A scientist by training, Sowmya firmly believes that a combination of research and collaboration is essential to usher in sustainable solutions to tackle the challenges posed by garbage explosion in the urban milieu. Sowmya Raghavan holds a Ph.D from Indian institute of science. She has over 15 years of experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics and toxicology modelling.

As a member of the Bangalore Apartments Federation, she has successfully engaged with communities to help them adopt simple and cost-effective SWM practices. As a member of SWMRT, she campaigns for the SwachaGraha Compost Connect programme to facilitate the sale of compost between apartment compost producers and buyers (mainly farmers and terrace gardeners) and is part of the campaign team of Why Burn Waste.