Leadership

Poornima Garg

Poornima Garg is a dynamic leader and visionary who serves as the Country Director of Room to Read India, a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting early-grade literacy and advancing gender equality through education. Under her leadership, Room to Read India impacts millions of lives, fostering foundational literacy and empowering girls to fulfil their potential. 

Poornima brings over 20 years of diverse experience spanning non-profit and corporate domains. Her expertise in children's literature for international markets and her academic background in social impact strategy and business management offer a unique perspective on India's socio-economic and educational landscapes. Her corporate tenure at leading international publishing houses, including QBS Learning, has enriched her ability to integrate global best practices into the local context, driving Room to Read India's literacy mission. 

Her innovative partnerships with communities, governments, and corporate entities have bolstered systemic reforms and brought national attention to foundational literacy. Poornima's dedication to advancing gender equality is evident through her work on gender portfolios, where she has championed initiatives that empower girls and promote their education. Deeply passionate about cultivating a love for reading among adolescents, she strongly advocates for making books more accessible, age-appropriate, and engaging for young readers. 

She was conferred the title of “The Phenomenal She” in 2019 by the Indian National Bar Association for her contributions to advancing women’s rights and strengthening safe workplaces. Under her leadership, Room to Read India has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” for eleven consecutive years and as a “Great Place to Work for Women” for the first time in 2022. In 2025, she was recognized as a “Social Impact Leader” at the HT Media Crafting Bharat Awards, acknowledging her sustained leadership and impact in the education and gender equity space. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Poornima is a compassionate mentor and life coach. She inspires others to unlock their potential and contribute to meaningful change. Her leadership is a testament to her unwavering belief in education as the cornerstone of sustainable development. She is particularly passionate about girls' education, recognizing it as a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a more equitable society. She believes that educating girls not only transforms their lives but also has a profound impact on their families and communities. Purpose-driven, empathetic and visionary are the qualities that describe her most and continue to define her leadership at Room to Read India.