BOSTON—INDIA New England News today released the trailers of its upcoming 12 episodes of Outstanding Women of Year 2024. The WOY-2024 series will include 12 episodes: 10 outstanding women, one Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 20234: Radha Jalan, and one episode on past Lifetime Achievement Award winners of the past 10 years.
To watch the trailer, please click here, or on the image below.
The 10 Outstanding Women profiled in this series are:
Deepa Agrawal
Co-Chair: Baal Yuva Vibhag, Hindi Manch
Director & Teacher: Shishu Bharati
President: Indian Americans of Burlington
Lauded as “instrumental to the organization’s success”, Deepa Agrawal is a pivotal figure and active contributor to Hindi Manch as co-Chair of the organization’s Baal Yuva Vibhag (Youth Educational Department). Under Deepa’s leadership, with her focus on family values and culture, the Hindi Manch youth department has achieved great heights. As the coordinator for the ‘Baal-Yuva’ department since 2018, she has engaged young people in the history of Hindi and its related languages, as well as helping them develop their own self-expression and confidence. Noted for her playful teaching style and numerous contributions across various facets of Hindi Manch, she has helped encourage artistic expression in Hindi Manch’s programs, and as the chair of the Hindi Manch stage department, she has designed beautiful and stunning stages for the organization’s events.
Agrawal’s dedication to community does not stop at just one organization, however. As the current director of the Shishu Bharati School, Agrawal has taught Hindi to more than 150 Grade 3 students and has served as a substitute teacher for cultural classes spanning Grades 1 through 7. She is also the 2023-2024 President of the Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB), where she has been a creative force: serving as the gazebo director for IAB’s signature Diwali event; coordinating the Rangoli competition and supporting education initiatives; serving as the backstage coordinator for the Republic Day, India Day and Harmony Gala Event; coordinating a scholarship event for Burlington Public School; and actively engaging with Burlington Town Officials, strengthening the link between IAB and the local government.
As several people noted in her nominations, Agrawal’s strength lies in her vision and dedication for the next generation’s education, to build a community feeling and having a long-lasting effect on the welfare of people. Beyond cultural endeavors, Agrawal dedicates her free time to artistic pursuits, running art classes for kids, and showcasing her work.
Yasmin Padamsee Forbes
Executive Director: Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission in Massachusetts
Yasmin Padamsee Forbes is a dedicated advocate for change and community empowerment. As a first-generation student, immigrant, and a devoted single mother to her daughter, she brings a unique perspective to her work, fueled by her commitment to social justice, human rights, and climate change activism.
She has previously served in senior leadership roles with non-profits and the United Nations in Papua New Guinea, India, Lao PDR, Burma, and the United States. With a wealth of experience in leadership roles, Padamsee Forbes understands the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and building robust partnerships for significant change.
She holds a Masters in Communications and Film Production from New York University, where she received a scholarship, and a second Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University.
Padamsee Forbes’ impactful contributions have garnered significant recognition, notably the 2019 All- Star Award from the Harvard Kennedy School. Furthermore, she was honored with the esteemed 2018 Julius E. Babbitt Memorial Volunteer Award from Harvard, recognizing her outstanding efforts in organizing and fostering partnerships with Harvard alumni across the public and private sectors in Burma.
Beyond her professional achievements, Yasmin actively engages in community service as a Cambridge Human Rights Commission Commissioner. Committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, she collaborates with communities across Massachusetts, passionately striving to drive positive and sustainable change.
Snehalata Kadam
Assistant Professor of Physics: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Founder: Women Who Empower Women, an ISW group
An active member of the India Society of Worcester, Snehalata Kadam is the founder of the organization’s Women Who Empower Women, a new initiative for women from all walks of life to come together and empower each other by sharing their life experiences.
In addition, she serves as Assistant Professor of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. At WPI, her primary responsibility is not only to create an atmosphere wherein the students can develop their knowledge but also help them create innovative learning strategies. She strongly believes that teaching helps students to facilitate self-discovery, self-appreciation and helps them to expand the horizons.
As a trained biologist, she is keen on relating physical principles to these complex systems.
Gunjan Kuthiala
Founder & CEO: NRILIFE Productions
Producer & Director: NRI Wives: Grey Stories of Love Vs Desires
Gunjan Kuthiala is producer and director of the movie “NRI Wives: Grey Stories of Love Vs Desires.” It is the very first Bollywood feature film fully shot and produced in the United States. It’s story of love versus desire that was released last year. She is the owner of NRILIFE Productions, and mother of two.
She calls herself an actress and writer by heart and a film producer by choice. She started her career in India as a TV Anchor and then, moved to the United States. She has acted in Music videos for Zee music as Lead Female, has done lead role for English Feature film- Encrypted: The Cyber Crime!, The Attic!, NRI Story, and more. She has been a Theatre artist for Boston based theatre group SETU. She is on a mission to create a production house in USA that provides authentic platform for NRIs aspiring to pursue their passion and indeed, passionate to create a journey that can touch, move and inspire.
Rowena Kay Mascarenhas
Executive Director: TiE Boston
TiE Boston Executive Director Rowena Kay Mascarenhas was recently named to the Top Women Leaders of DC for 2024 by Women We Admire. With a wealth of professional experience spanning more than two decades, Mascarenhas has demonstrated excellence in corporate, academic, and non-profit sectors. Her expertise extends across multicultural, local, and global environments, showcasing her proficiency in effective communication, partnership development, and relationship building.
At TiE Boston, Mascarenhas works closely with entrepreneurs and business executives. TiE Boston is focused on supporting entrepreneurs throughout their lifecycle — from ideation to creation, through growth, wealth creation and ultimately, fostering future innovators.
By encouraging collaboration between members globally across 61 chapters, throughout their entrepreneurial process, TiE has created a repeatable cycle to nurture and promote the next generation of entrepreneurship. A recent report by KPMG highlights that the global impact of TiE includes over $1 trillion in entrepreneurial wealth created, employment generated directly as a result in the startup ecosystem pegged at 2.5 million jobs, with investments that exceed $70billion through the estimated 25,000 startups supported directly.
Mascarenhas’s pivotal roles, prior to her current position at TiE Boston, were at the American India Foundation, Oxford University Press, and Crompton Greaves, and they underscore her diverse and accomplished career trajectory. She was the recipient of the WILL Women Choice Award in 2021.
Apart from her professional responsibilities at TiE Boston, Mascarenhas finds fulfilment dedicating her time to volunteer on an urban farm and at DAWN Worldwide, a non-profit dedicated to reducing gender disparities.
Bala Venkat Muthukaruppan
Social Chair and Former President: Indian Community of Needham
Noted as a person who ‘is happy to help, irrespective of title or organization’, it is difficult to find a community organization that has not been touched by the presence of Bala Venkat Muthukaruppan.
The former president and current Social Chair three years running at Indian Community of Needham (ICON Needham), Muthukaruppan is known for her hard work and passion in supporting community cultural activities, taking on any job she can: from taking big decisions to sitting on the floor teaching children dance. ICON Needham is a secular, non-profit organization aimed at celebrating and preserving the culture and heritage of India and surrounding South Asian countries; fostering friendships and unity among community members; advancing the educational, cultural, and charitable interests of the community; and representing the community to the people of Needham, MA, USA and beyond.
Outside of her work in ICON Needham, Muthukaruppan is a part of numerous other organizations, including work as co-chair on the Needham Arts and Culture Council for 2 years and as a board member of the Needham Resilience Network, whose primary focus is on “Well-being and Social Cohesion in Needham,” with the aim of increasing health, safety, belonging, and equity for all.
At the Needham Resilience Network, she works with a diverse group of leaders to establish relationships across silos, anchor our community in the framing and language of belonging, build skills in communicating across difference, explore local issues from a range of lived experiences, and co-create community solutions. She is also VP of Marketing for the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Greater Boston; the President two years running of the Needham Public Schools PTC; co-founder of The Purple Wings, an organization that brings financial literacy awareness to women; and a long-time volunteer and participant for New England Tamil Sangam (NETS), Tamil Makkal Mandram (TMM), Needham Diversity Initiative, and Kerala Association of New England.
A 10-year resident of Needham, MA with her husband and two children, Muthukaruppan is professionally an Engineering & Product Delivery leader working with an A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, as well as a visual artist and dancer.
Akanksha Patel
Director of Information: Plan International
As Director of Information & Technology at Plan International USA, Akanksha Patel is known for her empathy, caring demeanor and holistic approach to management. In nominations submitted by her coworkers, many note the way that Akanksha goes beyond her role as a manager to offer guidance, support and an ear to listen for matters big and small, both professional and personal. She stands out as a leader for Plan International USA, a global girls’ rights organization. Powered by its supporters, Plan International USA partners with adolescent girls and their communities to overcome oppression and gender inequality, providing the resources that are unique to their needs, ensuring they achieve their full potential with dignity, opportunity and safety.
Patel has been recognized as female leader in tech by DemandBlue in 2022, and is a Dreamforce speaker. She is a volunteer at Hari Vidhya Bhavan, was named Mrs. India Rhode Island and won the Director’s Choice Award and the Naturally You award at the 2023 Miss New England.
Tanu Phoenix
President: India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB)
After being elected president of the India Association of Greater Boston last year, Tanu Phoenix took a bold step to leave her mark on one of the oldest Indian-American community organizations in the United States: She created a Board of Trustee to oversee, guide and advise IAGB.
As a community facilitator and a life-long enthusiast, Phoenix strongly believes that true community service is to help foster the essence of inclusivity, sensibility, and camaraderie. With a track record of initiative, dependability, and excellence, she is outspoken, empathetic and a highly motivated, result-driven, and progress-focused person of long-standing.
Having started with IAGB in her late teens, she is now running her 9th Executive term. Her passion and versatility in her professional and community service realm of work enable her to work in a demanding, high visibility Talent Acquisition Leadership role in a Consulting, Data science, and Technology Services firm, and an overall career profile with multiple professional hats including Public and Private School Teacher, Professional Orator, Dancer and Event Coordinator. She also serves as a Secretary & Board Member of Saheli Boston; a Founder Member & Cultural Director of IAB (Indian Americans for Burlington). She volunteers as an Activities Coordinator for seniors with Alzheimer’s & other cognitive impairment and as a Service Volunteer at various non-profits for homeless women, homeless families, rehabs and distressed seniors.
Geeta Pradhan
President: Cambridge Community Foundation
Geeta Pradhan widely known as a creative, effective catalyst of transformative change, as well as a thought leader within the nonprofit sector. As president of Cambridge Community Foundation (CCF), she has led the organization’s transformation from a local grant-maker to an organization that ensures Cambridge is a vibrant, just and equitable city for all. Since its founding in 1916 as a vehicle for local giving and addressing local needs, CCF has worked for its community by supporting nonprofits to meet those needs and responding to community crises. 107 years later, it is a data-informed strategic grant-maker, tackling the city’s most intractable problems in partnership with nonprofits and others, the philanthropic home for Cambridge’s generosity, and an influential civic leader.
In 2021, Pradhan co-authored the Foundation Equity & Innovation Cities report, highlighting the expanding income disparities amidst Cambridge’s growing prosperity. She helped envision and structure the City of Cambridge’s $22 million Rise Up Cambridge, the only city-wide effort to offer a non-lottery cash assistance program. From this effort, Pradhan is leading the research that will help make the case for policy change. She has also co-authored two reports on the financial health of the MA nonprofit sector, organized the creation of Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, and facilitated the founding of the Institute of Nonprofit Practice.
Pradhan has previously transformed the Boston Foundation’s organizational approach by co-founding the Boston Indicators Project, the research center at the Boston Foundation. She is regularly called upon as a speaker on issues of poverty and social change, the changing role of philanthropy, and collaborative action.
Samata Sharma
Medical Director: Brigham Bridge Clinic, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Samata Sharma, MD has dedicated her work to amplifying the voices of traditionally under-served medical populations, as well as decreasing the stigma that surrounds mental health and addiction treatment through encouraging a resilience and strength-based approach to treatment. As an English literature major and music minor prior to studying medicine, and then following a one-year certification study in opera at La Schola Cantorum in Paris prior to her medical training, Dr. Sharma has always been drawn to merging art and medicine.
As the medical director of the Brigham Health Bridge to Recovery (or “Bridge Clinic”), a low-threshold addiction treatment center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Sharma is currently developing a treatment protocol using cross-cultural expressive arts to facilitate traumatic processing, increase resilience and lead to post-traumatic growth for survivors of trauma. This would be the first evidence-based protocol using immersive art to facilitate an increase in specific neurocognitive measures. Under her leadership, there has been upwards of a 40% increase in access to addiction treatment at the Bridge Clinic.
Dr. Sharma has also worked with Acid Survivor’s Trust International in conjunction with the government of Colombia to help build a trauma-informed care treatment delivery system for survivors of acid violence: an issue that disproportionately affects women in both South America and South Asia. The collaboration and work were internationally recognized through a reception hosted by Princess Anne: HRH The Princess Royal, at Buckingham Palace in 2018. Dr. Sharma’s challenging of the traditional treatment has already had impact: she is a teacher and mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students, and has given local, national and international talks on addictions as well as the arts: notably on how music affects the function of the brain.
