Engineering Social Change
Rajesh Krishnan, the CEO of United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), is a dynamic leader whose journey from a qualified engineer to a prominent figure in the social sector is nothing short of inspiring. Krishnan's leadership path has been characterised by his unwavering commitment to creating positive social change.
Krishnan 's journey began with a detour from his engineering career, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. He immersed himself in the Teach for India programme. It was during this experience that Rajesh discovered his true calling in social engineering.
Recognising Krishnan 's exceptional dedication and leadership potential, UWBe offered him a full-time role, a decision that would prove transformative for the organisation. Rajesh played a pivotal role in scaling up funding from Rs 5 crore to an impressive Rs 125 crore, enabling UWBe to expand its geographical reach from Bengaluru to nine other states in India.
Krishnan's biggest challenge, the pandemic, was met with resilience. The organisation adapted, addressing issues step by step, securing government permissions, and mobilising resources to support communities in crisis. They successfully vaccinated over 1.04 crore people, among other initiatives.
His fundraising approach involves partnering with corporations as advisors and implementation partners, aligning their CSR goals with community needs. Under his leadership, corporate partnerships grew from 10 to over 100, emphasising the power of volunteering and mutual engagement.
Looking ahead, Krishnan aims to align with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals and foster collaboration among stakeholders to address community issues collectively.
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