Dr. Bollineni Keerthi, President of Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM), exemplifies transformative leadership with her unwavering dedication to social change. Leading VMM, a prestigious NGO with a 55-year legacy, Dr. Keerthi has shaped its mission of promoting gender inclusivity and social transformation, particularly for women and girls. Guided by Gandhian principles of nonviolence and self-reliance, alongside her grandfather Gora’s humanism and self-respect, she ensures VMM remains innovative and adaptable. The organization’s philosophy centers on empowerment, with strategies that include the 4Cs and 4Ps, balancing dignity with professionalism. Under her leadership, VMM continues to drive impactful change and foster future changemakers.
Dr. Keerthi’s journey as a social impact leader is shaped by her upbringing and strong values rooted in India’s freedom movement. Influenced by Gandhian ideals and community movements, she actively contributed to initiatives promoting social awareness and harmony. Her transition from aspiring to be a doctor to pursuing professional social work was fueled by her experiences in women’s development. A personal experience with spousal violence fueled her dedication to empowering women and advocating for their rights. Under her leadership, VMM’s innovative approach, strategic planning, and integration of ESG principles continue to drive impactful social transformation, enhancing community development and sustainability.
VMM’s core mission is the empowerment of women as a catalyst for social change. The Mahila Mitra initiative exemplifies this by training women volunteers, equipping them with knowledge and confidence to challenge societal norms. Dr. Keerthi asserts, “Empowering women leads to stronger communities.” By offering leadership opportunities, VMM fosters a generation of changemakers advocating for gender equity and justice. Community engagement is pivotal, with VMM emphasizing grassroots involvement to ensure relevance and impact. Dr. Keerthi adds, “Real change happens when communities are involved.” Through excellence in training and technology, VMM is nurturing future leaders for social transformation and sustainable change.
Recognized by Women World Magazine as One of The 5 Visionary Women Leaders to Watch in 2025, Dr. Bollineni Keerthi’s visionary leadership at Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM) has not only advanced the organization’s longstanding commitment to gender inclusivity but has also ignited a wave of social transformation.
