Alina Alam — Founder

Alina Alam is the Founder and CEO of MITTI Café, the world’s largest chain of cafés run entirely by persons with disabilities, a movement that shows what becomes possible when a community comes together with purpose. At 22, with no capital or infrastructure, Alina started MITTI Café with only conviction and a belief that dignity is a right—not a privilege. The first café was a small table, an umbrella, borrowed utensils, and a dream: to prove that persons with disabilities are not dependent recipients of charity, but individuals of immense skill, value, and potential. MITTI Café’s journey is a story of collective strength. Community donated secondhand kitchen equipment. Strangers offered space. Volunteers stepped in. Communities rallied. From those humble beginnings grew what is today the world’s largest chain of cafés run entirely by persons with disabilities, powered by thousands of hands, hearts, and voices who believed in inclusion. MITTI Café operates across India’s most prestigious institutions, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, airports, universities, and corporate campuses. Each café is a vibrant space where persons with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities lead with confidence—shifting public perception through everyday excellence. The organisation’s impact reflects its community roots: 6,500+ persons with disabilities employed and skilled, 22+ million meals served, 8+ million Karuna Meals distributed to vulnerable communities, and partnerships with governments, corporates, NGOs, and global platforms. MITTI Café also operates a financially sustainable, scalable hybrid model grounded in purpose. Its work has been recognised by India’s highest offices—including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and Chief Ministers—as well as global dignitaries like Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Alina’s leadership has earned global recognition: Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Niti Aayog Women Transforming India Award, UN Intercultural Innovation Award, Commonwealth Youth Award, CNBC Social Entrepreneur of the Year, among others. What sets her apart is her unwavering faith in people. She has shown that when communities come together, the impossible becomes achievable. MITTI Café is not just an organisation—it is a testament to the power of shared humanity, collective action, and the belief that inclusion transforms lives, systems, and societies.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in the nonprofit sector focused on social entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Experience: 8 yrs 4 mos