Empowering Lives Since 2017: The MITTI Journey
Founding in 2017: A Vision Unveiled In 2017, Alina Alam, driven by compassion and courage, founded MITTI Cafe during her university years. With a visionary mission, she aimed to create platforms for adults with disabilities, challenging societal norms and advocating for equal employment opportunities.
The Growth of MITTI: A Resilient Evolution From its humble beginnings without startup capital or entrepreneurial experience, MITTI Cafe experienced a transformative journey. Alina’s steadfast conviction led to a breakthrough when the Deshpande Foundation offered space for the first cafe in August 2017. Despite initial challenges, overwhelming community support and guidance from Social Venture Partners (SVP) propelled MITTI Cafe’s expansion, turning it into a beacon of empowerment.
Programs Under MITTI: Catalysts for Change Under the leadership of Alina Alam, MITTI introduced impactful programs:
- MITTI Cafe Operation:
- The core activity, operating cafes, provided a welcoming space for customers to enjoy meals prepared and served by a specially-abled team, challenging preconceptions and fostering inclusion.
- Experiential Training:
- Comprehensive training programs equipped team members with diverse skill sets, ensuring holistic development and enhancing employability, not only within MITTI Cafe but also in the broader job market.
- Karuna Meals Initiative:
- MITTI’s commitment to social responsibility was evident through the Karuna Meals initiative. Over 6 million nutritious meals were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing empathy and care for vulnerable communities.
- Mitti Good Gifts:
- The corporate gifting vertical, Mitti Good Gifts, offered thoughtfully curated hampers crafted by persons with disabilities. This initiative aligned corporate gifting with social impact, supporting the livelihoods of PWDs and promoting inclusion.
Impact of MITTI Under Alina Alam’s Leadership: Under Alina’s guidance, MITTI Cafe has achieved remarkable impact:
- Meals Served: Over 11 million meals and beverages served, conveying a powerful message of equal opportunities and raising awareness for disability inclusion.
- Transformed Lives: Skillful training and support transformed the lives of marginalized individuals with disabilities, empowering them to become confident contributors to society.
- Karuna Meals Distribution: Distributed over 6 million nutritious MITTI Karuna Meals to vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing empathy and social responsibility.
- Cafe Expansion: Established 38 MITTI Cafes across prestigious institutions, fostering a culture of compassion and acceptance, setting an example for others to follow.
- Collaborations: Forged impactful partnerships and collaborations with esteemed organizations, further strengthening the mission of empowering persons with disabilities.
Recognition and Awards: Alina Alam’s extraordinary contributions have garnered recognition on various prestigious platforms. Her accolades include the Food Connoisseur Awards, Conde Nast Traveller Award, Commonwealth Youth Award, Niti Ayog-Women Transforming India Award, Helen Keller Award, United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award, Times of India-She Unlimited Award, Rotary Exemplar Award, and Tiecon Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Notably, she was featured in Forbes’ “30 under 30 Asia” list, solidifying her status as a transformative leader.
Journey of Compassion and Dedication: Alina Alam’s journey and MITTI Cafe’s evolution are marked by passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to empowering lives. What began as a visionary idea in 2017 has grown into a movement that challenges norms, creates opportunities, and celebrates diversity.
