Over the years, I’ve worn many professional hats in my life - a serial entrepreneur, a consultant, a salesman, a software engineer, a teacher, a cook, a bartender, a security guard, a musician, an actor, and my personal favorite - a baby sitter. In all those avatars, I have always tried to create innovations that would somehow make my ‘customer’ happier. (My professional summary is in my LinkedIn Profile)

When I decided that I wanted to work to improve the social development sector in India, I spoke to friends and NGOs to understand how I could help. I was amazed by the number of people who participated in philanthropic activities - some volunteered their time, others donated money and a passionate few actually started organizations that cater to the needs of people in their community. However, a majority of the people I spoke to were left wanting, because they felt there were no easy means for them to comprehensively learn about development in India. Furthermore, they craved high-quality interactions with their friends and a like-minded community of aspiring and practicing philanthropists to become comfortable with the work that was being undertaken. These interactions needed to be coupled with various options on how they could help through one or more resources and abilities that they bring to bear. Therefore, We Flap was started with a simple innovation – Let’s build the largest online philanthropic community of people that want to Learn about, Interact with, and Help development in India

My Favorite Quote: "A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new; when an age ends; and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance." - Jawaharlal Nehru

Throughout my personal life and professional career, I have found that the single most crucial trait that forges trust and everlasting relationships is the compassion and care with which I interact with people. From teaching drama and art in elementary schools in India, to being a clinical skin care specialist for post-operative patients in US, I have been fortunate enough to participate in various activities that have allowed me to learn from children and adults, while helping enrich their lives. (My Professional Summary is in my LinkedIn Profile)

My decision to help start We Flap took root after I was inspired by my daughter, Mandira. I was very fortunate to experience the overwhelming kindness and giving nature in my daughter when she was just 9 years of age, and was convinced that I needed to dedicate my life to a larger cause. During that time, Sravish and I started talking about my interests and he shared some interesting ideas in leveraging innovative technology concepts for the purposes of giving. We then started working together, with the aim of building We Flap to cater to the philanthropic passions of people all across the world.

My Favorite Quote: "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." - Woodrow Wilson

In my work in private, public and non-profit organizations I’ve learned that to make an impact you need a bit of creativity and plenty of hard work and resilience. As a researcher, I learn everyday about the amazing development initiatives being led by individuals who are trying to make a real difference. (My professional summary is in my LinkedIn Profile)

This is why, I find We Flap’s vision of being a facilitator very appealing. Given the number of organizations already doing great work, we can make an important contribution by facilitating the right connections. My goal for We Flap is to help our organizations increase their visibility and reach. Promoting learning and interaction, whether it is amongst organizations or between friends and organizations, is what We Flap is all about.

My Favorite Quote: "There aren't very many heroes these days. Who is out there to inspire us with a personal example of virtue and self-sacrifice in the name of a higher good? Who can we look up to? Business leaders? sports figures? Politicians? Celebrities? Heck, we're luck if they don't end up in prison! As usual, the hero business is up to me!" - Calvin & Hobbes (Bill Watterson)

I relish the first ‘pop’ of an idea in my head and find it immensely gratifying when it becomes something of worth. My ideas find expression through art, music, dance, theatre and design. I might blink when asked about sport, but I promise a good argument on how much chocolate is too much!

(My Professional Summary is in my LinkedIn Profile)

I enjoy working with people who have a vision, and I have always been committed about doing my bit to give back. We Flap, is therefore, the perfect space for me to use the skills I have to realize my passion and further a greater cause. I believe that every contribution, no matter the size or nature, will make a difference.

My Favorite Quote: "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

My life has been a mixed bag. I started off in the field of nutrition and dietetics and decided I love eating too much to stress anyone about the right kind of food. At this point I decided to specialize in Service Management. I loved interacting with people at various levels and realized a smile and a helping hand goes a long way in forging a relationship.

On a warm day in Calgary (very rare for Calgary) my family and I were out enjoying the beautiful spring weather when Sravish called. He said “I need to talk to you”, I remember thinking to myself this must be serious. He told me about his idea for We Flap and how he would like me to be a part of it. As I started reaching out to hundreds of NGOs, I soon realized that few people knew about the inspiring work that these organizations were doing. The handful of websites that listed NGOs either had dated information or didn’t inspire anyone to help.

We Flap will allow millions of people to learn about NGOs working in the farthest corners of rural India, interact with these NGOs, and together, discover multiple ways to support them. The support could range from providing pro-bono consulting services to organizing fund raising or awareness drives on their behalf. It’s going to change my life, and I hope it changes yours too.

My Favorite Quote: "A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." - Mahatma Gandhi