Breakthrough Trust has announced the appointment of Nayana Chowdhury as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 2025. As Breakthrough celebrates its 25th anniversary, Nayana’s appointment marks a strategic commitment to expand the organisation’s impact, building on a legacy of innovation in challenging societal norms and advocating for safe, inclusive communities.
Nayana succeeds the outgoing CEO, Sohini Bhattacharya, who has led the organisation for the past seven years. Under Nayana's leadership, Breakthrough Trust aims to further its mission of fostering a gender-equal world through innovation and sustainable change.
Nayana Chowdhury, a dedicated advocate for justice and gender equality, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her role as Breakthrough’s new CEO. Growing up in West Bengal, Nayana witnessed the impacts of caste, religion, and class discrimination, shaping her journey into social work and social justice. Since joining Breakthrough in 2018 as Director of Programmes, she has expanded initiatives addressing gender-based violence and discrimination, particularly among adolescents in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with an innovative and community-centered approach that has driven meaningful change.
Sohini Bhattacharyahas been instrumental in creating a culture of openness, accountability, and bold ambition at Breakthrough. Her tenure has seen the organisation reach new heights in its advocacy for gender equality, and she leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and progress.
Breakthrough was founded in 1999 with a mission to create a cultural shift and make discrimination and violence against girls and women unacceptable. Breakthrough’s mission is led by young people aged 11 to 25. As Breakthrough enters its next chapter under Nayana’s leadership, the organization reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth to lead a cultural transformation toward gender equality, ensuring a future of dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.