, warmth and is the power force behind the seamless on-ground operation of their widely webbed localised centres.

Anubha Sharma

Founder & CEO

As the CEO of AXF, Anubha is at heart of our organizational development and growth, as much as she is mindful of the tiniest detail of operations.

With a highly analytical and reflective mind and a resolute passion for social change, Anubha is innovative, daring and determined to grow AXF in several ways.

  Anubha was a senior financial service professional leading teams at a national level when she decided to shift from the corporate to the social sector, in a bid to pursue her heart’s calling.  Anubha credits her wholesome upbringing for fuelling her spirit for social work, and for giving wings to her purpose.