Dr. Gayathri built Sambhav Foundation with a vision to enable livelihoods and to enhance the quality of life of vulnerable communities through education, employability and entrepreneurship.

Her mission was to touch millions of lives and empower youth, men and women to earn a decent living and become micro-entrepreneurs. She has been extensively involved in policy issues and community mobilisations relating to labour and livelihoods, leading to recognition and accolades across the globe. Gayathri was cited as one of the top 50 women in business by Business Today, a leading magazine in India in the year 2017 and Entrepreneur of the Year in the Social Business Category” by Forbes India in 2018. She is also a recipient of NITI Aayog’s Women Transforming India Award for 2021. She has been a TED speaker several times. Between 1999 and 2007, Gayathri worked for the International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency.

She has a Doctorate in Development Studies, with 30 publications in the areas of labour, employment and gender issues to her credit.