Experience

Women's Leadership Lab

• United States
• Professional Training and Coaching

• Founder

  • Jul 2012 - Present

  I used to be on TV. Now I teach the frameworks, tools and tactics women leaders need to command a room in real life. The space to develop for powerful leadership and workshop challenges with your teams The ability to build win-win relationships and drive growth in your business. Mini retreats to help identify your strengths and realize your goals. The opportunity to network with like-minded women at intimate, in-person events I used to be on TV. Now I teach the frameworks, tools and tactics women leaders need to command a room in real life. The space to develop for powerful leadership and workshop challenges with your teams The ability to build win-win relationships and drive growth in your business. Mini retreats to help identify your strengths and realize your goals. The opportunity to network with like-minded women at intimate, in-person events



NY1 News

• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Business News Anchor

  • Jan 2010 - Jan 2017

  I write and anchor hourly reports on a channel servicing the New York Metro Area from the New York Stock Exchange. I write and anchor hourly reports on a channel servicing the New York Metro Area from the New York Stock Exchange.



AVS TV

• United States
• Telecommunications

• Host

  • Dec 2002 - Dec 2016

  Since December 2002, I have written and hosted this Saturday morning show, aimed at the first and second generation Indian living in America. Modeled after the american entertainment show, Access Hollywood, AVS is a fast-paced capsule of all the forthcoming attractions from the Indian film industry, better known as Bollywood. AVS syndicates on SONY-TV Worldwide. Since December 2002, I have written and hosted this Saturday morning show, aimed at the first and second generation Indian living in America. Modeled after the american entertainment show, Access Hollywood, AVS is a fast-paced capsule of all the forthcoming attractions from the Indian film industry, better known as Bollywood. AVS syndicates on SONY-TV Worldwide.



Manhattan Camerata, "Trummer Music Video"

• Executive Producer

  • Sep 2015 - Oct 2015

  I executive produced a 4 minute music video for 93-year-old singer songwriter Inge Ginsberg who was submitting her new song and video “Trümmer” to the Eurovision competition 2015 to represent Switzerland. Ginsberg and Manhattan Camerata were invited to participate at the "Switzerland's Got Talent Show 2015." “Trümmer” is about how we are destroying the world. But she still has hope for things to spring anew. Responsibilities included hiring and staffing up production crew, handling budget, scouting and booking location, securing all props and items needed, and overseeing the project through the final deliverable date. Show less



South Asian International Film Festival

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Jun 2014 - Jan 2015

  I have recently been named the Executive Director of the South Asian International Film Festival. This event is in its 11th year and is the only film festival for South Asian filmmakers backed by HBO. It aims to give moviemakers of my ethnicity a platform for distribution and emerging talent. Since 2009, I have directed and produced at least one film or photo essay project a year. Each is allied with a social cause. I have recently been named the Executive Director of the South Asian International Film Festival. This event is in its 11th year and is the only film festival for South Asian filmmakers backed by HBO. It aims to give moviemakers of my ethnicity a platform for distribution and emerging talent. Since 2009, I have directed and produced at least one film or photo essay project a year. Each is allied with a social cause.



UN Women

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Guest Speaker

  • Jun 2014 - Jun 2014

  Thursday, June 26th I was asked, among a gallery of speakers that included Gloria Steinem and Gale Brewer, to speak at the kick off to the UN Women campaign, raising awareness for gender equality. 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the Beijing20 Women's Conference, where a blueprint was drawn up to give women choices in the world. It was adopted by 189 governments. Obviously, we still have alot of work to. I talked about my Trailblazer Video Series, creating tangible role models for South Asian women, where entrepreneurship is still a two generation old concept. And my goal of taking these role models to schools with high concentrations of South Asian girls, so we can open up critical dialogue about the cultural blocks that hinder us. Show less



The Rockefeller Foundation and Aspen Institute

• Keynote Speaker

  • Jun 2014 - Jun 2014

  Based on research, the Indian diaspora living In the US is interested in investing in their home country to address economic and social challenges. But are held back by a host of factors including distrust, funds already committed to supporting folks back home or religious organizations. But this money doesn’t necessarily impact economic development in India. Some believe there is untapped potential here. The Rockefeller Foundation has partnered with several organizations including the Aspen Institute (RAD) to host a series of town hall meetings and ask the critical questions to the NRI population residing in the US. In my role as business anchor, entrepreneur, and social justice filmmaker, I’ve gave the keynote at the Town Hall Meeting in Richmond Hill, Queens, June 21st. 12-3pm. Thank you Ravi Ramkeesoon for inviting me to speak. Show less



Sakhi for South Asian Women

• United States
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Keynote Speaker and Emcee, 25th Anniversary Gala

  • May 2014 - May 2014

  I was the keynote speaker and emcee for the organization that helps South Asian female survivors of domestic violence. As a secondary survivor myself, this subject is something I'm very vocal about, as its culturally something we prefer to 'shove under the rug.' Since emceeing this event, so many professional South Asian women have come forward to share their stories.Sakhi is in its 25th year in providing shelter, legal assistance and general help to women in crisis. This gala was the attended by 300 people. I also directed and produced three photo essays of survivors with a team. These essays were unveiled for the first time at the event. Show less

• Director/Producer/Voiceover "Photo Essay Series of Survivors"

  • Nov 2013 - May 2014

  I produced and directed a series of three photo essays for the 25th anniversary gala of Sakhi, helping South Asian women survivors of domestic violence. Sadika is a mom. And a survivor of extreme circumstances. At 46-years-old, she proudly states, "I want to make something of myself," and be a role model for her children.She is a hero.We snapped photos as Sadika began her first training lesson to become a makeup artist. It was a huge moment for a woman who has endured years of hardship and mistreatment while in her marriage. With the aid of Sakhi she has come out on the other side..... victorious. My team and I were proud to tell her story.The Sakhi gala is May 15th at Tribeca 360. As my mother and I are survivors of domestic violence, I am proud to be the emcee for this event. Show less



CHETNA-DFW

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations

• Keynote Speaker

  • Mar 2014 - Mar 2014

  Saturday, March 29th, I was guest speaker for the Chetna Gala, raising funds for survivors of domestic violence in the Dallas Forth Worth Area. As a secondary survivor of domestic violence, I'm quite vocal about this subject. I'm a firm believer that we as a culture are masters at shoving these matters under the rug. But I also believe that change doesn't come about, until we talk about it. To learn more about their work, please go to www.chetna-dfw.org. Saturday, March 29th, I was guest speaker for the Chetna Gala, raising funds for survivors of domestic violence in the Dallas Forth Worth Area. As a secondary survivor of domestic violence, I'm quite vocal about this subject. I'm a firm believer that we as a culture are masters at shoving these matters under the rug. But I also believe that change doesn't come about, until we talk about it. To learn more about their work, please go to www.chetna-dfw.org.



Dow Chemical

• China
• Chemical Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Anchor, Discover Dow Series

  • Apr 2010 - Mar 2014

  As the world readies for the next in the series of Olympic games, Dow Chemical is front and center, providing equipment, infrastructure, and athletic gear. I host a series of pieces for internal corporate use only, informing employees around the world about how Dow is involved in these historic moments. As the world readies for the next in the series of Olympic games, Dow Chemical is front and center, providing equipment, infrastructure, and athletic gear. I host a series of pieces for internal corporate use only, informing employees around the world about how Dow is involved in these historic moments.



CBS

• Leasing Non-residential Real Estate
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business News Anchor

  • Jun 2012 - Dec 2013

  I wrote and anchored live business reports, servicing major CBS affiliates across the country, including WCBS in New York. I wrote and anchored live business reports, servicing major CBS affiliates across the country, including WCBS in New York.



Rockefeller Foundation

• Writing and Editing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Producer, Rockefeller Centennial

  • Jul 2011 - Dec 2013

  I directed and produced a series of mini-documentaries for the Rockefeller Foundation as it celebrated its Centennial year. While many are familiar with the Rockefeller brand name, most do not know that they funded the system of public health as it exists in America or the vaccine for yellow fever. These documentaries shared stories of all the projects the Foundation has funded all over the world. I also took a production crew to Nairobi, Africa to shoot part of the series. All videos can be viewed at http://centennial.rockefellerfoundation.org/ Show less



NasdaqOMX

• Anchor, CEO Interview Series

  • Jan 2009 - Dec 2013

  I research and host a series of interviews with the CEO's ringing the opening or closing bell at the Nasdaq Marketsite, New York City. CEO's have included the heads of Amazon, Zulilly, Triquint Semiconductor, and most recently SS&C Technologies, celebrating 25 years of listing on the Nasdaq. I research and host a series of interviews with the CEO's ringing the opening or closing bell at the Nasdaq Marketsite, New York City. CEO's have included the heads of Amazon, Zulilly, Triquint Semiconductor, and most recently SS&C Technologies, celebrating 25 years of listing on the Nasdaq.



TED Conferences

• Media Production

• Ted X Speaker, "Re-thinking Failure"

  • Nov 2013 - Nov 2013

  November 2nd, 2013 I had the distinction of delivering my first TedTalk on the subject of "Re-thinking Failure." I was in good company with Real estate titan Barbara Corcoran, founder of the White House Project Marie Wilson, and Human Rights activist Jimmie Briggs. My proposal that qualified me was this: We as Indians are masters at shoving important conversations under the rug, and never really 'talking about' stuff that matters. But, real life-impacting change doesn't come about -----until you talk about it. Through talking about and writing about my experiences growing up, I learned recently that I changed the trajectory of another woman's life. Here is the entire talk: Show less



Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects

• United States
• Architecture and Planning

• Speaker

  • Nov 2013 - Nov 2013

  Saturday November 16th, I emceed the 33rd Annual Gala for the Society of Indo-American Architects and Engineers. The evening was filled with addresses by luminaries such as MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast and Senator Ruth Hassell Thompson. The keystone of the evening was the honoring of architects and engineers of Indian descent and scholarships for aspiring architects and engineers still in college. When I was first asked to emcee this event, I got on my soapbox and complained, why is it all men? Are you telling me in this day and age, we don't have any women architects and engineers to honor? In a sea of men, last night, we did honor 2 WOMEN of Indian descent: Asifa Tirmizi for the category of architecture and Kiran Kaur Gill for the category of engineering. To learn more, go to www.siaea.org Show less



MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee

• Host, SONY TV

  • Aug 2011 - Aug 2013

  Each year, I host for the finals of Metlife South Asian Spelling Bee Finals for SONY TV. I conduct one-on-one interviews with contestants and their parents. I moderate roundtable interviews with the finalists. I have been hosting this event since its inception. Each year, I host for the finals of Metlife South Asian Spelling Bee Finals for SONY TV. I conduct one-on-one interviews with contestants and their parents. I moderate roundtable interviews with the finalists. I have been hosting this event since its inception.



American Indian Federation, Young Professionals Chapter

• Moderator, Clinton Fellows, Panel on Social/Economic Challenges of Development in India

  • Dec 2012 - Dec 2012

  December 5th, 2012, I was the moderator for a Panel hosted by the Young Professionals Chapter of the American Indian Federation. I moderated the panel with 4 Clinton Fellows on the topic of social and economic challenges to development in India. Panelists included Ramya Sekaran, Jennifer Z. Chowdhury, Kishore Eechambadi, Rushabh Kapashi December 5th, 2012, I was the moderator for a Panel hosted by the Young Professionals Chapter of the American Indian Federation. I moderated the panel with 4 Clinton Fellows on the topic of social and economic challenges to development in India. Panelists included Ramya Sekaran, Jennifer Z. Chowdhury, Kishore Eechambadi, Rushabh Kapashi



Eyes Wide Open Productions, LLC

• ExecutiveProducer, "First Sight" the film

  • May 2009 - Dec 2012

  In 2009, I took a film production crew to Tamil Nadu, India, to shoot and direct my first feature-length social justice film on curable blindness in children. This means conditions such as cataracts, which are easily curable by Western medicine, but allowed to progress unchecked in India for a whole host of reasons, including poverty. I allied with the Sankara Eye Care Institutions, India, to produce "First Sight" which follows three children as they undergo critical and life-changing eye surgeries. I oversaw the edit, fundraising and upon completion, marketing of the film. To date, "First Sight" has raised about $11,000 in donations for Sankara. "First Sight" made its world premiere at the South Asian International Film Festival, presented by HBO in New York City, on Wednesday December 4th, 2013. Show less



GlamourGals Foundation, Inc.

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Moderator, Panel Discussion on "Branding Yourself"

  • Nov 2012 - Nov 2012

  November 15th, 2012, I was the Moderator for an event hosted by the non profit GlamourGals. The panel on "Branding Yourself" was held at the downtown law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham, and Taft and populated by four professionals.

• Guest Speaker

  • Nov 2012 - Nov 2012

  November 17th, 2012, I was guest speaker at the GlamourGals.org Leadership Training Day. Glamourgals is a non-profit that brings volunteer girls to senior citizen homes for makeovers. The end goal is to cultivate self-esteem on both sides. I gave a motivational talk for the girls’ leadership day on the four points to communicating effectively as a woman.



South Asian Theater Festival

• United States
• Entertainment Providers

• Moderator, Panel "Theater: A Salve For A Repressed Society"

  • Nov 2012 - Nov 2012

  November 16th, 2012, I was the moderator of a panel that kicked off the South Asian Theater Festival, bringing Indian classical theater to first and second generation Indians living in the New Jersey. I moderated a panel called “Theater: A Salve for a Repressed Society." Panelists included Rahul Varma, playwright and co-founder Teesri Duniya Theatre, which is dedicated to producing socially and politically relevant theatre in Canada. Joanna Sherman, artistic director of the Bond Street Theater, recently back from Afghanistan where she engaged the local women in important dialogue with theater by women for women. Ricardo Khan is co founder and artistic director of Cross roads theater in New Brunswick. Farley Richmond, University of Georgia Professor of film and theater studies, Director of the Center for Asian Studies. Jawaid Danish founder and artistic director of Raang Maach Canada--a not for profit theater group which presents Indian theater in Canada. Show less



Anish Shah's "International Incident" Comedy Show

• Celebrity Stand-up Comedian

  • Sep 2012 - Sep 2012

  McKinsey Consultant turned comedian Anish Shah hosted a comedy showcase at Caroline's on Broadway, September 13th, 2012. The evening featured professional South Asian comics who command top-dollar. However, peppered throughout the night were local Indian celebs, such as myself, performing standup comedy for the first time. I used my dating life in New York City for material. Ask me for the clip. McKinsey Consultant turned comedian Anish Shah hosted a comedy showcase at Caroline's on Broadway, September 13th, 2012. The evening featured professional South Asian comics who command top-dollar. However, peppered throughout the night were local Indian celebs, such as myself, performing standup comedy for the first time. I used my dating life in New York City for material. Ask me for the clip.



Rainbow Foundation

• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Guest Speaker

  • Jul 2012 - Jul 2012

  July 7th, 2012, I was the Guest Speaker for an event for the Rainbow Foundation event raising funds for women’s gynecological cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. July 7th, 2012, I was the Guest Speaker for an event for the Rainbow Foundation event raising funds for women’s gynecological cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.



PBS Nightly Business Report

• Media Production
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Anchor, Business News

  • May 2010 - Dec 2011

  I produced and wrote packages for a daily primetime show airing on PBS. I was also the talent on pieces. I produced and wrote packages for a daily primetime show airing on PBS. I was also the talent on pieces.



FTI Consulting

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Executive Producer, Anchor, Business News

  • Jan 2009 - Feb 2010

  I was executive producer and anchor for an an in-house broadcast channel for this consultancy based in New York City. FTI Consulting had grown exponentially inside of two years. In order to realize synergies among consultants stationed around the world, it was my job to interview each one, produce a 3 minute piece with an editor and deliver it to be played on an in-house channel. I project managed everything from the build of the in house studio to anchoring interviews with consultants. I was executive producer and anchor for an an in-house broadcast channel for this consultancy based in New York City. FTI Consulting had grown exponentially inside of two years. In order to realize synergies among consultants stationed around the world, it was my job to interview each one, produce a 3 minute piece with an editor and deliver it to be played on an in-house channel. I project managed everything from the build of the in house studio to anchoring interviews with consultants.



ABC News

• Newspaper Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• TV Anchor, Business News

  • Oct 2004 - Dec 2008

  For four years, I delivered daily live business reports to owned and operated ABC affiliates in the country. This included WABC in New York City, WPVI Philadelphia, and WLS Chicago. This role required me to research, write and deliver all of my reports from the Nasdaq Marketsite in Times Square. I was also the main liaison between Businessweek and the ABC stations. This platform allowed Businessweek to brand itself beyond the magazine. The position ended when Bloomberg bought Businessweek in 2008. Show less



Silent Water The Movie, Fundraising Team

• Co-producer, Fundraising

  • Jul 2008 - Oct 2008

  This was my first stint fundraising for a film. I co produced the fundraising effort for Mukesh Vidyasagar's film, Silent Water, raising funds for the non profit Charity Water. http://www.silentwaterthefilm.com/ This was my first stint fundraising for a film. I co produced the fundraising effort for Mukesh Vidyasagar's film, Silent Water, raising funds for the non profit Charity Water. http://www.silentwaterthefilm.com/



India Day Parade, New York City

• Emcee, India Day Parade

  • Aug 2006 - Aug 2006

  I emceed the annual Federation of Indian Association Parade August 2006. The annual march down Madison Avenue is a New York City staple, and I was given the honor of emceeing the cultural show at the parade route end. I emceed the annual Federation of Indian Association Parade August 2006. The annual march down Madison Avenue is a New York City staple, and I was given the honor of emceeing the cultural show at the parade route end.



Discovery Channel

• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Host, Money Makeover Series, Business Television

  • Jan 2004 - Oct 2004

  I hosted this reality-tv show series for the Discovery Channel, focused on making over budgets for suburban families. We sat down and analyzed where there were pockets of money could be repurposed for dream goals, such as a new deck or a family vacation. I hosted this reality-tv show series for the Discovery Channel, focused on making over budgets for suburban families. We sat down and analyzed where there were pockets of money could be repurposed for dream goals, such as a new deck or a family vacation.



MTVNews.com

• Writer/Multimedia Producer, Entertainment News

  • Jul 2003 - Oct 2004

  During big events, such as the MTV Music Awards, I freelance produced multimedia content for MTVNews.com website. I also wrote content. This role required proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere editing, and use of the proprietary publishing tool created by MTV for website maintenance. During big events, such as the MTV Music Awards, I freelance produced multimedia content for MTVNews.com website. I also wrote content. This role required proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere editing, and use of the proprietary publishing tool created by MTV for website maintenance.



CNN

• United States
• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 700 & Above Employee

• Reporter, Business News

  • 2001 - 2004

  For four years, I was a business reporter for major CNN products, including CNN International, CNN, CNN Headline News, and CNN Financial Network. Duties included live reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Marketsite, and CNN Studios in New York. For four years, I was a business reporter for major CNN products, including CNN International, CNN, CNN Headline News, and CNN Financial Network. Duties included live reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Marketsite, and CNN Studios in New York.



Bloomberg TV

• Mongolia
• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Reporter, Business News

  • Nov 1999 - Jul 2001

  I delivered live business reports every hour to Bloomberg products, including Bloomberg TV, affiliates and radio. I delivered live business reports every hour to Bloomberg products, including Bloomberg TV, affiliates and radio.

• Reporter, Anchor, General News

  • Apr 1999 - Sep 1999

  I was an anchor and reporter for this market 200 station. Weekdays, I produced, wrote and delivered packages for the daily evening news broadcast. Weekends, I anchored evening broadcasts, and eventually weekdays as well. I was most proud of a series I produced, wrote and edited of students graduating from the local high school in 1999 as well as local reaction to the Columbine High School Massacre. I was an anchor and reporter for this market 200 station. Weekdays, I produced, wrote and delivered packages for the daily evening news broadcast. Weekends, I anchored evening broadcasts, and eventually weekdays as well. I was most proud of a series I produced, wrote and edited of students graduating from the local high school in 1999 as well as local reaction to the Columbine High School Massacre.



CBS.com

• Brazil
• Executive Offices

• Associate Producer, General News

  • 1997 - 1999

  I repurposed CBS programming for the web. Examples included individual packages from CBS Evening news, Early show, and Saturday morning shows. Position required proficiency in Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, News Streaming software (Profile), as well as the proprietary publishing tool built exclusively for CBS. I repurposed CBS programming for the web. Examples included individual packages from CBS Evening news, Early show, and Saturday morning shows. Position required proficiency in Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, News Streaming software (Profile), as well as the proprietary publishing tool built exclusively for CBS.



MSNBC Desktop Video

• Multimedia Producer, Business News

  • Feb 1997 - Mar 1998

  As a multimedia producer at MSNBC Desktop Video, I repurposed CNBC business news for the web. Example content included Tom Costello's report on the European markets, Mark Haines CEO Interviews from "Squawk Box." I used proprietary publishing software developed exclusively for the network. I also edited together 'virtual roadshows' for concept. As a multimedia producer at MSNBC Desktop Video, I repurposed CNBC business news for the web. Example content included Tom Costello's report on the European markets, Mark Haines CEO Interviews from "Squawk Box." I used proprietary publishing software developed exclusively for the network. I also edited together 'virtual roadshows' for concept.