Team

Meet the Happymiles Team: Architects of Transformative Educational Journeys

At Happymiles, our exceptional team is the driving force behind the extraordinary learning experiences we craft for students. From meticulous planning to on-the-ground execution, we are dedicated to ensuring every educational tour is a seamless blend of adventure and enlightenment.

Journey with Happymiles

Meet the faces behind Happymiles, discover the architects of transformative educational journeys, and join us in creating memories that last a lifetime.

Work Experience: 14+ Years

Mark Alexander

Founder & CEO

Work Experience: 17+ Years

Mahesh Sonar

Head - Operations and Fulfilment

Work Experience: 18+ Years

Shanti Mahadevan

Sr. Program Coordinator

Work Experience: 10+ Years

Gilda Alexander

Head - Finance & Administration

Work Experience: 12+ Years

Pulkit Gupta

Head - Products & Workshops

Work Experience: 8+ Years

Aishwarya Jadhav

Sr. Fulfilment & Execution

Work Experience: 17+ Years

Shridhar M

Head-Sales & Business Development

Work Experience: 7+ Years

Sawanth S

Business Development

Work Experience: 11+ Years

Serena Poggi

Program Manager - Europe

Work Experience: 9+ Years

Akanksha Pashte

Branding & Marketing

Work Experience: 9+ Years

Zaheer Abbas

Branding & Marketing

Work Experience: 14+ Years

Pratik Malladi

Head - Strategy & Growth

Global Network behind The Scene

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Architecture Guides
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Destination Management Companies
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Historians
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Adventure Expert
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In House Tour Directors
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Educator on tour
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Fashion Guides on Tour
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Factory Tie ups

Get your curated program today!

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Architecture Guides
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Destination Management Companies
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Historians
0 +
Adventure Expert
0 +
In House Tour Directors
0 +
Educator on Tour
0 +
Fashion Guides on Tour
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Factory Tie ups

Get your curated program today!

Mark Alexander

Ever wondered what inspired Happymiles' inception? Meet Mark, the driving force behind our journey towards transformative educational travel experiences.
Mark's extensive 14-year voyage across 40 countries unveiled a stark realization: traditional education often falls short in preparing students for the real world. Armed with this insight, Mark embarked on a mission to bridge this gap by founding Happymiles.
Driven by a profound passion for both travel and education, Mark envisioned a platform where students, teachers, and educators could immerse themselves in real-world experiences, transcending the boundaries of conventional learning. His academic background in management from Wilson College, Mumbai, coupled with his global adventures, uniquely positioned him to lead this endeavor.
At Happymiles, Mark's vision is palpable. Through affordable travel programs meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate practical education with exploration, he seeks to empower individuals to apply classroom learning in tangible, meaningful ways. Each journey with Happymiles is a testament to Mark's unwavering commitment to providing transformative educational experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Join us as we embark on this educational odyssey with Mark at the helm, guiding us towards a future where learning knows no bounds.

Mahesh Sonar

Mahesh, a founding member of the Happymiles team since 2012, brings over 17 years of experience in tour organizing and operations. After pursuing a management degree specializing in Travel and Tourism, he began his career at WNS before joining Ottila International (Formerly known as Saltours International). Mahesh's expertise adds depth to Happymiles' mission of providing enriching travel experiences combined with practical education.

Shanti Mahadevan

Shanti Mahadevan, with over 10 years of financial banking experience and 11 years of travel experience, serves as a program coordinator at Happymiles. In this role, Shanti leverages her combined expertise to ensure the seamless execution of travel programs, managing aspects such as planning, logistics, budgeting, and participant communication. Her extensive background in both finance and travel enriches Happymiles' ability to deliver exceptional educational travel experiences.

Gilda Alexander

After graduating in Management from SIES in Mumbai, Gilda joined Happymiles' product team, leveraging her passion for in-depth research to develop tailored travel and learning programs for schools, pre-university, and university levels across global destinations. Her focus on balancing education with cultural exchange enriched Happymiles' offerings. Over time, Gilda transitioned to managing administration and finance, bringing her organizational skills and financial acumen to ensure the smooth operations and fiscal health of the company.

AR. Pulkit Gupta

Pulkit, a passionate traveler and accomplished artist hailing from Mumbai, wears multiple hats as an Architect and a dedicated educator. Having earned his Bachelor's in Architecture in 2012, Pulkit furthered his expertise with a master's degree in Environmental Architecture. With a rich background spanning nearly five years at Goels and Associates, Pulkit contributed significantly to a myriad of residential and commercial projects in Navi Mumbai.
In addition to his hands-on architectural experience, Pulkit has been a stalwart in academia for the past decade. His role as a faculty member in various architecture colleges has allowed him to impart his knowledge and shape the next generation of architects. Pulkit's commitment to education extends beyond the traditional classroom, as evidenced by his founding of Korakagaz Studio—a multidisciplinary hub for Art and Design. The studio specializes in creating captivating wallpapers, art murals, and innovative interior designs.
Pulkit's influence reaches beyond the studio and classroom, as he actively engages in bridging the gap between the architectural profession and education. His initiatives include curating workshops and mentoring students across architectural institutions. Notably, he played a pivotal role in conducting Graphics Workshops for prominent architectural platforms such as ACEDGE and AYDA (Asia's Young Design Awards) in 2022 and 2023.
As an architect on board for outdoor learning, Pulkit brings a wealth of diverse experiences and a passion for blending creativity with functionality. His dedication to both the artistic and educational aspects of architecture makes him a valuable asset in shaping environments that inspire and educate.

Aishwarya Jadhav

Aishwarya is an operations and fulfillment specialist with eight years of experience in the experiential travel industry. Known for her expertise in crafting seamless customer experiences, she excels in itinerary planning, vendor management, and logistics coordination. A proactive problem-solver with strong communication skills, Aishwarya is dedicated to optimizing operational processes and driving customer satisfaction in dynamic environments.

Shridhar M

With over 17 years of experience spanning Deloitte in the US and over 6 years in real estate, Shridhar is a strategic sales and business development expert. Known for his ability to drive revenue growth through client relationship management and strategic planning, he excels in navigating complex markets and fostering high-performing teams. Shridhar's track record of success across diverse industries underscores his ability to deliver tangible business outcomes and drive organizational growth.

Sawanth S

Sawanth, a graduate of the National Institute of Design, is passionate about filmmaking and visual communications. With a focus on enhancing learning outcomes for students of all ages, he combines artistic talent with educational expertise. Through engaging and innovative approaches, Sawanth empowers students to express themselves creatively and achieve their full potential.

Serena Poggi

With 11 years of experience at our Europe office, Serena Poggi is a seasoned professional specializing in education travel. She has a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of education travel and is dedicated to providing exceptional support to students from all countries. Serena's proficiency in five international languages enables her to effectively communicate and connect with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her linguistic skills, coupled with her extensive experience, allow her to tailor educational experiences that meet the unique needs and preferences of each student. As an education travel specialist, Serena is committed to facilitating enriching and transformative experiences for students, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal growth. Her dedication to excellence and her passion for education travel make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Akanksha Pashte

Zaheer Abbas

Zaheer leads our Branding and Marketing efforts with a unique blend of expertise in computer science and a passion for creating engaging content. His educational background in computer science provides him with a solid foundation in technology, while his innate creativity drives him to craft compelling narratives and visuals. With his strategic approach to branding and marketing, Zaheer has been instrumental in spreading the word about our company. His ability to combine data-driven insights with creative storytelling has resulted in impactful campaigns that resonate with our target audience and drive brand awareness.

CA. Pratik Malladi

Prior to joining Happymiles, Pratik served as an Associate Vice President at Ernst and Young, where he specialized in corporate and private equity M&A transactions within the Transaction Advisory business. His strategic insights and financial acumen were instrumental in guiding clients through complex deals and maximizing value.
At Happymiles, Pratik's strategic vision and operational prowess drive organizational growth and success. His multifaceted skill set allows him to navigate diverse challenges across functions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and sustainable growth. Pratik serves as a consultant for growth strategy, leveraging his expertise to optimize processes, foster innovation, and build high-performing teams. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to excellence make him a trusted advisor and a driving force behind Happymiles' continued success.

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