Manisha is the Deputy Director at Alabama Possible and directs its poverty education and educational attainment programs. Since joining the organization in 2020, she has led strategic initiatives to expand educational attainment, strengthen community partnerships, and advance policies that improve opportunities for Alabamians. Manisha played a key role in launching the Alabama College Attainment Network, supporting 65+ partner organizations and building Regional College Attainment Networks across the state. She oversees the organization’s daily operations and strategic communications plan.
Before joining Alabama Possible, Manisha spent 15 years at Miles College, where she directed student affairs and presidential initiatives, taught English, and helped shape institutional planning and assessment. She has also served as faculty at Lawson Community College and worked in higher education and media roles in India.
Deeply committed to community engagement, Manisha serves on multiple boards and advisory councils, including the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, GirlSpring, and UAB’s School of Public Health. She is a graduate of Momentum Executive Leadership and a member of CivicLab’s Systems Leadership Academy.
Manisha has earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from BJB College in Bhubaneswar, India, and a master’s in English from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis and running. She lives in Homewood, Alabama, with her husband Anoop, and two children Annikah (daughter) and Adesh (son).