Vaishali Dev

Vaishali Dev is an author and multi-sector business owner from San Antonio, Texas. She is the CEO of Microteq Engineering Inc., a global manufacturing firm with private and defense contracts in the United States. Dev was born in India and came to America as a young woman. She stands for women empowerment, gender equality, and social justice.

She is one of the most recognized entrepreneurs in the world for sparking the growth of future leaders around her. Women are slowly making inroads in manufacturing – a sector long dominated by men – and she has skillfully steered Microteq Engineering Inc. at the forefront of innovation for the defense, aerospace, semiconductor, energy, medical, oil, and technology industries. “From the start, we knew we found the right people who understood our needs with solutions”, Lockheed Martin. She has since expanded her talents into the entertainment and event production industry.

Sami Khaleeq, FRSA, CHTI

Commissioner City of Houston Planning & Development, Digital Marketing Strategist, Cyber Security Specialist, Tech-Investor, Aspiring Pilot, Author

Sami is the Managing Director of CGS, a digital media consulting firm specializing in creating digital marketing strategies for Startups to Fortune 500 Companies. Sami is also a Cyber Security Consultant specializing in digital forensics and cyber crimes. Over the years, he has helped hundreds of organizations identify and understand cybersecurity risks to allow them to make better and more informed business decisions.

As a Certified Human Trafficking Investigator, he has recently focused his efforts on launching many community-centric awareness initiatives and often speaks on panels with Federal Agencies and Local Law Enforcement offices for Cyber Trafficking, and Cyber Grooming.

Additionally, Sami serves as an Advisory Board Member for various non-profit organizations and educational institutions including San Jacinto College, Houston Community College, Houston Area Women’s Center, and St. Jude Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Laura Cordova

Laura Cordova serves as the Director of Operations of CGS Digital Marketing. Before embarking on her journey in the digital marketing industry, Laura garnered extensive experience in the educational sector, laying a robust foundation for her leadership and organizational skills.

For over a decade, Laura has been a driving force at CGS Digital Marketing, where she oversees the day-to-day operations with a keen eye for detail and efficiency. Her expertise lies in streamlining processes, fostering a collaborative work environment, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier services to clients.

Laura’s unique blend of educational background and marketing prowess has enabled her to implement innovative strategies and nurture a culture of continuous learning within the organization.

Sasha Libby

Sasha is a seasoned Digital Marketing Specialist with extensive experience in executing successful digital campaigns. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for results-driven marketing, Sasha will be your go-to person for managing the day-to-day of your digital campaigns.

From crafting and scheduling content, to closely monitoring and analyzing data, to making critical adjustments as needed, Sasha is dedicated to ensuring that your campaigns run smoothly and deliver outstanding results.

With her expertise, you can rest assured that your digital marketing efforts will be in excellent hands.

Amir Dodhiya

Your Financial Professional & Insurance Agent. Helping clients understand their options and achieve their goals are what make my job so rewarding. Every client is unique, so together we can develop a personalized approach that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s as well.

Chirag Soni

Living in the incredible city of San Antonio while being surrounded by amazing family and friends is truly a blessing. Married to a beautiful, kind, and career oriented life partner – Stuti Shah, who not only possesses unparalleled expertise in the medical sales field but also finds incredible passion for Bollywood dancing.

I am a results-driven IT expert at a leading organization, where I tackle complex data problems and develop long-term solutions for our clients. In my spare time, I enjoy watching Indian men’s and women’s cricket, experimenting different dishes in my kitchen, playing pickleball, riding motorcycle, and exploring mountains and beaches.

Vaishali Shah

I am Vaishali Shah, founder & CEO of Get Fit Mantra, ISAA Certified Nutritionist & Fitness Coach with Experience of Over 2 years, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with 8 years Experience in Geriatrics, and former Microbiologist. My mission is to empower people to take control of their health and well-being through a holistic approach. I also serve as Den leader for Pack 1947 Scout Club. And We do have a Licensed Financial Firm which provides Financial Services.

Anjali Phougat

Anjali Phougat, an Indian fashion designer based in Ohio, USA, is renowned for her ornate work and representation of Indian culture globally. She has dressed Miss Universe beauty queens and Hollywood celebrities in her intricate gowns and jewelry. After moving to the US, she mastered designing. Phougat emphasizes sustainability and social causes in her designs, drawing inspiration from various arts and cultures.

Her collections are recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and she recently launched her collection at Paris Fashion week . Phougat’s show highlights sustainable fashion. Her innovative approach includes recycling old garments and using non-toxic dyes, exemplifying her commitment to environmental sustainability and creativity.

The Unchained OSU fashion show organized by a student group, used fashion to tell the story of a survivor of human trafficking and raise funds for a special scholarship for victims. Featured student models wearing outfits from Columbus-based designers. Anjali phougat from designer dream collection designed several looks for the show since 2022. She feels fashion has a purpose to communicate the story to the audience.

The Unchained Fashion Show provides a visual and poetic representation of a person who has gone from an innocent child to a victim of trafficking, and how such a thing could possibly happen. Many people are unaware that people are being trafficked all over the world. The main goal of the show is education. The fashion show also raises money for the Strategies for Success Scholarship, which is awarded to survivors of human trafficking who are improving their lives through higher education. When we tell people that we are an anti-human trafficking organization that puts on fashion shows, we often receive curiosity or looks of confusion about the connection between the two and how that works. The reason that we use fashion shows to talk about human trafficking is that the topic of human trafficking is complicated and heavy. It is often difficult to find the words for such a horrible thing.

I am feeling truly honored and excited to join the Blume Foundation.

Shridevi Sankuratri

Shridevi Sankuratri is a passionate community leader serving many non-profit efforts in San Antonio. She has led multiple cultural exchange events in the city on behalf of IASA, organized fundraising events for many causes, and is currently serving on the Ekal Vidyalaya team furthering the cause of early education.

By profession, Shridevi is an IT Director with over 30 years of experience in leading and growing team members, Shridevi has held senior management roles working in the USA, India and UK.

Having started as the only woman in a cohort of 77 engineers and worked her way up the corporate ladder, Shridevi is very passionate about supporting other women up on their journey.

Shridevi will be spearheading the Leadership and Advocacy initiative at Blume Foundation.

Parvez Jasani

I am a seasoned telecommunications professional with over 15 years of industry expertise, known for driving exponential growth and fostering long-term relationships. As the CEO of Zulie Venture Inc., I led a strategy that propelled CellPay to a 25,358% revenue surge, earning Zulie Venture Inc. the 5th rank on the Inc. 5000 list in 2020.

Previously, I founded Z Prepay Inc., which appeared on the Inc. 5000 list in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and the Houston Business Journal’s Fast 100 List in 2015 and 2016. My leadership was recognized by Industry Era as one of the “10 Best CEOs of 2019,” and I was named Corporate Leader of the Year by Hum FM, US in 2019.

I am also an active angel investor, with a portfolio including Gurucool India, Ascendant Travel Pakistan, SpaceX, and Klarna. I am a donor to the CRY Foundation and Magic Bus Foundation. I strongly believe in women’s empowerment and am committed to supporting women in need.

Silvia Ferdous

Silvia Ferdous is the Branch Manager at Talabi and Associates, Attorneys at Law in San Antonio, Texas. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and boasts 16 years of banking experience, garnered from working with esteemed financial institutions across the nation. Her expertise encompasses research analysis and exceptional customer service, honed through her extensive career.

As a tricultural individual, born in Mexico and raised in the US, Silvia has embraced a unique fusion of cultural heritage through her marriage to a Bangladeshi American. This rich cultural tapestry has been further enriched by her active involvement with the Bangladeshi Association of San Antonio, where she has immersed herself in the language, customs, and traditions of the community. Silvia is a polyglot, fluent in Bengali, Spanish, and English.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Silvia is a passionate advocate for cultural expression, showcased through her captivating performances in Bengali and Indian dance at festivals across San Antonio and neighboring cities. As a proud mother of two teenagers, Silvia firmly believes in the transformative power of empowering women, unlocking limitless potential and shaping a brighter future.

Payal Mandewalkar

I’d like to introduce you all to the insprational Payal- owner and founder of Invogue Talent Agency ⭐️

Not only was she the Winner of Mrs. Asia World 2021. 👑 She recently Walked the red carpet at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. She also walked in Paris Fashion Week as a showstopper and represented many international designers at New York Fashion Week for the past few years. 🌟

She is also an Instagram Influencer/fashion blogger and won International Influencer of the Year 2021-2022 and Inspiring Woman Award. 🏆 Payal is a brand ambassador for many well-known brands like Express, Tanishq USA, Diamonds Direct, Pixi Beauty, Uoozee, C Bazaar, Shein, Kota Silk, and many more. ✨ Published in many international magazines like ELLE, COSMOPOLITAN, Vigour, Moevir, Fenith, and other news channels. 📰 By profession, she is an IT Project Manager. 💼

She has inspired many women as a mentor and pageant coach, and supported women-owned small businesses by promoting them through her social media and fashion blog, @payalsfashionpalette

Dr. Manju Badam

As a dedicated wound care and hyperbaric physician, Dr. Manjulatha Badam’s commitment extends far beyond the clinical setting. With a passion for both medicine and philanthropy, she has consistently sought ways to uplift her community and empower others. Her leadership is reflected in her involvement with various organizations, where she’s played pivotal roles, from being founding donors of Aum Ashram and ARCSA to organizing fundraisers for the San Antonio Food Bank. Her support for education and healthcare initiatives, such as Ekal Vidyalaya and sponsoring her medical school’s NICU construction back in India, highlights her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation and improving the countless lives of others.

In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, she has actively contributed to cultural and community events, such as sponsoring Diwali SA to promote Indian culture and volunteering at free medical clinics through IASA. Her mentorship towards aspiring medical professionals and her work with POWER Physicians to support women under domestic violence further demonstrate her dedication to facilitate positive change. Her multifaceted efforts illustrate a profound understanding that true leadership lies in serving others, and her continued contributions leave a lasting impact on both her local community and beyond.

Dr. Lopita Nath

Dr. Lopita Nath is the Chair of the History Department and Coordinator of the Asian Studies Program at the University of the Incarnate Word. With over 35 years of teaching experience in higher education, she specializes in Asian and World History, Migration Studies, and Refugee Issues. As a Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Social Science Research Council Award and other prestigious awards, Dr. Nath’s research focuses on migration in Asia, refugee resettlement, citizenship, and human rights, particularly the Bhutanese Refugee Resettlement in the USA. Alongside her academic pursuits, Dr. Nath actively engages in community service, serving on advisory boards and facilitating student engagement with refugee communities in San Antonio through service-learning projects and collaborations with organizations like Catholic Charities and Raices. She is also the president of the Antariksh Sapkota Legacy Foundation, which aims to empower refugees and underserved communities achieve their goals in America. She has presented widely at national and international conferences, including three times at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, on Building Bridges and Empowerment of Refugee Women and Girls. She is also a passionate Kathak dancer, co-founder of Rhythmics School of Kathak Dance and a certified Reiki healer. She recently presented at the International Alliance on Health, Physical Education, Dance and Sports Congress in Tokyo, in July 2024, on the impact of Kathak dance on mindfulness. Her life’s work and passion align with the mission and vision of the Blume Foundation. As an advisor she will bring her experience of working with underserved communities and on women’s issues globally, to the Blume Foundation.

Dina Patel

With a proven track record in fundraising, event planning, and team leadership, I have demonstrated expertise as a Fundraising Manager at CRY America Inc., where I exceeded annual goals by securing over $400K for the Houston chapter and mentored other chapters to drive additional funding. My role involved cultivating donor relationships, executing high-profile gala events, and managing event sponsorships to maximize fundraising outcomes.

Prior to CRY America, I spent over three decades at United Airlines, where I led teams in Revenue Recognition and Quality Audit, developed a new revenue system, and optimized revenue streams. My extensive experience also includes significant volunteer leadership roles with organizations such as Magic Bus – USA and Fort Bend Women’s Center, where I organized successful events and secured funding.

In addition to my professional roles, I have managed large-scale Bollywood events and served as a volunteer team captain for the Houston Super Bowl 2017, showcasing my ability to coordinate complex events and lead diverse teams effectively.

Beverly Hill

Founder and President, Gendercide Awareness Project, Gendap.org. Before founding the Gendercide Awareness Project (Gendap) in 2011, Beverly Hill worked first as a college lecturer and then as a sculptor. Hill graduated from Duke University and returned for graduate work in History of Science and went on to lecture at the University of Massachusetts and University of Iowa. In 2000, she began three years of training in sculpture, realizing a long-deferred desire to work in the visual arts.

While still lecturing, Hill developed a strong interest in global women’s rights. As she educated herself on the subject , she was astonished to learn that in many parts of the world, women and girls are so oppressed that they simply do not survive. Their premature deaths create a measurable dent in the global female population — with 3.7% of it missing.

Hill believed more people needed to know about this staggering loss of life. She founded the Gendercide Awareness Project in 2011 and recruited a team to create a moving and visually powerful art exhibit to demonstrate the scale of gendercide. The exhibit opened in the Dallas in 2017 and subsequently traveled to Canada and Mexico.

In 2016, just before the exhibit opened, Gendap launched its girls’ education program, sponsoring at-risk girls overseas to attend school. Gendap now funds the education of impoverished girls in seven low-income countries. This is the take-action component of Gendap’s work. Gendap believes that educating vulnerable girls is the best long-term strategy to end gendercide.

To date, Gendap has educated 3.9 million people about gendercide and has funded 250 girl-years of education.

Seema Panwar

Seema Panwar has been in San Antonio since 1999. She raised three children, all boys, while supporting her husband in multiple social and religious organizations.

She started her own Property Management business in 2008 and continues to do it till date. She is also a Licensed Real Estate Professional in the State of Texas.
In 2024, she decided to contribute directly to the community and joined India Association of San Antonio (IASA) an Executive Committee Member (Honorary).

Lila Patel

• Community Leader: Actively involved in various organizations and events, especially with BAPS and Gujarati Samaj.
• Cultural Enthusiast: Passionate about dance, Lila has choreographed performances for BAPS Mandir, Gujarati Samaj and India association.
• Retired from the Hotel Industry: After a successful career, Lila now stays engaged by working as a medical interpreter.
• Leadership Roles: President of the India Association of San Antonio (2 years).
• Roots in Africa: Born in Africa, she brings a rich cultural heritage to all her community endeavors.
• Dedicated to Service: Continues to make a positive impact through her volunteer work and leadership within her community.