Xavier Irudaya Mary

Experienced Social Work Professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse sectors such as women's empowerment, child welfare, health, education, and sustainable agriculture. A mentor with strong people management and communication skills. Adept at leading and motivating diverse teams, working across cross-functional departments, and collaborating with stakeholders, government agencies, and field staff to strengthen program delivery and impact.

Proven expertise in designing and implementing impactful CSR initiatives across India.

Manager Outreach Program at Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre, Chennai (2022-04 – 2025-10)

• Led Needs Assessment and Impact evaluations along with external consultant Chrysalis which included management of contract, data collection efforts and inputs to final report
• Designed Project proposals on bio agriculture initiatives for institutions such as Cholamandalam Investment & Finance, Carborundum Universal Ltd. and Shanthi Gears Ltd. aligning project objectives with their CSR vision
• Co-developed and implemented technical training programs for over 3,000 farmers in collaboration with agricultural scientists, advancing sustainable and chemical-free farming practices (Panchakavya, Vitamate, Biochar) across five states in India.
• Built capacity and motivated farmer entrepreneurs across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, and Bihar to adopt organic bio-inputs in place of chemical inputs, achieving a 25% reduction in chemical usage as validated by an independent impact assessment study.
• Prepared quantitative and qualitative reports on best practices and project outcomes for CSR donors to support learning and strategic decision-making.

SMG Auditor at Community Foundation for Children and Aging, Chennai (2014-02 – 2020-12)

• Developed and implemented Annual Training Calendars for 500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across North, South and Central Chennai to streamline capacity-building initiatives.
• Deliver technical training to Zonal Coordinators and Social Workers, in strengthening SHGs on leadership, group formation, bank linkages and livelihood development opportunities.
• Documented best practices and case studies to capture and communicate project impact, supporting organizational learning and knowledge sharing.

Program Coordinator at Tamilnadu State Non-Governmental Organisations and Volunteers Resource Centre, Chennai (2005-11 – 2013-07)

• Strengthened the capacity of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to establish Panchayat-level forums, including designing state-level training calendars and managing associated budgets.
• Coordinated in conduction of Training of Trainers (TOT) programs for District Level Officers across 32 districts in Tamil Nadu, covering diverse resources and support mechanisms available for CBOs.
• Successfully developed a comprehensive document on bye-laws for the formation of Panchayat-level CBOs, based on thorough review and research of existing CBO regulations.
• Coordinated in designing and implementing a training proposal on HIV/AIDS in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TNSACS) covering all SHGs across Tamil Nadu.

Chief Program Coordinator at Madras Social Service Society, Chennai (1999-06 – 2005-10)

• Assisted in preparation of a proposal to support CBOs in forming District-Level Federations, outlining strategic frameworks, governance structures and capacity-building initiatives.
• Strengthened the capacity of CBOs focused on women's empowerment and fisherfolk to establish District-Level Federations, acting as a link between CBOs and govt. schemes to improve livelihoods, financial access and social welfare.
• Monitored and evaluated the performance of CBOs to ensure sustained impact, providing guidance on best practices.

M. A. in Social Work – STELLA MARIS COLLEGE (1995 – 1997)

B. A. in Sociology – STELLA MARIS COLLEGE (1992 – 1995)