Anu Venkatesan graduated from Dr. Phillips HS and the University of Florida. She has years of experience assisting mental health patients, having worked at the Florida Hospital Behavioral Health Center and Park Place Behavioral Health. She is enthusiastic about community service and has volunteered for various causes. Anu has been the Finance & Administrative Manager of her family business since 2005. Additionally, she served on the Executive Committee of MSCF in 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2025. Anu has been on the Shakthi Board since 2024. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her twin boys and dogs, who motivate her to live life to the fullest!

Usha Tewari is a constituent advocate with several years of experience working for federal and local elected officials. She devotes herself to advancing dementia & caregiver awareness and is an Alzheimer's Congressional Ambassador. She was Orlando Magazine's "Women of the Year" in 2019, Orange County's Distinguished Asian-American in 2023, and was recognized at the 2023 One World Scouting Diversity & Inclusion Luncheon for her advocacy efforts. 

Shashi and her husband are empty nesters who moved from Kansas to the Orlando area a couple of years ago. She has years of Clinical Research and Project Management experience in academia and industry. With a passion for helping mission-driven, non-profit organizations such as American Heart Association, Red Cross, and Orlando Health Hospital, she seeks causes that are committed to making a positive societal impact . Shashi is a strong advocate for standing up for basic human rights of individuals and is enthusiastic about empowering and helping usher in change.

Kayla Newborg is a grant writer specializing in helping nonprofit organizations secure critical funding to support impactful, community-driven initiatives. With a creative yet strategic approach, she is dedicated to strengthening organizations that serve vulnerable and underserved populations.

Kayla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, an Associate degree in Human Resource Administration, and multiple professional certifications, including Certified Professional Medical Biller and Coder (CPC), Certified Behavioral Health Technician, and Grant Writing Certification. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to craft thoughtful, data-driven, and compelling grant proposals that align organizational missions with funder priorities.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Kayla has lived across the United States as a military spouse while her husband serves as a Green Beret. She has remained deeply engaged in her communities, volunteering as a Treasurer and Key Caller for military units at multiple installations and for a few Nonprofit Organizations. Outside of her professional work, Kayla enjoys reading, traveling, and creating meaningful memories with her husband and their three children.

Raised in Central Florida, Ruchi brings a multidisciplinary background in law, business, and community leadership to her board service. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Rollins College, her Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law, and later returned to Rollins to complete an Executive MBA at the Crummer Graduate School of Business.

Throughout her career, Ruchi has worked closely with organizations and entrepreneurs at every stage, giving her a practical understanding of governance, strategy, and sustainable growth. She has also maintained a longstanding commitment to nonprofit causes, with extensive experience in fundraising, organizational development, and mission-driven advocacy.

Ruchi is passionate about supporting organizations that create meaningful, lasting impact and is honored to contribute her time, expertise, and leadership in service of the community.

Dr. Amarjit Kaur began her career as a Pharmacy Technician and earned a Doctorate of Pharmacy. She spent over 10 years as a Manager at CVS Pharmacy, earning several awards, including the Paragon Award for Best Pharmacist. Currently, Dr. Kaur is a Pediatric Specialist Pharmacist at AdventHealth Hospital in Downtown Orlando. In 2023, she expanded her professional portfolio by obtaining her Real Estate Agent License. Dr. Kaur is actively involved in the Sikh Society of Central Florida (SSCF) since 2009 member of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) since 2020.

Dyuthi is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University. She began working with Shakthi as a volunteer in high school. Her passion for domestic violence prevention and pursing opportunities in immigration has grown from this valuable experience.

Asha Thevaranjan is a Mental Health Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of Florida, currently working toward full licensure. She earned her Master of Science in Counselor Education from Stetson University, with dual concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University with dual majors in Child & Family Studies and Psychology.

Asha grew up in Syracuse, New York, and relocated to Orlando to pursue her graduate studies and professional growth. She brings experience across mental health services, early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, and organizational operations. At ShakthiUS, Asha focuses on strengthening internal systems, coordinating services, and expanding initiatives that empower survivors, individuals, and families through culturally responsive support.

Asha values cultural humility and community advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, spending time with her dog Simba, and giving back to her community.

Jami Jackson is a creative professional with a powerful combination of passion and experience. By day Jami is a work from home mom and marketing strategist. By night, she is the Chief Chaos Coordinator of her family and an aspiring quilling artist. Jami has a deep commitment to supporting organizations that prioritize safety and cultural understanding.  Her personal mantra is “Always, always, ALWAYS take the high road”.