.png)
Meet the Team
OUR LEADERSHIP
Our team is growing rapidly. It started from one person running community calls, to a group of passionate volunteers who are drawn to the vision of a loving, inclusive Desi community. Each person on our team brings their unique skills and perspective to support our mission.
Contact us if you are interested in joining our team!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Board
Chair
Rayman (she, her, hers) is a Sikh-American lesbian multi-time CEO, social entrepreneur and community activist who serves or has served on corporate and community based organizational boards.
Communications
A Graduate from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Anupam (he, him, his) is an Indian small towner and a first generation immigrant. He dreams of creating a more accessible and accepting world.
Board Member
Mridula (she/her), Professor Emeritus of Sociology, CSUS, has extensive experience as an academic in higher education and in nonprofit work both in the US and India. She recently retired as the Executive Director of the Center for Engaged Scholarship.
Treasurer
Mohan (he, him, his) has been a financial professional for over 40 years, holding varied management positions in the accounting and financial field. He is the proud father of a queer daughter.
Board Member
Kunoor (she/her) is an out South Asian Lesbian and an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. She is a Co-Founder and VP of Legal Services at Elevate, a firm providing technology, consulting and services and a recognized authority in the legal industry on topics related to women.
Board Member
Neeraja holds a PhD in Sociology and is the director of a university community engagement center. Having family members and friends who are queer and trans, she has joined our board to give back to the Desi Rainbow community and advocate for all LGBTQIA+ children and their families. She believes centering our response in love is a powerful counter to current legal, political and moral challenges.
Our Team
Executive Director
Aruna (she, her, hers) founded Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies after a 20 year career in mental health advocacy and activism with a focus on the needs of immigrant families. She is the proud parent of a transgender young adult.
Database Manager
Tajinder (they/them) is excited to contribute to Desi Rainbow's work in fostering South Asian LGBTQIA+ community and belonging. They bring 5 years of experience in database management for multiple nonprofits. Outside of work, they enjoy painting self-portraits, writing poetry, and vegan cooking. They currently live in the Bay Area with their cat, Tiger.
Mental Health Advisor
Dr. Ekta (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist at USC and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for USC’s Dept. of Psychiatry. She is passionate about providing an affirming therapeutic space for LGBTQIA+ folks and families.
Program Manager
Meryl (they/them) first came to Desi Rainbow in early 2021 seeking support with bridging their many identities – Assamese, Muslim, American, queer, transgender, and nonbinary. They feel very fortunate to have found such abundant affirmation, compassion, and love within the Desi Rainbow community, and they are excited to reciprocate through this position.
Saathi Peer Support Coordinator
Hima (they, them, theirs) is a social worker by training, and currently works as a trauma counselor at a crime victims center in PA. They live with their partner in Pennsylvania and are proud of their Malayali roots.
Records and Finance
Shaila (she, her, hers) emigrated to the U.S. from Bengaluru, India. She lives in New Jersey with her husband. Shaila is the mother of two. She was on the Board of Trustees of Guruvaayoorappan Temple, in Marboro, NJ for 8 years. She has been volunteering in various organizations over the years, taking on leadership roles in initiatives such as walk-a-thon, education, and social services. She enjoys traveling and reading in her spare time.
Information & Referral Coordinator
Sri (she, her, hers) is a seasoned IT professional and mom of 2 daughters. She is a voracious reader of mysteries and thrillers. She is passionate about children's literature and is looking forward to supporting Desi Rainbow families.