Rushda Majeed

Rushda Majeed leads the Van Leer Foundation’s global programmatic work, focusing on advancing early childhood development through innovative partnerships. Since joining the Foundation in 2017 as the India Representative, she has significantly expanded its impact by fostering collaborations at the intersection of urban development, public health, and early childhood. Notable initiatives include the Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge, in partnership with India's urban ministry, which integrates early childhood considerations into city planning and design, and Paalan 1000, a national early childhood initiative with the health ministry. Prior to this, she worked with Bloomberg Philanthropies, where she co-managed the India Smart Cities Challenge, and Princeton University’s Innovations for Successful Societies, leading research in 11 countries to examine government reforms. She has a diverse background in public policy, governance, and social development across multiple sectors.