BOSTON–Nirmala Garimella has been named Head of Development of American India Foundation New England chapter. Garimella previously served as the Chapter Manager for AIF New England since its inception.
During these years, the AIF New England has expanded its base of supporters, partnered with universities, held nine galas raising more than $5 million in this period, founded a young Ambassadors group and more recently appointed a Council of Governors that will carry on the work of AIF.
“We are truly delighted that Nirmala Garimella has been appointed the Head of Development in New England. Nirmala is well known in the community for her passion and commitment to social causes and I am sure she will increase the visibility and reach of AIF in both the Indian and non-Indian communities,” said Raj Sharma, Board of Directors of AIF.
“In addition, Nirmala will develop relationships with foundations and corporations to seek institutional support for our work in India. We wish her great success in her new role.”
Garimella added: “AIF has had a huge impact on the community and the programs that we serve. It’s really energizing to meet so many amazing individuals committed to creating a better world. Being able to learn and grow with them is a true privilege. I look forward to continuing the growth and accomplishments of this chapter.”
Garimella has a Core Certification degree in Non Profit Leadership and Management from Boston University. She is the co-founder of the community website Lokvani. A native of Lexington, MA, Garimella is a member of numerous organizations. She is currently the Co-President of the Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) and has served on the steering committee of the Cary Memorial Library campaign, Lexington Education Foundation, as a Member of the Sub Committee for Demographic Change, Lexington Vision 2020 and other Volunteer groups.
The American India Foundation is committed to disrupting poverty, catalyzing social and economic change in India, and building a lasting bridge between the United States and India through high-impact interventions in education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on empowering girls and women to achieve gender equity. Working closely with local communities, AIF partners with NGOs to develop and test innovative solutions and with governments to create and scale sustainable impact. Founded in 2001 at the initiative of President Bill Clinton following a suggestion from the then Indian Prime Minister Atal B. Vajpayee, AIF has impacted the lives of 2.5 million of India’s poor and aims to reach 5 million by 2018-2019.
