Vidhya Pandey grew up in the bustling heart of Delhi, navigating narrow lanes, busy markets, and the vibrant chaos of the city. She studied in a government school, where she experienced both the limitations and the hidden strengths of the public education system.These early experiences planted a seed in her—to work towards a future where every child studying in a government school has access to quality education and the freedom to dream beyond their circumstances.

Vidhya’s journey in the education and development sector began as a Life Skills Educator with Magic Bus, where she worked with adolescents, helping them build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. Her sessions became a safe space for young people to reflect on their identity and aspirations.

She later joined the Punjab-based fellowship program, Sanjhi Sikhiya, where she worked in rural primary schools to strengthen learning outcomes and school governance. Walking through mustard fields and sitting under the shade of peepal trees with community members, Vidhya built lasting bonds with families, understanding deeply that real change happens when communities are heard and involved.In parallel, she volunteered with Claylab, conducting career readiness and self-awareness sessions for 10th-grade students. These sessions were not just about choosing careers—they were about students discovering who they are, what they love, and what they could become.Today, Vidhya works as an Associate – Program Implementation with the Simple Education Foundation in Amritsar. Here, she collaborates closely with school leaders, teachers, and local communities to create more engaging, inclusive, and student-centered classrooms in government schools.

Vidhya also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, which helped her build a stronger understanding of equity, social structures, and the transformative role education can play in society. Known for her facilitation skills, deep empathy, and grassroots approach, Vidhya sees herself not just as an educator—but as a bridge between policy and people, between dreams and opportunities.