Sree Divya Vadlapudi Prasanna
Chairman, Indi Ativa Foundation and SheBuildsTech
Bio
Sree Divya Vadlapudi Prasanna is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, thought leader, and public affairs professional with over 17 years of experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and women's empowerment. She is the Chairperson of Indi Ativa Foundation (SheBuildsTech), India's first STEM and entrepreneurship-focused NGO for rural and Tier 2–4 cities, which has directly impacted more than 6,000 women and girls and reached over 20,000 through its programs.
Divya has forged partnerships with institutions such as the US State Department, UNDP, Microsoft, Facebook, IBM, UC Berkeley, Stanford Design School, and Indian state governments. She has spearheaded ideathons, hackathons, return-to-work bootcamps, and mentorship programs that have brought thousands of women into the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem. She also founded a startup, a platform developed in collaboration with Indo-US partners, which has received appreciation from the World Bank. In partnership with UC Berkeley and the Government of India, she is expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for Tier II/III students. Earlier, she co-created an advocacy platform that featured conversations with leaders from the U.S. Congress, Padma Shri awardees, and global scientists.
Her leadership extends beyond non-profits. She has served as Advisor to the Global Youth Leadership Forum (Supported by the World Bank Youth Initiative), engaged with the Aspen Institute on India–US policy challenges, and was recently appointed Special Emissary (Honorary) to the Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in India under the guidance of Dr. Janice Darbari, advancing cultural, startup exchanges, and many more relationships. She earlier chaired the FTAPCCI Women in Business division, strengthening trade advocacy and women's leadership.
Recognized globally, she has received the Visistha Seva Pratibha Puraskaram (Special State Award) and Special Youth Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Enterprising Women of the Year Champion Award (USA, 2021), and recognition among the 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators and South India's Best CSR Leaders. She was also honored with the Young Women Entrepreneur Award and named a finalist for Young Female STEM Pioneer at the Dublin Tech Summit.
A Limca Book of Records holder for publishing the highest number of international research papers as an undergraduate, Sree Divya began her academic journey with over 20 international publications in engineering. A Carnatic vocalist and AIR performer, she balances cultural roots with global vision. She continues to embody resilience, leadership, and the power of purpose-driven change.
Personal Quote:
“When women in rural India are equipped with technology and opportunity, they don’t just transform their own lives they transform entire communities. - Sree Divya Vadlapudi Prasanna”