Meghna Joshi
Meghna Joshi is a dedicated advocate for social impact and the founder of SWAN Livelihood, a Delhi-based social enterprise committed to empowering the workforce through tailored training programs and counselling sessions. With a focus on technical and vocational education (TVET), women's empowerment, and sustainable change, Meghna's visionary leadership has transformed SWAN Livelihood into a beacon of hope for marginalized youth and rural communities. Her guest lectures on Social Entrepreneurship have inspired college students, igniting hope and inspiration. Her relentless pursuit of inclusive economic growth aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning her as a driving force in the realm of regenerative leadership.
Early Life and Background
Meghna Joshi's journey began with a passion for creating positive change from a young age. Born and raised in Delhi, India, she developed a deep sense of empathy for those facing economic hardships and limited opportunities. Her early experiences instilled in her a strong sense of social responsibility, which would later drive her to establish SWAN Livelihood.
With a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics Honors followed by a master's degree in Environment and Development, Meghna's interdisciplinary education provided her with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle intricate social challenges. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and sustainable development formed the bedrock for her future endeavors.
Career
Drawing from a decade of diverse experience in the Startup, Environment & Development, and Corporate sectors, Meghna has finely tuned her abilities in Program Delivery, Project Management, and Skill Training across a range of disciplines. Whether at the helm of Citizen Science initiatives, overseeing Skill Development Centers' operations, or enhancing the capabilities of the informal workforce throughout Delhi/NCR and PAN India, her unwavering dedication revolves around empowering lives and fostering enduring transformations.
Meghna Joshi embarked on her career path with a resounding commitment to make a meaningful impact on the lives of disadvantaged youth. In January 2020, she launched the 'Urban Youth Project' under the banner of SWAN Livelihood. This initiative aimed to upskill economically disadvantaged urban youth, aged 18 to 28, by providing them with comprehensive training and connecting them with employment opportunities in the retail industry.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Meghna's unwavering determination led her to conduct extensive surveys to understand the specific challenges faced by various groups, including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, college students, and working professionals. This research proved instrumental in shaping SWAN Livelihood's programs and strategies. Through strategic partnerships and stakeholder support, SWAN successfully made a positive impact through experiential learning & mentoring sessions also extending their reach to rural villages in Uttarakhand.
Meghna's unwavering commitment to inclusivity propelled her into collaborative efforts with the Mission Shakti program of the Uttar Pradesh Government, where she extended her expertise to empower marginalized women workers in Delhi/NCR's factory regions. These women, who had endured severe hardships during the lockdown, benefitted from Meghna's guidance on government schemes and application procedures.
Recognizing the critical need for counselling and skill enhancement, she spearheaded 'Skill-X,' a comprehensive platform offering hands-on learning workshops, mentorship sessions, and strategic partnerships with grassroots organizations. Through 'Skill-X,' Meghna aspired to bolster the workforce's capabilities and align her efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 agenda.
Within the purview of SWAN's initiatives, experiential learning workshops, mentorship sessions, collaborations with grassroots organizations, and training of the trainer (ToT) programs were also integral components of their overarching mission.
Currently, Meghna's focus lies on the 'Mera Business Programme,' which empowers rural micro women entrepreneurs in Haryana. This initiative, powered by ACIC Foundation and BML Munjal University, reflects her dedication to bridging gaps, providing support, and fostering holistic development and workforce inclusion.
Awards and Recognition
Meghna Joshi's tireless efforts and dedication to social impact have garnered significant recognition and accolades. In 2022, she received the 'Ambassador for Good Award' from Global Women for Good, recognizing her commitment to advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 'Exceptional Women of Excellence' award, presented by the Women Economic Forum in December 2022, celebrates her outstanding contributions to the field of social entrepreneurship. Meghna was also named one of the '100 Influential Indians' by Fox Story India in June 2022, further cementing her position as a prominent figure in the realm of social impact.
In February 2022, she received the 'Glantor X Women Leadership Award,' a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering positive change. Additionally, Meghna's selection as one of 15 women founders to represent India in the 'Connecting Women Social Entrepreneurs' workshop series, which aimed to bring India and Australia together, underscores her global impact.
Meghna Joshi's impressive list of accolades reflects her unwavering commitment to driving progress toward sustainable development, gender equality, and climate action. Her leadership continues to inspire and uplift communities, benefitting over 1000+ individuals directly and 5000+ indirectly.