Urvashi Sahni: The Educator Who’s Redefining Gender Equality in Classrooms

In a world chasing AI and fintech unicorns, Urvashi Sahni is betting on something far more fundamental: the power of education to transform lives—especially for girls. At a time when social impact is often about scale and speed, Sahni reminds us that depth of change matters just as much.

Urvashi Sahni is the founder of the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), a pioneering initiative that’s reshaping education for thousands of underserved children in India. What makes her approach unique? It’s not just about getting girls into classrooms—it’s about what happens inside those classrooms.

Through innovative programs like Prerna, SHEF doesn't just teach math and science—it teaches agency, voice, and confidence. Girls learn to ask questions, challenge norms, and understand their rights. And that’s a game-changer in communities where early marriage and gender discrimination still run deep.

What sets Urvashi Sahni apart is her belief that education must be deeply political—not partisan, but personal. She sees classrooms as spaces for transformation, where girls can reimagine their roles in society. Under her leadership, SHEF has educated over 100,000 students across India, with a strong focus on gender equity in education.

A lesser-known fact? Sahni herself was once a young woman battling social expectations. She returned to college after marriage and went on to earn a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Her story fuels her mission: to make sure every girl knows that her dreams are valid.

For young professionals and entrepreneurs looking to build purpose-driven ventures, Urvashi Sahni’s journey offers powerful lessons. She didn’t disrupt the system overnight—she worked within it, reshaping it from the inside out. Her success lies in merging pedagogy with social justice, inclusive education, and community involvement.

In a landscape crowded with tech-for-good solutions, Sahni’s work is a refreshing reminder: empowerment starts with empathy.

Urvashi Sahni isn’t just educating girls—she’s rewriting what education means in India. And in doing so, she’s proving that sometimes, the most radical change starts with simply asking a child what she wants to learn.