VIDYA JYOTI TEAM

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Pratibha is a woman of many talents. After a successful career in informational technology, Pratibha ventured into the field of entrepreneurship and today runs a successful chain of businesses. With her winning ways and strong business acumen, she has seen her business grow with each succeeding year. 

The other love of her life is entertainment. She is a much sought-after singer, event planner and entertainment organizer. She seems to have an intuitive sense of how to make all participants feel valued and respected. Her events have played host to the many singers, music directors and actors of the Bombay film industry.

 But everyone who knows her knows that Pratibha has a heart that is brimming with kindness and generosity. Her lifelong dream of helping the underprivileged children in India led to her pulling together a team to form Vidya Jyoti team and illuminating it with her boundless energy and love. As the founding President of Vidya Jyoti, Pratibha is pulling all the stops to make it a successful endeavor with a bright future serving the children in India for years to come.

Madhu is a lifelong educator who has guided hundreds of students and teachers in areas as diverse as science and educational leadership. She is a writer, public speaker, mentor, lyricist and an entrepreneur who is committed to service to the community. She holds advanced degrees in nutrition and educational administration. Having spent her formative years in very small cities in northern India and having attended government schools there, she is intimately knowledgeable about the challenges faced by students there. 

Her community involvement in US includes serving on boards of numerous organizations, including a large public library system, social and cultural organizations, mental health organizations, theater companies, etc. She employs her rich experience and analytical skills to guide the work of Vidya Jyoti as its founding vice president.

Detail oriented and committed are two words that describe Kumkum perfectly. Those are the skills she honed as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for several large publicly held companies, rising to the rank of auditor and senior analyst. Even as she built a successful career, family always came first. Which meant taking care of not just her immediate family but the extended family that looked to her for guidance and support. 

Once retired, Kumkum has devoted her exceptional skills to serving the community and currently serves on the board of two cultural organizations. Under her guidance, Vidya Jyoti has received the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service. Vidya Jyoti team is confident of transparent and laudable money management with Kumkum as the treasurer.

Anita Beri is an administrator and former educator who has embraced change with a sense of adventure and anticipation. Starting her adult life in Punjab, she and her husband made Canada their home before settling in the US, making lifelong friends along the way. Anita’s no-nonsense manner can be credited to her many years as a part-time officer in the National Cadet Core (NCC) in India, where she was selected for special recognition. This work was in addition to serving as a lecturer of foods and nutrition at Arya College in Jallandhar.

 Currently the administrator for Crossroads Animal Hospital, Anita is a member of United Punjabis of America and of Club of Indian Women. Anita brings her incredible passion and dedication to Vidya Jyoti as its vice president. Having sponsored a child’s education for many years, Anita has the special gift of inspiring others to help those in need.

Sarita is that quiet leader who embodies dedication and attention to detail that are fundamental to success in an organization. A woman dedicated to making the best life for her family, Sarita has been involved in many community organizations and served in various positions with Club of Indian Women, including its president. Her artistic sense helps her in her work as a video producer. With a degree in Foods & Nutrition, she is the go-to person for guidance with menu planning for large events. 

Currently serving on the board of United Punjabis of America, Sarita brings to Vidya Jyoti her exceptional organizational skills and generosity of heart that is sure to lead to great things for the community it serves.

Vinita is a leading community figure whose life intersects with her passionate commitment to the ideals of altruism and community service. She has demonstrated extreme dedication to serve the community over the last two decades with unwavering devotion to humanitarian causes with her passion to advance charity and social causes that are prevalent in the society.

 Vinita holds a Master’s degree in literature and served as an educator. Later, she took up fashion design and is a recipient of the prestigious Fashion Leaders Award at the Chicago International Fashion Show.

 Vinita’s journey has been marked with remarkable milestones. She is a successful entrepreneur and still takes out time to devote on community causes. Vinita serves as the President of Indian American Cultural Association (IACA), which she founded. She is also serving as the Executive Vice President of FIA [Federation of Indian Associations]. As a vice president of Vidya Jyoti, Vinita has helped expand community connections.

Rabinder is a life-long learner who rose to the level of the director at a national laboratory. There, he put his M. Tech degree in Engineering and an MBA to work to guide the division he led with diligence and vision. Retiring after nearly 40 years doing the work he loved, Rabinder has turned his energies to volunteering with various civic and non-profits. He serves on the homeowners committee as well as on various village committees where he is valued for his leadership skills.

Rabinder brings the same passion to his love of music, enjoying listening as well as singing. As a director at Vidya Jyoti, he has helped draft the bylaws as well as craft the message about it.

Mamta is a born leader who has demonstrated focus and excellence in every sphere of life. After receiving her MBA degree, Mamta climbed the ladder of corporate success to become chief marketing officer and later a chief commercial officer with a Fortune 500 firm. Later she brought her outstanding organizational skills to a private equity firm. 

Post retirement, Mamta devoted her time to philanthropy and health and founded On Her Own, a 501 (3) (c) corporation focused on empowering women. In addition to serving on the boards of Family Shelter Services and Arts for Life, Mamta is a highly sought after yoga teacher who inspires children and adults alike. As a director at Vidya Jyoti, Mamta has helped draft the by-laws and tackle other organizational responsibilities.

With a professional background as an IT Director, Shivam actively participates in community initiatives. Alongside serving on the District 204 council board, he dedicates his time to organizing national-level events for children in collaboration with the PTA. Additionally, Shivam shares his passion for soccer by coaching with the Naperville Park District and imparts computer programming/ robotics knowledge in After School Enrichment programs. Shivam consistently extends his support to various non-profit organizations (such as AMEC, Hindu Satsang, AIANA, IAC to name a few) whenever assistance is required. His expertise primarily lies in the digital realm, encompassing areas such as website development, audio/video production, marketing, digital publication, social media management etc.

Driven by a strong belief in contributing to society, Shivam is committed to making a positive impact. He firmly advocates for the education of children as the most valuable investment in creating a brighter future for our planet.

Preeti calls herself a happily retired person who is now devoting her time to her 4 beautiful grandchildren. With a law degree from Delhi University, she spent many years working outside the home and achieving success in that world. But community work has been woven into the fabric of her life. For the past twenty-five years, she has been a board member of Club of Indian Women and served in every official position, including its treasurer and president. Under her leadership, CIW grew in influence by welcoming special guests like the then Congressman Barack Obama! Fully committed to nurturing and preserving her heritage, she has recently joined the board of United Punjabis of America.

 Preeti believes that education can change a child’s life and educating communities can change the world. She brings to Vidya Jyoti her passion for service and her warm and generous personality to inspire others to do good.

Alka has been taking care of people her entire life. After getting a master’s degree in nutrition, she embarked on a career helping the sick become better with the help of good nutrition. Working with young and old alike helped her hone skills of kindness and empathy that served her well over a 45-year career. Upon retirement, she turned her attention to community work and that has brought her to Vidya Jyoti. 

Alka is highly regarded for her thoughtful analysis of challenges and guidance for how to tackle them. She is also not afraid to take on new responsibilities.

A man of few words, Ashok lets his action speak for his dedication to service. Retiring after more than 20 years working for a large corporation and receiving numerous commendations for his outstanding work, Ashok has devoted his time to helping his fellow seniors get the most out of life by establishing Silver Senior’s Group. 

Ashok has developed programs to help seniors with transportation, legal assistance, financial and medical help and social interactions with others. In 2010, he started a weekly lunch program that offers seniors to mingle with others and enjoy healthy meals. During the height of the pandemic, he was instrumental in distribution of face masks, PPEs, sanitizers, etc. He also organized vaccination clinics where seniors could get the Covid-19 vaccines. Ashok has been recognized by many organizations, including United Punjabis of America, for his leadership and tireless service over the years.

 For the past 5 years, Ashok has sponsored a child in India with his education, medical care as well as boarding and lodging so he could complete high school. Vidya Jyoti is fortunate to have a person like Ashok who, with quiet leadership skills, inspires others to serve and give.

A senior healthcare executive with over 30 years of strategic leadership and extensive experience in fiscal management, technology expertise, and value-based care management.

Paul Nagpal has been responsible for overseeing the finances and investments of Federally Qualified Health Center Medical, Dental, Urgent Care, and School Based Health Center Sites. He has played a crucial role in long-term strategic business planning initiatives and skillfully guided the FQHC through one of the most turbulent periods in America's healthcare industry.

With strong qualifications in revenue cycle strategy and oversight, audit planning and completion, budgeting, and forecasting, Paul Nagpal brings invaluable expertise to the organization.