Chetna Sinha is the Founder and Chairperson of Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation. She passionately believes that empowering rural women can transform and drive economic growth. In 1997, she established the Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank, India’s first bank for and by rural women. 

After founding the Mann Deshi Foundation in 1996 with the vision of empowering rural women entrepreneurs, she inaugurated the first business school for rural women in India in 2006. In 2013, she launched a toll-free helpline and India’s first Chambers of Commerce for women micro-entrepreneurs. Mann Deshi Foundation also operates a unique community radio station. Since 2012, the Foundation has been involved in community development programs, focusing on water conservation, accessible healthcare, sustainable agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and sports for development.

Chetna Sinha is a Yale fellow, Ashoka Fellow, and Schwab Fellow. In 2018, she served as the Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and as a Co-Chair of Financial Inclusion at the W20 Summit in Argentina. Later that year, she received the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian award for women in India, from the President of India. She is a member of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (2022) and the Gender Equality Advisory Council (2022), appointed during Germany’s G7 Presidency. She also chaired the G20 EMPOWER’s Working Group on Financial Inclusion and Business Acceleration (2023).

Mann Deshi is headquartered in Mhaswad and operates in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Silvassa. It has supported over 950,000 women and aims to reach one million women by 2024.

Manisha Sharad Jadhav is a Vice Chairman at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad Residing in Dahiwadi, Satara district, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role. Manisha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (B.Com). Despite being a housewife, Manisha is deeply involved in community development through her position as a Director. Her commitment to empowering women and promoting financial inclusion is evident in her contributions to the bank’s initiatives. Through her leadership, she inspires others to strive for positive change.

Rani Vijay Bangar is a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad Despite her educational background up to SSC, Rani’s role as a housewife underscores her dedication to family and community. Her passion for women’s empowerment and financial inclusion aligns with the bank’s mission of fostering economic growth and independence in rural areas.

Divya Shinde is an Architect by qualification. Her approach towards design has been to strive for simplicity and clarity while coming up with design solutions.

Prior to becoming a board member for the bank, she has been associated with Mann Deshi as a consultant to develop their Healthcare and Sports Facilities.

She is also currently working on the Design and Development of Skilling and Innovation Center for Rural Women with Mann Deshi Foundation. The project aims to provide job opportunities through inclusive and innovative design techniques.

Dipali Ghananil Gavali is a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd. With expertise as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Dipali brings valuable financial insight to the organization. Her commitment to financial transparency and accountability contributes significantly to the bank’s success in empowering women and promoting financial inclusion.

Anagha Kamath, the Director of Strategy, Impact, and Innovation at Mann Deshi Foundation and Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank, is a young leader passionate about working with children, women, and their communities.

At Mann Deshi Foundation, Anagha leads the Kickstart Girls and Youth Leadership Lab programmes, designed to foster self-assurance, social engagement, and financial confidence among youth from rural and marginalized communities, with a special focus on empowering young girls. This is achieved through comprehensive financial and digital literacy training and personal and community leadership skills development. Anagha actively encourages the cultivation of a money-confident mindset among young girls, recognizing its profound impact on their future. Beyond this, she wholeheartedly champions the Foundation’s initiatives in women’s entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

With a postgraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations and a diploma in Education Management, Anagha seamlessly blends academic insight with practical expertise in her roles. Her commitment to making a meaningful impact is further exemplified by her recognition as a Vital Voices Fellow.

An avid reader, Anagha enjoys writing and exploring new cultures with curiosity and compassion.

Anjali Anand Bhagwat serves as a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad With qualifications including an M.Com degree and GDC & A certification as a Certified Auditor, Anjali is committed to ensuring financial integrity and transparency within the organization. Her dedication to empowering women and promoting financial literacy aligns with the bank’s mission of fostering inclusive economic growth in rural communities.

Dipali Dhananjay Shinde is a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad Despite her educational background up to the 8th grade, Dipali’s commitment to the welfare of women and families in rural areas makes her an essential member of the bank’s leadership team. Through her role, she is actively involved in shaping initiatives that empower women and promote financial inclusion.

Urmila Balu Torane is a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad With experience as a farmer, her dedication to rural livelihoods and community development is evident. Despite her educational background up to SSC, Urmila’s commitment to empowering women in agriculture and promoting financial inclusion makes her an integral part of the bank’s mission.

Devyani Balasaheb Mohite is a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad Hailing from Vardhangad, Satara district, she brings extensive expertise and leadership to the organization. Devyani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (BA) and is engaged in business. With a deep understanding of economics and business acumen, Devyani plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s strategies and initiatives. Her dedication to fostering financial empowerment and supporting women in rural communities reflects her commitment to positive social change.

Urmila Abhijit Bhojane serves as a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd. With a background in Chemistry, holding a BSc degree, and a Diploma in Cosmetology, she brings a diverse skill set to her role. As a Cosmetologist, Urmila is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals. Her commitment to empowering women and supporting their financial independence aligns with the bank’s mission of fostering community development and inclusion.

Neha Arjun Doshi is a Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad An accomplished interior designer and the Head Designer at [Company Name] in Pune, she brings creativity and expertise to her role. Residing in Pune, Neha is dedicated to leveraging her expertise in design to enhance the bank’s initiatives. Her commitment to empowering women and promoting financial inclusion reflects her values and makes her an integral part of the organization’s mission.

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Anuradha Swachand Gokhale is an expert Director at Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mhaswad, bringing her expertise as a Chartered Accountant (CA) to the organization. With her proficiency in financial matters, Anuradha plays a pivotal role in guiding the bank’s financial strategies and ensuring compliance with regulations. Her extensive knowledge and experience contribute significantly to the bank’s success in serving its community.

Rekha Sunil Kulkarni, the Chief Executive Officer of Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd, originates from a humble background in a small village in Karnataka. Her remarkable journey stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication, beginning as a modest clerk and ascending to the prestigious role of CEO. Rekha’s pioneering spirit distinguished her as the first woman graduate from Shirgaon, Karnataka, achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (B.Com) and laying the foundation for her illustrious career.

In her current capacity as CEO, Rekha oversees a diverse array of responsibilities, from staff coordination to investment strategies, ensuring the seamless operation of all bank branches. Her unwavering commitment to financial inclusion and women’s empowerment shines through her strategic vision, propelling Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank to unprecedented heights. Notably, during critical moments like the demonetization period, Rekha demonstrated her innovative approach by transforming Mann Dashi’s mobile business school into a mobile bank, providing essential services during challenging times.

Beyond her operational duties, Rekha actively contributes to the financial and agricultural sectors as a member of the RBI College of Agriculture Banking’s Sub-Committee. Her representation of Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank at a meeting with the RBI Governor in 2023 underscores her pivotal role in shaping cooperative banking discourse.

Internationally, Rekha has represented the bank across various countries, delivering lectures at esteemed institutions like the Kennedy School of Public Service at Harvard. Her interactions with influential figures and NGOs such as Ashoka and the International Center for Research for Women highlight her global impact.

In addition to her banking roles, Rekha served as the Managing Trustee of Mann Deshi Foundation from 2000 to 2023, showcasing her dedication to social causes. Her voluntary oversight during Cattle Camps in 2012 and 2019, supporting over 20,000 animals, reflects her commitment to community welfare. Moreover, Rekha actively monitors Mann Deshi Foundation’s Water Conservation Programmer, leading to the construction of 16 water reservoirs.

In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Rekha was honored with the “Nari Shakti Puraskar” in 2017, underscoring her significant role in empowering women and fostering financial inclusion.

Despite her demanding professional commitments, Rekha, a former college badminton champion, finds solace in the world of art, indulging in painting and crafting intricate flower art during her leisure time. Through her extraordinary journey, Rekha continues to inspire others, proving that dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to empowerment can lead to exceptional achievements with a lasting impact.