In a world where education shapes the destiny of nations, Ramya Venkataraman stands as a powerful force of transformation. As the Founder and CEO of CENTA (Centre for Teacher Accreditation), she has redefined how society perceives the teaching profession—making it aspirational, respected, and globally relevant. Her journey from a corporate leader at McKinsey & Company to a pioneering entrepreneur in education reflects passion, courage, and purpose-driven leadership.
Early Years and Educational Foundations of Ramya Venkataraman
Ramya’s story begins with an unyielding curiosity and a desire to make an impact. She earned her B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 1997 and her MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta in 1999. These prestigious institutions didn’t just shape her academic excellence but nurtured her leadership and problem-solving skills.
During her time at IIT Delhi, Ramya was known for her dynamic involvement in student activities—receiving the Institute’s Cumulative Outstanding Contribution to BRCA and a spot on Kailash Hostel’s Roll of Honour. Her natural leadership qualities and determination to make a difference were visible even then. These formative years laid the foundation for her lifelong mission: to improve the quality of education by empowering those who stand at its heart—teachers.
A Flourishing Corporate Career at McKinsey & Company
Before founding CENTA, Ramya Venkataraman spent more than 15 years at McKinsey & Company, one of the world’s most influential management consulting firms. She worked across multiple industries and regions—including India, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia—serving some of the largest conglomerates. Her sharp analytical mind, strategic thinking, and empathy for people made her an invaluable leader in every team she led.
In her final years at McKinsey, she turned her focus toward her true passion—education. She built and led McKinsey’s education practice in India, working on large-scale education reforms and strategies that would later inspire her entrepreneurial vision. Her experience gave her a rare combination of strategic insight and ground-level understanding of the challenges teachers face every day.
Ramya Venkataraman: The Birth of CENTA – A Bold Vision for Teachers
In 2014, Ramya took a leap of faith and founded CENTA (Centre for Teacher Accreditation)—an organization built on the belief that teachers deserve recognition, growth opportunities, and professional dignity. Under her visionary leadership, CENTA has grown into the world’s largest end-to-end professional platform for teachers, serving nearly 2 million educators across 100,000+ schools and 100 countries.
CENTA’s impact is profound. It certifies teachers based on measurable competencies, supports continuous upskilling, and provides them with AI-powered professional tools. By connecting teachers with employers around the world, CENTA also creates career pathways and livelihood opportunities—turning teaching into a respected and aspirational profession.
What sets CENTA apart is its technology-driven approach and global reach. Over 70% of its users come from India, while the rest represent a diverse international community across Asia and Africa. Through CENTA, Ramya Venkataraman is not only transforming teachers’ lives but also reshaping the very foundation of education systems worldwide.
Recognition and Global Impact
The world has taken notice of Ramya’s groundbreaking work. She has been honored as one of “15 Women Transforming India” by NITI Aayog and the United Nations, and featured among “50 Leaders Reviving India’s Education” by EducationWorld.
She is an Ashoka Fellow, part of a global network of leading social entrepreneurs who drive systems change. Both her alma maters—IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta—have recognized her contributions with their Distinguished Alumni Awards. IIT Delhi further honored her in 2025 for her Outstanding Contribution to Public Service, a testament to her enduring influence on national education.
Her thought leadership has also gained international attention. She has been profiled in the USA’s Peabody Journal of Education, invited as a guest faculty at Harvard University, and featured in leading media platforms like CNBC Awaaz and The Economic Times. Each recognition is a reflection of her relentless pursuit of excellence and impact.