A Passion for Service: Ms. Ramalakshmi’s Journey to CIM

The new Senior Management Coordinator at CIM, Ms. Ramalakshmi has a passion for serving. Ms. Rama learned about CIM through her friends. After discovering CIM’s work and dedication to developing NGOs, she immediately applied for the Senior Management Coordinator position when she heard about the opening from a social work group.

Ms. Rama, reflecting on her transformative journey, says, “I had a wild and vengeful character. But after Jesus came into my life, everything changed. Knowing Him and His character—compassion, forgiveness, unconditional love, and sacrifice—transformed my life, my way of thinking, and my perspective on life and people.” Genesis 12: 1-2, Psalms: 23:1 and Isaiah 43:18-19 have been her go-to verses from the Bible, serving as a promise and an anchor throughout her life.

Reminiscing about her career, Ms. Rama shares that she has worked hard in banks, the manufacturing sector, and corporate organisations. Though she dedicated herself wholeheartedly, at the end of the day, she found no fulfilment or joy, and the credit for her hard work was often given to someone else.

The pandemic became a turning point for Ms. Ramalakshmi. After losing her job during COVID-19, she joined the Invisible Girl Project (IGP) as a Management Coordinator and Event Organizer. During this time, she interacted with young girls from villages in Nellore, Guntur, and Madurai, gaining insight into their lives and struggles. This experience ignited a passion for working with underprivileged girls, inspiring her to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) and enrol in several short-term courses focused on empowerment.

Ms. Ramalakshmi actively volunteered with organisations like PENN, Aarvam, and Aram Porul, providing training in mental health resilience, career guidance, and life skills to girls in corporation and community schools. Her passion for community work has led her to complete several certificate courses, including Child Rights, Mental Health, School Counseling, and Trauma Therapy. She has also organised seminars on female gendercide, career guidance, and stress management. On weekends, she continues to conduct stress management and life skills training for children in the community.

Reflecting on her aspirations for CIM, Ms. Ramalakshmi desires to contribute to the widespread realisation of CIM’s vision, focusing on rebuilding NGOs and empowering leaders through biblical principles of management. “I want to fulfil God’s vision and mission through my coordination and operational abilities,” she shares.

With an extensive background in administration and HR, Ms. Rama previously excelled as a consultant at the Invisible Girl Project and held roles in various manufacturing companies and banks. Armed with an MBA in Human Resource Management from M.S. University and currently pursuing an MSW from TNOU, she aligns her professional aspirations with her passion for service.

Grateful for the blessings along her life’s journey, Ms. Rama says, “I am not worthy, but I am thankful to God for choosing me to do His ordained work.” As she begins this new chapter at CIM, her unwavering faith and dedication to helping others signal a promising future—not just for herself but also for CIM’s social and community initiatives.