Written by Ishika Rana and Rifat Islam, Girl Icon alumni of Milaan, who bring their perspectives and lived experiences to this conversation on teenage girls’ agency, leadership, and the power of peer-led change. Kuch saal pehle agar koi usse poochta ki tum apne future me kya karna chahti ho, to shayad wo jawaab dene se […]
Traveling the Distance Between Knowing and Doing What Milaan’s WhatsApp chatbot is teaching us about information, agency, and the small distances that can shape a girl’s future. There is a screenshot from the Milaan Chatbot that is easy to overlook. The conversation is happening on WhatsApp, against that familiar pale wallpaper of speech bubbles and
Traveling the Distance Between Knowing and Doing Read More »
By Farhat Ul Ain, Senior Communications Manager- Milaan On Independence Day, a reflection on adolescence, mobility, voice and what it means for girls to have a growing say in the futures they are beginning to imagine. Photo credit: Lakshmiprasad/Getty Images/Canva. On the morning of 15 August, school courtyards across India will fill a little earlier
What Does Freedom Look Like at Fifteen? Read More »
Tucked off of a busy main road in Bengaluru is a stunning campus, the Ecumenical Christian Center. This haven from the hustle and bustle of the city is full of tamarind trees, shady meadows, plentiful birds, and – for three days in December – also 200 U-Go scholars. These clever, talented, and driven girls came
Together We Rise- The U-GO Scholar Convening 2024 Read More »
When I first watched “Mrs.,” directed by Arati Kadav I found myself confused. It wasn’t the plot or the characters that puzzled me, but the unsettling familiarity of the story itself. The quiet discomfort, the unspoken expectations, the way a woman’s dreams seemed to shrink within the invisible walls of marriage—it all felt too real.
Inside Insights: Sheril Susan Manu, Associate – Communications Read More »
As I set foot in Sarawasti Balika Inter College, Lucknow, for the Girl Icon District Level Event, the flurry of activity caught me by surprise. Early in the morning several parents were chatting with each other, while others reassured their nervous daughters that they would be by their side throughout the day. In the corner,
Intern Insights: A Look Into Lucknow’s Girl Icon Training Read More »
When I joined Milaan as the Program Officer for Movement Building, I underestimated the significant challenge that awaited me: revitalizing and uniting a coalition network in need of consolidation. The task at hand was not only immense but also crucial, as it involved uniting CSOs with diverse interests and expertise, which proved daunting. Given that
Inside Insights: Anjali Singh, Program Officer – Movement Building Read More »
In conversation with H.E Sue Lines, Hon President, Australian Senate I, Aakansha Mudgal, am a Co-Facilitator at Milaan Foundation, living in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. I am 21 and pursuing the last semester of my graduation in Humanities from Chaudhary Charan Singh University. Nothing brings me more pleasure than spending time in nature, reading books,
Inside Insights: Aakansha Mudgal, Co-Facilitator Read More »
Before joining Milaan, I worked as a volunteer Program Manager where I handled volunteers globally. I designed workshops and tasks for volunteer engagement, recruited volunteers, and coordinated with colleges. Creating positive change in society has always been my goal. However, one thing I was missing in my work was the opportunity to work on the
Inside Insights: Monika Phore, Community Coordinator Read More »
I recently finished my first day as an intern at the Milaan Foundation. The organisation’s Lucknow office is tucked away in a little corner of Gomtinagar, in an unassuming building. As I walked inside, the change in atmosphere struck me immediately. The walls of the office were covered with drawings, quotes, and decor made by
Intern Insights: First Day at the Milaan Foundation Read More »
Brianne Bustos is a seasoned IT executive with over two decades of experience driving enterprise technology transformations, cybersecurity initiatives, and strategic IT planning. She has a strong track record of leading high-impact projects within private equity-backed firms, professional services, and infrastructure-heavy industries, aligning technology investments with business growth. Passionate about innovation, cybersecurity governance, and AI-driven solutions, Brianne excels in building resilient digital ecosystems that enhance operational efficiency and scalability.
Beyond her professional expertise, Brianne is an advocate for outdoor adventure and community-building. She founded an Outdoor Adventure Group for women, fostering empowerment, connection, and exploration in nature through activities like skiing, mountain biking, and backcountry excursions.
"I deeply believe in the power of education and community in challenging gender stereotypes and providing autonomy. Milaan's grassroots efforts to empower young women are inspiring and impactful. It is a privilege to be part of the team. "
Bela is a seasoned leader serving as the Chief Client Relationship Officer at Goodwin, a global law firm that advises the innovators and investors operating in some of the world’s most transformative areas. Prior to that, Prior to joining Goodwin, she spent 25 years at Deloitte working alongside diverse group of senior stakeholders to solve their most complex business challenges, including go-to-market transformations, operational excellence, as well as large-scale change. She also served as an advisor to Vidya Grants, a non-profit organization focused on education ecosystem in India.
