Karunashree Foundation

Wendy Ramirez - Curriculum Specialist

Wendy Ramírez, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, is a dedicated educator and community advocate. She studied Education and Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) at Instituto Caro y Cuervo and pursued Peace Studies at Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in India.

Passionate about curriculum development, Wendy excels as a program director, creating inclusive, arts-integrated programs that empower children and women. She believes in the transformative power of art to foster self-expression, confidence, and creativity, especially for vulnerable populations.

Her innovative approach emphasises holistic development and equips individuals with the skills to overcome challenges.

Living in India with her husband, Sam, Wendy’s leadership and compassion have positively impacted many lives. Together, they are dedicated to community service, inspiring and transforming the communities they serve.

Joanna Anusha - Women and Children Empowerment Co - Ordinator

As a dedicated advocate for child and women empowerment, Joana is committed to creating a just and equitable society. Her work focuses on supporting children's education through scholarships and programs, empowering women with skill development and financial literacy, and leading community initiatives such as clean-up drives and winter aid.

Joana also aspires to provide a nurturing home and, in the future, fulfill her dream of adopting a child.

Within KSF, Joana is passionate about implementing career development programs for youth, mentoring and supporting young people within the church, and leading skill development initiatives for underprivileged women.

Believing in the power of collective action, Joana strives to uplift children and women, fostering self-sufficiency and lasting change in the community.

John Paul - Youth Empowerment Specialist

John Paul is deeply committed to empowering young people in his community, recognizing them as future leaders and innovators. Through KSF, he mentors teenagers and young adults, providing a safe, supportive environment where they can navigate challenges, explore their purpose, and grow in confidence.

Having grown up in the same community, John brings a personal understanding of its strengths and needs. This insight allows him to connect meaningfully with local youth, offering tailored guidance that resonates with their experiences. He is passionate about helping them discover their potential, realize their worth, and build a strong foundation for fulfilling lives.

John believes that investing in young people not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens the entire community. Through his work, he inspires the next generation to become resilient, compassionate, and purpose-driven individuals who can lead positive change.

Samuel Panderla - Global Leader and Community Builder

Samuel Panderla is a leader with a rich global perspective, shaped by his experience as a Third Culture Kid (TCK), blending his parents' cultures with the diverse environments where he grew up. His passion for helping children and teens has driven him to work across continents, empowering young people to become global citizens.

After finishing high school at Kodaikanal International School, India, Samuel earned a master's degree in nonprofit administration from Fresno Pacific University, laying the foundation for his commitment to community service and leadership. His journey took him to Bogotá, Colombia, where he served as a high school teacher, helping economically disadvantaged communities through classroom instruction and youth programs.

Samuel’s heart for community development through youth leadership extended beyond the classroom. He volunteered at the Mathew Training Center in Mexico and Indonesia, where he led programs and mentored young adults. These experiences deepened his understanding of CCD, guiding him to live, serve, and teach in different parts of the world.

Now back in India with his wife Wendy, as the Executive Director of Karuna Shree Foundation, he is committed to empowering communities through CCD education, leadership development, and Peace Camps. Samuel envisions leading KSF to create lasting change by nurturing young minds, fostering a spirit of service, and inspiring future leaders to shape a better world.

Under his leadership, KSF will continue to be a catalyst for transformation, building bridges across cultures, and equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Emmanuel Gandham - Media Head

Emmanuel Gandham is a passionate musician, producer, educator, and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience. He loves helping children and young people discover their talents and fostering a culture of continuous learning, igniting creativity and personal growth through music and mentorship. As a skilled web designer and content creator, Emmanuel collaborates with KSF on innovative projects. He launches youth programs, conducts workshops, and organizes events to nurture talent and leadership. Committed to peace-building, he promotes understanding in communities. With a vision to empower educators and mentor young people in music and web design, Emmanuel aims to create online courses, and multimedia content that inspire growth. He plans to develop music education, lead community projects, and host events like youth talent shows and innovation hackathons, empowering the next generation to embrace creativity and foster peace.

G Paul Sumanth - Volunteer Co ordinator

Godavarthi Paul Sumanth is a dedicated volunteer coordinator at KSF, committed to community development through impactful initiatives. With a Bachelor of Divinity, he combines theological knowledge with a strong passion for service.

Sumanth actively organizes children’s and youth camps that foster leadership, values, and personal growth, building a sense of community among participants. He plans to establish a quality educational institution and a theological college to train future leaders.

Additionally, he aims to create homes for vulnerable children and facilities for the elderly, ensuring they receive proper care. His holistic approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of education, compassion, and service. Through strong leadership and dedication, Sumanth is driving lasting change and laying the groundwork for a hopeful, resilient future.

Lincy Prasastha Davis - Mentor

Lincy Prasastha Davis is a dedicated educator passionate about shaping the lives of children and youth. Her commitment at KSF is driven by the belief in the transformative power of education and the significance of building connections among diverse individuals.

These connections enrich communities and foster understanding, empathy, and support. Lincy prioritizes cultivating strong, trusting relationships with young people, recognizing their profound impact on personal growth and future success.

Through mentorship and engaging activities, she creates inclusive spaces where they feel empowered to express themselves and explore their identities. Her mission is to empower the next generation to forge meaningful connections, instilling values of empathy, respect, and collaboration. Together, we can create a more harmonious world, one relationship at a time. She is committed to nurturing these vital relationships to build a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Lily Par - Peace Advocate and Mentor

Lily Par, a dedicated leader from Myanmar, is deeply committed to helping her community. With degrees in economics and theology, she’s now studying for a Bachelor of Divinity, combining her academic knowledge with her strong sense of purpose.

Lily is especially passionate about supporting orphaned children and elderly people, making sure they feel valued and cared for. She works closely with children, encouraging them to believe in themselves and showing them the importance of education. Her goal is to inspire each child to realize their potential and go after their dreams.

With a big heart and a strong vision, Lily hopes to build a future where communities support one another, every child has access to education, and elderly people are honoured and cared for. Her work continues to bring hope and positive change to those who need it most.

Jessy Prakash - Director of curriculum development

Jessy Prakash, originally from the Mennonite Church, is a dedicated theologian with expertise in pastoral care and counseling. He pursued theological studies and is deeply committed to equipping individuals with emotional and spiritual resilience.

Passionate about curriculum development, Jessy excels as a program director, creating inclusive, transformative programs that integrate faith, counseling, and education. He believes in the power of holistic learning to foster personal growth, confidence, and healing, especially for vulnerable communities.

His innovative approach emphasizes empowerment and equips individuals with the skills to navigate challenges with strength and hope.

Living in Hyderabad, Jessy’s leadership and compassion have positively impacted many lives. Through his dedication to education and community service, he continues to inspire and transform the communities he serves.