Mr. Rahul Umekar
Founder and Director
Professional Summary: Rahul Umekar is a seasoned professional with a strong background in Microfinance, Banking and Social entrepreneurship. He brings over 20 years of experience in leading initiatives that promote financial inclusion and empower marginalized communities. As Director of Sharan welfare Foundation, Rahul is dedicated to leveraging microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Professional Experience:
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Founder & Director - SHARAN WELFARE FOUNDATION:
- Founded the organization with a mission to provide affordable financial services to underserved populations, particularly women and rural/urban communities.
- Developed innovative microfinance products tailored to the needs of low- income entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and resilience.
- Previous Roles: Before starting Sharan, he worked with different financial institutions and has rich experience in banking, life insurance, stock market, and microfinance as well.
Education:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Marketing
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.COM) in Account Hounrs.
Key Skills:
- Strategic Planning and Visionary Leadership
- Financial Management and Risk Assessment
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
- Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Compliance
- Impact Evaluation and Monitoring
Achievements:
- Successfully scaled Sharan welfare Foundation operations, doubling the client base and loan portfolio within three years.
- Received recognition for innovative microfinance solutions that improved accessibility and affordability for rural women entrepreneurs.
- SAdvocated for policy reforms that enhanced regulatory environment for microfinance institutions, contributing to sector-wide improvements.
Personal Statement: "I am passionate about creating inclusive financial ecosystems that empower individuals and communities to achieve their full potential. Through Sharan welfare Foundation, we are committed to breaking barriers and fostering economic resilience among the underserved."
Dr. Srishti Umekar
Co-Founder & Director, Sharan Welfare Foundation
Ph.D. in Economics | Entrepreneurship Development Trainer
+91 9977014580 / 7987931054
✉️ [email protected]
Dr. Srishti Umekar is a distinguished academician, trainer, and social entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in both academia and industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics and currently serves as the Co-Founder and Director of the Sharan Welfare Foundation, a Section 8 registered microfinance institution committed to empowering economically marginalized women.
After a rewarding 16-year tenure in Industry and academia, Dr. Umekar established Sharan Welfare Foundation in 2018 to promote skill development, health awareness, and financial inclusion. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded to six branches across Madhya Pradesh, directly impacting over 3,500 women.
She remains deeply connected to the academic community and serves with numerous organizations, including:
- RCVP Naronha Administrative Academy, Bhopal
- Institute of Co-Operative Management
- Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sehkari Sangh
- Department of Skill Development
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
- Rabindranath Tagore University (Ad-Joining Faculty and Ph.D. Research Guide in Economics & Management)
Dr. Umekar also serves as a Faculty Instructor for the Indian Armed Forces (Directorate General of Resettlement, Ministry of Defense), contributing to resettlement training programs for Tri- Forces personnel for over 7 years.
She is a prolific researcher, having authored over 30 publications, and continues to mentor emerging scholars in economics and management.
Awards & Recognitions:
- Felicitated by Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD), Bhopal Chapter for her remarkable journey, achievements, and contributions on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025
- Naari Ratan Award – Rashtriya Naari Shashaktikaran Sangh (2024)
- Madhya Pradesh Gaurav Ratan Award – Rashtriya Naari Shashaktikaran Sangh (2022)
- Pradesh Gaurav Ratan Award – Rashtriya Naari Shashaktikaran Sangh (2022)
- Apulki Maharashtra Mandal Award (2022)
- Innovative Trainer Award – ISTD, New Delhi (Bhopal Chapter) (2022)
- Stand-Up Award for Social Entrepreneurship (Female Category) – Rabindranath Tagore University (2019)
- Centrally Administered Doctoral Fellowship – ICSSR, New Delhi
Mr. N Dharmadhikari
Independent Director
Mr. N Dharmadhikari is an analytics and growth-driven business leader with a sharp focus on incremental value specialising in leading cross-functional teams to design and implement customer value propositions He has led a product portfolio of up to $1 billion in yearly revenues during his stint in Dubai. His area of specialisation includes strategy, value propositions, pricing and analytics and operational efficiencies. With his long-honed experience and expertise in various facets, he is giving his invaluable contribution to businesses as an Independent Director in India.
Besides he also guides telecommunication and technology companies in Middle East and North Africa as a consultant.