Lavanya first got involved with climate-related initiatives at Conjunct Consulting where she provided pro bono consulting services to social enterprises. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for the breadth of issues these types of organisations face and connected her to driven sustainability advocates.
Lavanya's curiosity about how non-profits and social enterprises implement solutions drove her to dedicate more of her time to working directly in a non-profit. It was during her involvement in Conjunct Consulting that she encountered the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) (JGIS), a non-profit organisation that aims to empower and inspire people to conserve the natural world and improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. In 2016, Lavanya starting volunteering with JGIS, in a dual capacity as the Community Manager, and as a member of the planning team, where she contributed to the organisation's strategy and programme prioritisation.
Building and empowering community at Jane Goodall Institute Singapore
As a Planning Team member at JGIS, Lavanya played an important role in overseeing the organisation's strategy. Her responsibilities included organising the visits of Dr Jane Goodall, the founder of JGIS to Singapore in 2017 and 2019 and her strategic insights and dedication helped shape JGIS's environmental initiatives. Furthermore, she assumed the role of a Community Manager, where she played a vital role in recruiting, selecting, and engaging interns and volunteers, with the aim to help build bridges between aspiring individuals and meaningful opportunities. Lavanya was instrumental in establishing the volunteer management structure and formalising the internship programme, where she led a team of around 15 long-term volunteers.
She also collaborated with the Roots and Shoots team to design an Awards to recognise environmental groups’ efforts, and a newsletter to amplify JGIS's environmental message.
Shaping programs and strategy at Ground-Up Initiative
In 2020, Lavanya moved on to volunteer with Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) as an advisor to management, where she currently serves. GUI is a non-profit with the mission to connect people with nature, one another, and self. Lavanya was drawn to GUI’s emphasis on mindfulness, belonging, gratitude and innovation.
Her focus is on strategy, processes, and documentation. Most notably, Lavanya led a project to document and refresh GUI’s standard operating procedures and managed a team of over ten skills-based volunteers. Together, they revamped GUI's processes, finalising around 10 procedures in six months to a year.
She continues to contribute in a skills-based capacity in providing guidance on GUI’s activities, partnerships and business plans. As GUI looks to fundraise for its move to a new site, these plans are ever more critical.
Lavanya’s Vision and Advice
Lavanya strives to create a positive social impact in any area she can influence.
“I’ve been fortunate in having very supportive people around me - who give me space to try and fail safely (as I have done so many times), encourage my intentions, and guide me compassionately. I also recognise the incredible privilege I have in being able to participate this way.” Says Lavanya. “I hope I can encourage others to contribute to climate-related initiatives, and I want to fully recognise that not everyone can and should give back in the same way as I have.”
One of her most exciting upcoming endeavours is working with an organisation to develop and promote sustainability-focused content for children. She aspires for this project to have international reach.
Lavanya emphasises the power of community in fostering a sense of belonging, amplifying stories, and promoting personal growth. Her advice to others is to actively seek and build suitable communities and actively participate in them.
Lavanya, with a full-time job at Google, demonstrates that making a difference is possible through, and outside of her professional commitments.
Connect with Lavanya
Lavanya is open to collaborations and opportunities from anyone who shares her commitment to environmental advocacy. Her journey as a Climate Champion is a demonstration of the difference one person can make in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.