Volunteer
Shakun holds a professional four-year Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Sociology. Her academic foundation, combined with nearly two decades of field experience, informs her systems-thinking approach to education, culture-building, and human development. Shakun specializes in creating developmentally responsive SEL frameworks that support children, educators, leadership teams, and caregivers alike. Her work strengthens emotional intelligence, builds organizational coherence, and nurtures lifelong well-being across entire learning ecosystems.
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In a country as culturally rich and diverse as India, Shakun found her calling in social-emotional learning because of its openness to multiple perspectives and its ability to unite varied geopolitical and cultural realities. She envisions a world without borders—one where global citizens are shaped through empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
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She has trained hundreds of educators, engaged with thousands of students, and extended professional development to coaches, school leadership teams, and organizational heads to transform institutional culture and climate. Her work also includes partnering closely with parents through mindful parenting frameworks that strengthen home–school alignment. Through designing and implementing sustainable SEL programs, she has positively impacted large student communities and supported numerous educators, leaders, and families in embedding well-being into everyday practice.
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Being part of ICDI has provided Shakun with a meaningful footing to extend her work beyond schools and organizations and reach children, youth, and adults who are in need of deeper well-being, psychosocial support and community-based engagement. Working alongside a team that is deeply committed to child rights, participation, and well-being has been profoundly fulfilling. The shared values of equity, dignity, inclusion, and collective responsibility resonate strongly with her own belief that sustainable change is only possible when communities feel seen, heard, and empowered. Contributing to a mission-driven team dedicated fully to the cause brings both purpose and deep professional satisfaction.
As a child
As a child, Shakun loved dressing up and dancing around the house which brought her joy, as did drawing for hours and savoring her favorite pastime, eating. The outdoors was equally magical; parks became her everyday routine where she climbed, swung as high as she could, and played endless games of hide and seek. Movement, creativity, and curiosity were constant companions, quietly shaping the educator and artist she would later become
Shakun and play
Whether transforming into different characters through dress-up, inventing dance performances in the living room, or leading imaginative games in the park, Shakun instinctively understood the power of play to build confidence, connection, and courage. Today, that same belief guides her professional work. For Shakun, play is not separate from learning, it is the foundation of it. Through social-emotional learning, mindful parenting, and community engagement, she continues to create spaces where children, adults, and organizations can evolve with authenticity, awareness, and joy.
