Aparna Thota is a writer, gender trainer, and social worker whose work focuses on gender equality, inclusion, and social justice. A postgraduate in Social Work from Osmania University, she has collaborated with government institutions, non-profit organisations, and civil society groups on gender rights and education. She is the author of Poorna, the inspiring story of the world's youngest girl to summit Mount Everest, as well as Bold & Beautiful, a collection of short stories, and Jenny, a poetry collection. She has also edited the pioneering Telugu queer fiction anthologies Ade Prema and Love Infinite. Aparna currently serves as Program Manager at the Azim Premji Foundation, where she continues to work at the intersection of education, equity, and social change.