Deepa is a Nomadic and De-notified Tribes (NT-DNT) activist, trainer, researcher and author belonging from the Ghisadi (Gadiya Lohar) nomadic tribe. She has over 2 decades of experience in facilitating community-led programs and working with state and local governments on themes of youth-leadership, advocacy, mental justice, sanitation and sexual and reproductive health. Deepa’s uncompromising efforts have enabled her to be recognized internationally as an NT-DNT woman activist. She has won several accolades including the Ashoka Fellowship, WISCOMP Saahas Awards honoring South Asian women’s leadership in peace and security, Martha Farrell Award – most promising individual category and the Grand Prize at UC Berkeley’s Tell her Story contest among others.

Rati Forbes has been a Director of the Forbes Marshall Group since 1992 and led Human Resources and Learning & Development until 2011. She now heads the Forbes Foundation, overseeing CSR and philanthropic initiatives across the company. Rati has been widely recognized for her social impact and chaired the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Western Region Social Development Cell for six years, sensitizing corporate entities to their social responsibilities. She has served on the boards of two international foundations and continues as an independent director for listed companies, as well as on multiple nonprofit and foundation boards across India. Rati holds a Psychology and Sociology degree from the University of Mumbai, executive certifications in HR and strategic philanthropy, and a Master’s in Sustainability Management and Leadership from Cambridge University, UK.

Maya Patel is the Executive Chair of the Tarsadia Foundation, leading the development of its vision, programs & partnerships in the philanthropy community. Maya is actively engaged with local and international partners in steering and guiding change to create impact. Maya serves on the board of several organizations including Cal State Fullerton Foundation and Sage Hill School. Previously, she held multiple leadership positions at Tarsadia Hotels, a privately-owned hotel investment, development and management company.

Bhagwan Thacker, or “Thack,” is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and the founder of the Empowerment Foundation. Over the course of his career, Thack built and led successful businesses, gaining decades of experience in setting strategic direction and driving growth. His vision to support marginalized communities came to life in 1998 when he founded, Empowerment Foundation and through the Foundation made significant strides in improving education and technology access for underprivileged communities. After completing his studies in Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat, he went on to pursue higher education in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Mumbai, Maharashtra and in the US, completing his studies in Chemical Engineering. Thack’s vision through his philanthropy has empowered countless individuals and his unwavering commitment to social causes has left a lasting impact in both India and the United States, fostering growth and opportunities for many.

For nearly three decades, Boris has held roles as fiduciary or executive on behalf of HNIs, sovereign wealth funds, large non-profits, and strategic divisions of corporate enterprises. He has worked across numerous geographies and organizational sizes ranging from 5 to 120K+. Notably, Boris spent the years between 2004 to 2015 helping build Lighthouse Funds, whose presence in the lower-middle private equity market in India has grown to over $500M in AUM. In recent years Boris has founded and driven the growth of several organizations, as well as served in senior operating roles at select non-profit organizations. 

Deval leads Dasra’s strategic philanthropy efforts and provides foreign and domestic philanthropists with informed investment strategies for the social sector – keeping human lives at the center of all of its thinking. Since 1999, he has directed over USD 72 million to the Indian social sector; incubated and launched the Dasra Philanthropy Forum and Dasra Philanthropy Week and initiated the Dasra Giving Circle, India’s largest collaborative giving platform.

Shirish is the Executive Vice President of Tarsadia Foundation and has helped shape its vision and impact since 2009. With over 25 years of leadership in business, the arts, and philanthropy, Shirish leads the Tarsadia Foundation team in collaborating with 100+ global partners, driving change in health, education, and economic empowerment. His multi-generational approach to service aligns with the foundation’s deep commitment to family values. Shirish has been a trustee of Tarsadia Foundation since its inception. Shirish studied Business Administration at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, before moving into early executive roles in the hospitality and travel industry in Southern California. His lifelong passion for the arts has been fostered through the direction and production of cultural dance programs and appearances as a judge on a national network.