Trina started working in Kalighat, one of Asia’s oldest and largest red light areas, at the age of 18. Her interaction with commercial sex workers spurred her passion to spend her life working on gender empowerment. After graduating with a major in English Literature, Political Science and Sociology, she went on to do her Masters in Social Work, specializing in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work. During her Masters, Trina visited and interned with various women’s rights and anti-trafficking organizations. Trina started her own non-profit, Kranti at the age of 22, in Mumbai. Kranti identifies the potential in girls who have been trafficked to become agents of social change, as they have survived the worst social adversities, and have the passion and understanding to solve these social problems. Kranti uses counseling, education, and leadership training to empower marginalized girls as change-agents. Recently, Trina moved to Ashoka: Innovators for the Public to explore other areas and models of work in the development sector, through Ashoka’s fellow selection process.
Host Organization: Atlas Corps | American Express
Role at Host Organization: Trina will support the overall strengthening of leadership development in the nonprofit sector by helping to expand the American Express Leadership Academy franchise. Building on the American Express role in supporting best-in-class leadership practices and capacity building, Trina will coordinate and grow the alumni network; help develop and improve communication and dissemination of best practice and provide overall project support as needed.