Eligibility Criteria

Kate Montgomery is a global literacy education specialist. After teaching in Eastern Europe, Africa and New York City, she spent more than a decade in educational publishing, working with teams to create materials to support reading and writing development. She then spent more than a decade working at Columbia University Teachers College, leading international education initiatives. Most recently she has worked at NewGlobe leading academic plan development for literacy and numeracy development internationally, including government partnerships in Mizoram and Meghalaya. She is honored to have been a friend and supporter of OneUp for many years.

Ezette is a former school principal, curriculum developer and teacher, with expertise in system and school reform, and the enhancement of literacy practices. She holds degrees in Education, Linguistics, Literacy, Literature and Teacher Librarianship, with a Masters in the Teaching of Reading. She has been responsible for large scale, long term, development of teachers in Australia, the United Arab Emirates and India. Her work developing Literacy Coaches in India, for the Heritage Group of Schools, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

Paro Anand is a Sahitya Akademi, Bal Sahitya Award winner for her book, Wild Child. She has written books for children, young adults and adults. As a performance storyteller and speaker, she has represented India all over the world. In 2019, she was awarded the Kalinga Karubaki Literary Award for Fearless Women Writers.

An innovative educationist and a prolific writer on education she has spent over 35 years in Education, Media (BBC), Arts Management (Arts Council of England)) both in India and the UK. She taught at her alma mater, Lady Shri Ram College and completed a second Masters in Theatre Arts at the University of Leeds, UK. As former Director of the Shri Ram Schools and Adviser Education to Step by Step School Noida, she has been instrumental in founding and developing two major educational institutions in the country. Presently, she is a leading educational consultant and Vice Chair of the Ahvaan Trust, working with State Governments on Policy and Strategy to upgrade Government schools and teacher’s skills and proficiencies.

The founder of A Suitable Agency, Hemali Sodhi has over two decades of experience in publishing, communications and brand strategy. Passionate about books, and with a proven expertise in communications and brand management, she has conceptualised and worked on a number of pioneering and award-winning marketing campaigns. Her focus has been on building brands – consumer-facing as well as corporate – and over the years she has worked with many renowned writers from around the world. Hemali loves travelling, reading, and dogs. The Book of Dog, an anthology of original writings edited by her, was published in January 2022.

With 27 years of experience teaching English to students aged 8 to 15, I have cultivated a deep passion for fostering language skills in young learners. As a curriculum leader for junior years and the English Language Vertical lead for grades K-VIII, I have spearheaded the implementation of a robust reading and writing program designed to inspire a love of literature and enhance communication skills. My commitment to nurturing literacy is driven by the belief that strong language foundations empower students for future success.

Ruchi Mehta has spent nearly two decades at The Shri Ram School, Vasant Vihar, shaping young minds and creating memorable classroom experiences. As a dedicated early childhood educator, she has guided students with warmth and creativity, whether through her roles as the Key Activities Coordinator or leading the Learning Resource Centre. A lifelong learner herself, Ruchi holds a Master’s in International Business and a gold medal in Education, bringing both expertise and a love of learning to everything she does. She is passionate about storytelling and nurturing young voices.

Leslie Bartley is an English teacher at The British School, New Delhi. Passionate about reading, especially historical fiction, she also enjoys writing, scrapbooking, and playing badminton. In her free time, she loves going for walks to unwind and look at plants.