An expert on disaster management and capacity building, Anshu believes in technology-based interventions. This has given a unique edge to the initiatives undertaken by the organization, including the use of AI-based platforms for disaster management.

In 1994 he co-founded the non-profit agency SEEDS, which is a global leader in disaster management. SEEDS was awarded the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar, India’s highest award for disaster management, in 2021. In 2022, it also won the UN Sasakawa award, the highest global award for disaster management awarded by the UN.

His over three decades in the sector entails extensive work across 12 countries. He has worked as an advisor to the government, the NDMA, various UN agencies, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Red Cross, and other INGOs.

Manu has worked extensively on building resilient communities across the Asia-Pacific landscape. He has been at the forefront of advocating for and championing citizen-led initiatives. He brings ground realities to global perspectives and is actively involved in global conversations on humanitarian issues.

As co-founder of SEEDS, he has been conferred the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 and Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Award 2021 by the Government of India.

He sits on the boards of several global and national organisations and is visiting faculty at global institutions. Manu holds degrees in Physical Planning and Urban Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and a doctorate in community-based disaster management from Kyoto University, Japan.

Prakhar leads strategy and partnerships, steering STS’s growth through data-driven, policy-informed approaches to resilience. His work brings together analytics, planning, and systems thinking to strengthen cities and infrastructure for long-term impact.

He has contributed to several resilience and risk planning initiatives, supporting institutions in integrating sustainability into their decision-making. Prakhar is particularly interested in the role of data and design in shaping equitable urban transformation.

He holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from CEPT University and a Bachelor’s in Planning.

Samuel focuses on community resilience, connecting local knowledge, innovation, and practice to build systems that endure. His work bridges community insights with institutional strategy, fostering participatory and culturally rooted resilience planning.

Over fourteen years, he has worked across humanitarian innovation, peace education, and climate resilience. His approach centres people and their lived realities, ensuring that every project reflects inclusiveness and trust.

He holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology and training in Conflict Transformation Across Cultures and Global Citizenship Education.

Shambhavi leads initiatives on climate and urban resilience, focusing on risk assessment, adaptive planning, and disaster preparedness. She works to bridge data and design with community needs to create climate-responsive cities.

Her projects span policy development, urban analysis, and participatory planning. Shambhavi’s work aims to make resilience a practical part of everyday urban systems, ensuring that local perspectives guide long-term strategies.

She holds a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal and a Bachelor’s in Architecture.

With a background in architecture and urban planning, Zoya leads the Disaster and Habitat portfolio, integrating design, policy, and on-ground insight to strengthen community resilience. Her work spans disaster preparedness, resilient housing, and inclusive urban systems.

Zoya has worked on district and city-level disaster management plans, post-disaster housing prototypes, and community engagement programmes. She believes that rebuilding after disasters is a chance to create safer, fairer futures for all.

She holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from CEPT University, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture.

Shreyasi leads the knowledge and innovation function, developing data systems, digital products, and responsible AI strategies that link technology with resilience. She works to make complex information accessible and actionable.

Her experience spans strategy design, impact measurement, and research across climate and humanitarian sectors. Shreyasi’s focus lies in enabling decision-making that is ethical, informed, and equitable.

She holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from IIT Kharagpur, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture.

Srishti manages the climate policy portfolio, focusing on research and environmental planning that inform city and state-level strategies. Her work explores the intersection of science, governance, and action in shaping climate policy.

She has experience in climate modelling, air quality management, and urban sustainability frameworks. Srishti believes policy is most effective when rooted in clear evidence and local experience.

She holds an Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation (Environmental Sciences) and a Bachelors in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi.

Ishan oversees financial management, operations, and compliance across climate and disaster resilience initiatives. He plays a key role in ensuring that financial systems, procurement processes, and reporting mechanisms align with both organizational goals and donor requirements.

With a strong foundation in finance and administration, Ishan brings precision, transparency, and structure to complex projects, ensuring accountability and efficient resource utilization. His expertise spans budgeting, audits, vendor and contract management, taxation, and operational planning, enabling seamless coordination between field teams, partners, and management.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance.