Nivedita Desai

Nivedita Desai was born and educated in Mumbai. She holds a graduate degree in Chemistry and a postgraduate degree in Marketing. Since 1985 she has built a career across India, the USA and Singapore, working in sales, business development, fragrance development, marketing, category leadership and general management. Her work in local, regional and global markets gave her a deep understanding of the sense of smell, consumer insight and the magical world of perfumery.

In 2012, after more than 25 years in business, she moved into philanthropy and co-founded Animedh Charitable Trust (ACT) with her husband, Mehul and sister Dharti. ACT aims to transform the lives of women, girls and vulnerable communities by connecting them to development, education and economic opportunity. So far, ACT’s programmes have reached more than 85,000 people: 10,299 through its children’s programmes and 74,800 through its women and youth programmes. This work spans early childhood development, education, skill development and vocational empowerment, mental health, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

As Managing Trustee, Nivedita leads ACT’s work to create impact through its projects and its people. Many of ACT’s team members are embedded in the communities they serve and have seen remarkable change in the lives of individuals and vulnerable communities. Since 2017, Nivedita and ACT have worked closely with twenty tribal villages in Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

This work continues to grow in reach and depth with support from individuals, CSR partners and grant-making foundations in India and abroad.

Outside work, Nivedita is a keen runner and fitness enthusiast. She is a lifelong learner and is currently studying French on Duolingo.