Ananya Tiwari has been named by Google.org as one of the seven “Leaders to Watch” from non-profits around the world. A doctoral student in the Education Psychology program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she is student member of the CGS Board and a recent Global Intersections awardee. She is the first “Leaders to Watch” award recipient from the Asia-Pacific region.

Tiwari co-founded the SwaTaleem Foundation in India, which works together with Dalit and Tribal girls, teachers, and government officials. The foundation, whose approach is informed by a focus on socio-emotional and cognitive skills, educates marginalized girls and women in rural residential schools. 

According to CNBC TV18, the award includes $30,000 for professional or personal development, along with the opportunity to be mentored by Google senior leaders. SwaTaleem Foundation recently received a separate grant from Google.org for $700,000. In the news release, Tiwari is quoted as saying, “This support comes at a pivotal time, as we address the digital divide in India. I’ve met women from all walks of life who have inspired the work that I’m doing, so I’m looking forward to learning from Google mentors and using the funding we receive to drive advocacy and strengthen existing partnerships across the world.”