Executive Board

Dina Pahlajani, MD President and Co-founder

Dina is the cofounder and president of the organization. She is a practicing pediatrician with Physician Partners, Northwell Health in Long Island, NY. In addition to her passion for helping children, she is also interested in global medicine and has led medical missions to India and El Salvador. She is a member of Nassau Pediatric Society and sits on its Charity Committee.

Moneesha Sani, Vice President

Moneesha Sani grew up in India and received a Bachelor’s Degree in economics and sociology from St. Xavier’s College. Having strong ties to India - she is passionate about the causes Children’s Hope India supports. Moneesha is a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and is involved with the Arthritis Foundation, in addition to her energetic dedication to CHI. Moneesha has served on the Benefit Committee for the Children’s Hope India Luncheon since its inception in 2008. She likes to get people together in creating a more engaged world, and is an avid reader, animal lover and enjoys the outdoors.

Maya Rajani,Treasurer

Maya Rajani is the owner and President of Infocache Corporation, a data management services company. She brings to the board expertise in strategic planning, corporate development, finance and marketing. Prior to CHI, Maya served as the Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation for many years and on the Board of Buckley Country Day School. Her acumen for business, combined with a degree in social work, and a passion for creating social change have allowed her to successfully take on various roles in the organization. Maya was the most recent past president of CHI.

Lavina Melwani, Co-founder and Director of Innovation & Strategy

A co-founder and past president of CHI, Lavina has been involved in every aspect of Children's Hope India since its inception–from fundraising to creative partnerships, publicity, and social media. Lavina graduated from the University of Delhi with a degree in history honors, and lived in Hong Kong, Africa and the US. An award-winning journalist, she has written for several international publications including India Today, CNBCTV18, and the Wall Street Journal.She also publishes the lifestyle portal Lassi with Lavina and has blogged for the Smithsonian. She currently writes for The Week, one of India's leading news magazines.

Kalika Bhatia, Board Member

Kalika is a passionate business Owner/ Operator of multiple and successful locations of The UPS Stores on Long Island, NY for over 22 years. She was given the honor by UPS to ring the opening bell at Nasdaq in August 2014. Born and raised in India, she came to this country after completing her Bachelor’s in Business and worked in the fashion industry as a Designer for 8 years prior to owning her UPS Store franchises. She loves to read, spend time in nature, and likes to have a growth mindset in her personal, professional, and spiritual life through meeting people from various walks of life. Kalika is excited to serve CHI with dedication and compassion.

Nisha Bharwani, Board Member

A graduate of the prestigious St. Mira’s College in Pune, Nisha has over twenty years of small business accounting and administration experience, and her professionalism and leadership in managing CHI’s financial accounting has been productive. Nisha is passionate about providing educational and development opportunities to children who want to achieve. She is actively involved with CHI projects in India and commutes between the two countries to supervise projects and interact with the India chapter of CHI.

Aarti Kamat, Board Member

Aarti's professional journey encompasses diverse aspects of fashion and lifestyle. As the former Director of Product Development at JennZ, a children’s accessory brand in New York, she spearheaded initiatives that seamlessly blended style with functionality. She has also curated jewelry pop-ups in New York and worked as a Fashion Merchandiser in her family’s business, bridging the markets of Bombay and New York. Aarti holds a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising & Design from the American College of London, where she developed a passion for combining creative vision with a practical approach.

Outside of her professional life, she has been actively involved with Children’s Hope India, contributing to its annual Luncheon Benefit since 2009. Currently, Aarti is curating a collection of home and personal accessories while freelancing as a stylist. She finds relaxation in playing mah-jong and tennis, spending time outdoors, and cherishes moments with her husband and two daughters.

Kavita Lund, Board Member

Kavita Lund has been a member of CHI’s Executive Board since 1993, one year after its inception. She served as President of CHI for 4 years, Treasurer for 7 years and Vice President for 3 years. She is currently Treasurer of The Forest Hills Montessori School and has been there since its inception over 4 decades ago. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Economics and Mathematics. Kavita has a strong background in the non-profit world. Her empathy, dedication and compassion have been with her since childhood.

Shrutee Raina, Board Member

Shrutee Raina was born in India and raised in Africa, Canada, and the United States. Her diverse upbringing sparked a lifelong passion for travel and children’s opportunities worldwide. She earned a B.S. in Commerce and Economics from the University of Virginia and began her career as a financial analyst at Crestline Hotels & Resorts. She later earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia and practiced commercial litigation at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York, as well as handling several pro bono cases including those involving children. Shrutee loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She lives in New York City with her husband and two children and is excited to serve and help CHI pursue its goals to nurture and educate children in need at all stages of their journey.

Gigi Ramnani, Board Member

Kavita (Gigi) Ramnani is the president and owner of Stanford Care Center, an early-childhood education facility, with multiple locations based in New York. Prior to Stanford Care Center, Gigi worked at Price Waterhouse and various family owned businesses. Gigi graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Economics. Outside of the workplace, Gigi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cooking and enjoying the arts.

Sagorica Rudra, Board Member

Sagorica has been a board member of CHI since 1995 and previously served as secretary. She has spearheaded the silent auction at the annual gala and other charity events, and has overseen CHI’s programs in Kolkata, India. Sagorica entered the financial services industry in 1993, after earning an MBA in International Finance from St. John’s University. She is an avid golfer and enjoys playing with her husband Rajiv and daughters Rohini and Malini.

Radha Vanjani, Co-founder and Board Member

Radha Vanjani is the president of Teachers Placement Group as well as a founding member of CHI. She has served as a treasurer of CHI in past years and is currently the head of the Journal Committee for producing the Annual Gala and the CHI newsletter. Radha travels to India every year and visits CHI projects regularly. She has a Masters in nutrition from MLB college in Bhopal, India.