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.

Marti Nonemaker

Marti Nonemaker is award winning journalist, educator and filmmaker. She has been a screenwriter and filmmaker for over twenty years studying at UCLA and the University of Southern California. She has written numerous feature films, and created projects for scripted and non-scripted television. Her current project in post-production is the feature documentary, GUIDED BY GANDHI, which follows the late Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, across India celebrating individuals who are ‘being the change’ to make the world better.

Mrs. Nonemaker is a skilled businesswoman with a BS in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee. She is also a talented writer, nominated for a Pulitzer during her years as a journalist. She served as a judge for the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competition for over 5 years. She is an advocate for film and television industry growth in Texas and is active with the San Antonio Film Commission and the Texas Motion Picture Association to create state incentives, policy and legislation to make filmmaking and business more profitable for the Lone Star State.

She has served on multiple non-profit boards that advocate for homelessness, social justice, mental health awareness, military family challenges, veteran affairs, low-income education opportunities, along with women’s rights and LGTBQ+ equality.

She is a wife, who supported and followed her husband around the world during his 38 year military career. She has a grown son and daughter, and a precious granddaughter who is her little princess. In her free time she enjoys reading, riding her horses, and dreaming of ways to create a better world for all.

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.

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.

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.

Ama Osei Bonsu

Founder and CEO of Heart Smiles Orphanage

I was born and raised in Ghana, where my dream of adopting a child evolved into a mission to support marginalized children. For over 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in San Antonio, Texas. After years at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital in San Antonio, I reduced my hours to focus on helping children in need. Though, I am blessed with two children and happily married, I’ve had the privilege of being a mother figure to 100 others. Through God’s grace, I hope to create a lasting impact, spreading hope and positivity. I am excited to partner with the Blume Foundation and to serve on the advisory board.

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.

Sabiya Nizar

Sabiya Nizar is a multifaceted entrepreneur and community advocate based in San Antonio, Texas. Originally from Chennai, she relocated to San Antonio 23 years ago, where she is blessed with her supportive, loving husband, sweet daughter, and handsome son. Her family has been a significant source of inspiration, motivating her to wear multiple hats in life.

Sabiya’s journey into the fashion world began with the establishment of an Indian boutique in San Antonio, inspired by her experiences dressing her daughter. Through this venture, she connected with influential figures such as Vaishali Dev and Silvia Ferdous, along with numerous other inspiring women who have been instrumental in continuing to make her dream come true. Her dedication to embracing ethnic Indian culture is evident through the vibrant fashion shows she has organized across Texas, celebrating diversity and creativity. In collaboration with Vaishali Dev with Yogi Fashions, she continues to deliver the best in fashion. Expanding her entrepreneurial spirit, Sabiya has recently ventured into the culinary scene by introducing a taste of home to Texas. She offers a diverse range of delightful chai, coffee, soups, and more, bringing comfort and nostalgia to her community. As an independent event coordinator, Sabiya collaborates with VIVA Global Events to create memorable experiences for various occasions. Her expertise ensures that each event is executed with precision and creativity.

For over a decade, Sabiya has been actively involved in volunteering, fundraising, and various initiatives aimed at giving back to the community. Her passion for service is encapsulated in her lifelong motto, “Seva Dil Se,” which translates to “Service from the Heart.” This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Blume Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering women and supporting their personal and professional growth. Sabiya’s love and respect for women have drawn her to the Blume Foundation, where she is excited to support all initiatives that empower women to achieve their goals.

“I am passionate about bridging cultures, fostering connections and making a positive impact wherever I go. I am very proud to say Vaishali Dev’s passion is the same. Her motivation, generosity, and strength know no boundaries, so thank you once again for this opportunity to serve.”

Vaishali Vani

I am Vaishali Vani, 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.

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.

Dr. Yogita Sharma-Segon

Dr. Yogita Sharma-Segon is a proud mother of two boys, a wife and an associate professor of medicine at University of Texas, San Antonio. As an academic hospitalist, she sees patients at the Audie Murphy VA and is actively involved in both undergraduate and graduate medical education at the Long School of Medicine at San Antonio. She has directed many undergraduate and graduate medical education courses and has mentored numerous medical students and internal medicine residents on medical education and quality improvement research projects resulting in many national presentations and publications.

Yogita loves to travel across India and the world. While travelling in India, she has been awestruck by the snow-capped peaks of Himalayas, freshwater lakes and lush forests of Kumaon hills, and stunning beaches and scenic landscapes of Konkan valley. At the same time, she has also been horrified by scenes of intense poverty and deep-rooted bias, sexism and violence towards women. She believes that mistreatment of women is not limited to a certain country or socio-economic status. Instead, societies in many nations across the world suffer from this mentality of treating women as second-class citizens.
Dr. Sharma-Segon volunteers with community organizations aligned with the missions of women empowerment, cultural rejuvenation and poverty alleviation. She is currently associated with the India Association of San Antonio, Aum Ashram, Punjabi cultural society and Texas Indo-American Physician Society.

As part of Blume, Yogita will focus on psychological empowerment of women by leading the Adaptive Fashion initiative as a force that builds feminine self-esteem by celebrating body diversity in the fashion industry.

e-portfolio:  https://yogitasharma-segon.com (https://yogitasharma-segon.com/

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.

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.