#ACTuallyAwesome | Sowjanya Kanuri Sowjanya’s career has been a journey of discovery—figuring out what didn’t excite her was just as important as finding what did. She started in banking, then spent three years in marketing at Unilever, but it wasn’t until she stumbled into the impact space that something clicked. Her first full-time foray into social impact was at Girl Effect, where she saw firsthand how innovative solutions could transform the lives of young girls. She thrived in the challenge of building from the ground up and loved working alongside people deeply driven by purpose. Scaling a small team into something bigger gave her a taste of the 0-to-1 journey—and she was hooked. As Director, #ACTForWomen and #ACTForEducation, she brings that same builder’s mindset to venture philanthropy, especially at the intersection(s) of gender, education and impact. Sowjanya thrives in ACT’s culture of collaboration and loves working with the team, which she describes as consisting of sharp, mission-driven minds who push each other to think bigger and do better every day. Beyond work, she has a unique ability to keep the team grounded—bringing perspective, balance, and quiet strength that makes the work more meaningful. Sowjanya envisions a future where dignity and respect aren’t privileges but guarantees—where rising aspirations are met with real opportunities, and she's committed to unlocking the opportunities for many. #CoFoundersOfSocialChange #ThisIsUs
