In a world where leadership is often measured by titles and accolades, Manisha Bharti stands apart as a leader defined not just by professional success but by purpose, compassion, and unwavering dedication to impact.
As the first Chief Executive Officer of Pratham USA and a Global Executive within the wider Pratham network, she carries with her more than 25 years of transformative experience in global development, philanthropy, and social impact. Her story is not just about professional milestones—it is about reimagining leadership as service, empowerment, and legacy.
Manisha Bharti: Early Foundations of a Global Leader
Born with a vision larger than herself, Manisha Bharti embarked on a journey of learning and service early on. A graduate with honors from Harvard University, she pursued an interdisciplinary degree in Social Studies, nurturing her interest in global challenges and solutions. Driven by the need to bridge systemic inequalities, she went on to earn two master’s degrees with honors—one in Public Health and another in Business Administration—from Johns Hopkins University.
These academic experiences became her launchpad, equipping her with both analytical depth and business acumen—tools she would later use to reshape global development initiatives.
Building Global Impact: From Strategy to Transformation
Bharti’s professional journey spans across some of the world’s most influential organizations. She worked with McKinsey & Company, UNICEF, the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and the Canadian and Ontario governments. In the mid-1990s, she even became the youngest person to serve on a Canadian Royal Commission on Learning, showcasing her extraordinary vision at a young age.
Her tenure at FHI 360, a global nonprofit organization, remains one of the most defining chapters of her career. Between 2005 and 2016, Bharti held numerous leadership roles, eventually serving as Chief Strategy Officer. Under her leadership, FHI 360’s revenues grew tenfold, securing billions in new funding and expanding its portfolio from health to include education, nutrition, gender equity, climate change, and crisis response.
She successfully diversified its funder base to include over 100 new philanthropic and corporate partnerships—a feat that highlights her ability to combine strategy with humanity.
Later, as Chief of Strategy and Programs at GHR Foundation, Bharti oversaw one of Minnesota’s largest philanthropic portfolios, spanning health, education, and international development. During the pandemic, her vision proved critical—she deepened international collaborations and spearheaded GHR’s racial equity initiatives in Minneapolis-St. Paul. She also played a pivotal role as Secretary and Board Member of the Global Solidarity Fund, advancing inclusive global development.
Manisha Bharti: The Pratham USA Chapter – A Vision for Education
In 2021, Manisha Bharti stepped into her groundbreaking role as the first CEO of Pratham USA, while also serving as a Global Executive within Pratham’s network. Pratham, founded in 1995, is one of India’s largest education-focused NGOs with a mission to make quality education accessible to every child.
The organization is best known for its innovative Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, which ensures children learn according to their skill level rather than their age or grade. This pioneering model has transformed classrooms across 23 states and union territories in India and inspired adoption in other countries.
As CEO, Bharti focuses on strengthening Pratham USA’s network of chapters, expanding fundraising efforts, and building long-term strategies that connect the Indian diaspora and global allies to Pratham’s vision. Her leadership ensures that children from underprivileged communities not only gain access to education but also the confidence to dream bigger futures.
Lessons from Life and Leadership
While Bharti’s resume reflects her brilliance, her personal life reveals the values that guide her leadership. She calls the title of “mom” to her triplets—Ayrton, Avantika, and her angel daughter Asmi—her most cherished role. Parenthood, she often says, has been her greatest teacher, instilling in her humility, compassion, patience, and grace.
Her early years working in Ghana’s Volta region and India’s Rajasthan also left a deep imprint, teaching her the importance of listening, cultural respect, and community-driven solutions. These lessons continue to guide her leadership at Pratham and beyond.
Recognition and Continued Influence
Beyond her organizational leadership, Manisha Bharti is an active participant in leadership fellowships and racial equity initiatives. She is part of the GEO Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship, is soon to be certified as a Racially Conscious Collaborator, and has a lifetime appointment as secretary of her graduating class at Harvard.
Also Read : Bhargavi Varma: Visionary Behind Brown Girl Angels Impact