Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Projects
Timeline
Generic

Jaishree Damodaran

Chennai

Summary

I have been running an organization for 17 years in education, positively impacting the lives of thousands of first-generation rural students. I was also a member of the committee formed by the state government of Tamil Nadu and contributed to the formulation of the Tamil Nadu government's state education policy, enhancing educational frameworks and strategies. Currently consulting with the state's education department to enhance the gross enrollment ratio of the state and improve access to higher education. Advocating for community involvement in government schools to enhance local support and also strategizing initiatives to reconnect government school alumni worldwide with their alma maters, fostering a strong network for support, collaboration, and development of schools.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

State Education policy committee member

Government of Tamil Nadu
Chennai
04.2022 - 06.2024
  • Was involved in the entrusted task of formulating a distinguished education policy for the state of Tamil Nadu, based on the terms of reference provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu
  • As the youngest member of the 13-member committee formed by the government, I contributed to suggesting changes in the regulatory framework concerning the relationships among schools, parents, society, and alumni, as well as advocating for progressive education, including art education, physical education, and fostering a positive classroom culture and ethos
  • I have also contributed to formulating policies related to inclusive education for persons with disabilities and children with special needs, as well as for the education of women and girls
  • This includes addressing the needs of children from hilly and coastal regions, those facing multiple vulnerabilities such as scheduled castes and tribes, nomadic tribal children, religious minorities, gender-diverse individuals, children with terminal illnesses, migrant and refugee children, urban poor, and those without parents.

Managing Trustee

Agaram foundation
Chennai
01.2018 - 01.2024
  • Fostering the development of a strong alumni network with our beneficiaries
  • Planning future initiatives and projects for the organization, including engaging alumni, to ensure that giving back to the community starts with supporting their government schools
  • Designing and launching a fellowship program aimed at supporting schools of the rural, tribal and hill regions in the state
  • Serving as the face of the organization by leveraging our field experience and insights to guide the government in developing initiatives based on our expertise, while establishing ourselves as knowledge partners for the state's education department
  • Currently consulting with the state's education department to enhance the gross enrollment ratio of children from government schools in higher education and broaden access statewide, resulting in a significant increase in enrollment towards higher education
  • Advocating for increased community involvement in government schools by strengthening School Management Committees to enhance local support for the development of both schools and students and society at large
  • Strategizing initiatives to reconnect government school alumni worldwide with their alma maters, fostering a strong network for support, collaboration and development of schools
  • Strategizing and facilitating the convergence of all relevant line departments at the state and district levels to ensure the smooth functioning of schools.

Secretary Trustee

Agaram foundation
Chennai
01.2008 - 01.2018
  • Spearheading all the programs of the organization, identifying the key area conceptualizing and institutionalizing programs
  • Overseeing operations, administration, public relations, and financial management to ensure the effective functioning of the organization
  • Areas of specialization include educating underprivileged rural students through the design and implementation of self-development programs tailored to cater children from families with illiterate and financially disadvantaged parents
  • Equipping volunteers with the skills and resources to effectively engage with students, society, and the community
  • Training and mentoring students and provide quality education while instilling a sense of social responsibility, fostering the development of future responsible citizens
  • Equipping college students with life-shaping skills and education to promote their holistic development and prepare them for future success
  • Research and identification of most relevant sections of rural Tamil Nadu that can be supported by our program
  • Building networks with donors and ensuring effective fund mobilization to sustain the organization
  • Working with corporate associates in conceptualizing and delivering their CSR programs.

Education

Bachelors in biotechnology -

University of Madras
Chennai
04-2008

Skills

  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Strategic thinking and planing
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Visionary Leadership
  • Conflict resolution
  • Policy Development
  • Media Relations

Languages

  • English,
  • Tamil,
  • Malayalam,

Projects

Tharu – Gifting Venture, Partner, 01/01/16, 01/01/19, Launched a gifting venture specializing in curated sweets and snacks from across South India for various occasions, festivals, and corporate events. Sourced authentic products from local artisans and producers to ensure quality and cultural relevance. Developed enticing gift packaging that enhanced the presentation and appeal of the offerings, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and repeat business. Successfully managed customer relationships and marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and sales growth panning up to 1 lakh gift packs per year. Weebees, Founder and Partner, 01/01/18, 01/01/20, Established Weebees, an inspiring educational space for children, rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, set in a nurturing and beautiful environment. Curated a range of engaging activities for children aged 6 months to 12 years, promoting holistic development and creativity. Developed the space as a versatile venue for parties, play areas, and after-school classes, attracting over 1,000 children per month. Fostered a community-oriented approach, enhancing parent engagement and building lasting relationships with families. Zhagaram studios, Partner, 01/01/21, 01/01/24, Founded Zhagaram with the mission of telling authentic local stories and producing documentaries that faithfully represent the communities they depict. Motivated by a desire to explore societal nuances, highlighting its quirks and complexities while encouraging observation, questioning, critique, and celebration through engaging storytelling. Developed a portfolio of impactful projects that resonate with audiences and promote cultural awareness, social change and much more.

Timeline

State Education policy committee member

Government of Tamil Nadu
04.2022 - 06.2024

Managing Trustee

Agaram foundation
01.2018 - 01.2024

Secretary Trustee

Agaram foundation
01.2008 - 01.2018

Bachelors in biotechnology -

University of Madras
Jaishree Damodaran