“Every step we take, every idea we implement, and every community we engage with is a reflection of designing change, an ongoing journey of empathy, creativity, and impact with intersectional inclusivity.”
I still remember the moment the three of us (Kavya Jyothi, Gomathi/Siva Malathi) realized that Chalkpiece was now ours to carry forward. What began as a collective dream supported by many gradually became a shared responsibility between three women determined to keep it alive. In a field where women-led NGOs remain rare, we chose to embrace the challenge, not merely to run an organization, but to redefine what design education could mean for students and teachers across India. This essay reflects that journey: how design became our language for social change, and how we continue to reimagine education through empathy, creativity, and community.
Building a Foundation in Design Education
In our early days, we committed ourselves to making design accessible and simple for everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), we transitioned entirely to online platforms and worked with over 50+ design interns. These internships not only simplified design education but also empowered students to tackle real-world problems. Many of our interns have since gone on to secure jobs, start their own ventures, or integrate design thinking and problem-solving skills into their professional and personal lives, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the program.
With funds raised through crowdfunding, we extended design education to underprivileged children at the Udhavum Nanbargal Trust near Avadi. We conducted a 10-week class supported by volunteers, which laid the groundwork for establishing ten design libraries across Tamil Nadu. Generous contributions of materials and books from NGOs and individuals transformed each library into a creative hub for government school children, encouraging exploration, collaboration, and innovation. The students’ inventive projects received continuous appreciation from educators and community members alike.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite our achievements, the journey was far from easy. Traveling to various locations, procuring materials, and managing funds placed immense pressure on our limited resources. The three of us often used our salaries from our IT jobs to sustain these efforts. Although some libraries received small contributions from local organizations, we carefully planned each activity, ensuring that at least one engaging session was conducted in every library each month.
One of our most profound challenges involved inclusivity. During a design activity at a school library, we asked students to create inclusive toilet icons representing accessibility and gender diversity. The principal objected, saying it conflicted with their beliefs. Instead of withdrawing, we initiated a dialogue, listening, explaining our intent, and finding common ground. This experience taught us a valuable lesson: social change does not always mean confrontation. Sometimes it requires patience, empathy, and the ability to reframe ideas so that they can be received openly.
“Pushing for change does not always mean confrontation. Sometimes it means slowing down, listening deeply, and finding ways to reframe ideas.”
The Support System Through FYLP
Our journey took a transformative turn when we joined the Feminist Youth Leadership Program (FYLP). The program broadened our perspective and connected us with incredible individuals who became integral to our work.
- Rituparna introduced us to the Free Library Network, providing guidance on managing community design libraries and strengthening our Kadambathur Community Design Library.
- Babitha connected us with design education groups, offering daily mentorship that continues to sustain our efforts.
- Himanshu collaborated with us to conduct a workshop on Social Design for Feminist Leaders, which revealed the growing demand for design education among organizational leaders.
- Swathi facilitated opportunities to teach design classes for teachers through her MUHEEM organization, enabling us to reach students indirectly through their educators.
These collaborations taught us that feminist leadership is rooted in collective care, shared responsibility, and amplifying impact through networks. Leadership is not just about taking charge. It is about building support systems, listening actively, and creating opportunities for others to lead alongside you.
Breaking Barriers, One Step at a Time
As women navigating a male-dominated space, we encountered challenges that extended beyond logistics. Fundraising efforts were often met with skepticism, and institutions questioned why we offered free education, casting doubt on our intentions. Yet, we stood firm, emphasizing that education is a fundamental right. These experiences strengthened our conviction, confidence, and belief in our mission.
We also faced spatial and infrastructural hurdles. When a library lost its premises, we temporarily set it up in a relative’s house. Later, complaints about noise forced us to relocate again. Each obstacle demanded patience, diplomacy, and creative problem-solving to sustain momentum.
Navigating these logistical and emotional challenges shaped our leadership and resilience. We learned to balance assertiveness with empathy, handle resistance with grace, and transform barriers into opportunities for reflection, growth, and collective action.
“Persistence, collaboration, and vision can overcome even the toughest barriers.”
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Leadership, Learning, and Inclusive Design
The FYLP stipend allowed us to provide consistent support to design teachers in both a government school library and a community library. Unlike our earlier reliance on intermittent fundraising, the stipend ensured stability, enabling us to sustain classes, maintain libraries, and pay monthly salaries. This milestone marked a shift from survival to continuity and employability, strengthening the impact of design education at the grassroots.
The outcomes have been deeply rewarding. Students continue to be praised for their creativity and problem-solving abilities, while our UX/UI interns have secured jobs, launched their own ventures, and embraced design thinking as a lifelong approach to challenges. These results reflect Chalkpiece’s mission to make design education a powerful tool for social transformation.
On a personal level, this journey has been deeply transformative. Through Chalkpiece and FYLP, I have had the privilege of connecting with individuals from diverse and resilient communities including Dalit, trans, and queer people, Muslim women, differently-abled feminist leaders, and changemakers from marginalized regions across India. Listening to their stories and collaborating with them has profoundly enriched my understanding of intersectionality and strengthened my belief in empathy, inclusion, and collective growth as the foundations of meaningful social change.
These experiences have redefined my understanding of leadership and design. Inclusivity is not a checkbox but a mindset, one that must be embedded in every curriculum, program, and product we create. Leading Chalkpiece has strengthened my ability to blend assertiveness with compassion, navigate resistance with patience, and cultivate collaboration that amplifies collective impact. True leadership, I have learned, is an act of courage, reflection, and persistent commitment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, caste, class, religion, or ability, can participate meaningfully.
Ultimately, this journey has shown that even small, thoughtful actions can inspire profound change. It has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of design education and shaped me into a leader who values empathy, inclusion, and the courage to challenge norms for the greater good.
