Sushma Mahabala, Director, Research, has extensive experience across the development sector, working on policy, governance, and community-centred initiatives, and collaborating closely with government and elected representatives on research, leadership development, and monitoring. At Ek Kutumb, she leads India-focused, values-based research on climate engagement, driven by a deep curiosity about places and the people who shape them, and a belief that rigorous research can translate India’s untapped potential into meaningful action.