Payal Sawhney (MHA, MSW, LCSW) Founder & Executive Director
Payal Sawhney
Parag Sawhney
Operations Director
Parag Sawhney is an energetic, dedicated, and strategically adept leader with a proven track record of exceeding expectations through proficient management of people, processes and quality. An MBA from Oxford Brookes University, he boasts diverse experience across continents. As a strategic thinker and planner, he is known to manage stakeholder expectations, demonstrating resilience even through adversities. With extensive professional experience across UAE, UK, India, and now America, Parag brings a profound understanding of the vulnerabilities and challenges encountered by South Asian immigrants.
Anchu Biswas
Community Relations Manager
Anchu has a unique background that combines nonprofit management, corporate social responsibility, and marketing. She is skilled in education & awareness raising, community engagement, communications and community relations. She has led the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee for a nonprofit that serves specially abled young adults with mental health disorders.
With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, Anchu has over six years of diverse experience working with nonprofits and corporations in various capacities. She has completed 65 hours of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence training and is certified as an Adult Mental Health First Aid responder by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. At Saahas, she oversees communications, and outgoing messaging via social media, newsletters, video production, and publications, and manages the staff, volunteers, and consultants who work on them. She also leads the Saahas Youth program to educate and empower the South Asian community about various public health and social justice issues.
Sheetal S. Ayyatan
Clinical Manager - Women Wellness
After a Masters in Biotech and a career in clinical research in India, Sheetal shifted her focus to assisting survivors of domestic violence of South Asian descent living in the United States of America. She is 65 hours Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) certified who is very passionate about supporting survivors of DVSA and finds the courage and resolve of the survivors to move ahead and reclaim their lives. Sheetal has experience working with the South Asian community through various non-profit organizations.
Neetu Mani
Manager of programs-Older Adult Wellness
Neetu Mani earned a degree in nursing (RN) in California and received a diploma in Counselling and Life Skill Coaching in India. She is very passionate about working with people and serving the community. Working with seniors at Saahas brings her immense happiness.
Manjeet Wahi
Program Manager
Manjeet Wahi is a dedicated individual with over 25 years of involvement in various social activities. As a former Financial Counselor at UCLA Hematology Oncology, she has helped numerous people, showcasing her compassionate nature. For more than two decades, she has actively participated in the Indian Association of Los Angeles, holding several important positions. Currently, Manjeet serves as the Chairperson of the organization, utilizing her leadership skills to make a positive impact on the community.
Nisha Parekh
Youth Lead
Nisha has a doctorate in pharmacy and is a medication therapy management specialist that has been practicing pharmacy for over 20 years. Currently, she is focusing on helping her community and has taken an active role in Saahas through their E-calling program as well as helping other Saahas leaders within their programs. She believes that we do in the present will create a better future and we can do that by serving our community to the best of our ability.
Daljeet Kaur
IT & Data Systems Specialist
Daljeet Kaur, a computer science graduate with a Bachelor of Technology degree. With 7 years of experience in web development, she has honed her skills and expertise in creating exceptional online solutions. Her passion for technology drives her to constantly explore new advancements and stay ahead of the curve. She loves experimenting with emerging technologies and leveraging extensive knowledge of IT to develop innovative solutions. With a strong foundation in web development and a keen interest in cutting-edge technology, she committed to delivering outstanding results in the ever-evolving field of IT.
Amitha Pradeep Kumar Arkandy Parambath
Finance Assistant
Amitha Arkandy did her MBA from Symbiosis Institute, Bangalore. She joined the Saahas team in November 2022 as Finance Assistant. Previously, she worked as an Internal Auditor for 1 year at AJM Koohehji, Bahrain before moving to Bangalore to pursue MBA. Also has an internship at AL Amal hospital, as an HR Assistant. After she moved to California, she volunteered as a Teaching Assistant for primary kids at Chinmaya Mission, Tustin.
Dhara Pandya
Digital Marketing Specialist
Dhara Pandya is a dynamic and results-driven digital marketing professional with a proven track record of success in executing digital campaigns. With expertise in social media management, email marketing, SEO, PPC advertising, and content marketing, she brings a multifaceted approach to digital marketing strategies.
Across various industries, Dhara has developed and implemented innovative marketing campaigns that drive engagement and deliver measurable results. In addition to technical skills, Dhara excels in project management, effectively coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of marketing initiatives. With a creative mindset and strategic approach, she thrives in fast-paced environments and remains up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing.
Shubha Nair
Project Manager
Shubha Nair is a dedicated professional with a background in animal science and a master’s degree in computer science. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, hiking, and immersing herself in a good book with a cup of coffee. Motivated by the support she’s received from her community; Shubha is passionate about giving back in any way she can. She is excited to work with and for the community through her involvement with Saahas for Cause.
Kanchan Gokhale
Finance Specialist
Kanchan Gokhale did her Bachelors in Computer Information Systems and joined Toyota Motors as an IT professional. Later she worked at an outpatient psychiatric facility in medical billing and payroll for 10 years. She enjoyed working with patients and insurance companies to resolve billing issues. She also enjoyed acting as a liaison between IT personnel and the office to resolve internal billing software issues. Growing up in a family that was always involved in social work has taught her the importance of helping the community.
Kanchan is a people’s person who believes in giving back to the community. She is also connected with South Asian Seniors through Saahas Mauj Masti Sehat and the E-visitor program.
Raji Satish
Administrative Coordinator
Raji Satish has deep experience working with special needs children and adults. She runs corporate operations at Saahas across multiple programs and grants. She holds DVSA and Therapy Dog Handler certifications and was an AARP client facilitator for their VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. She is passionate about making a difference in the community especially among seniors and women. Raji holds a BS in Physics.
Uma Kumaran
Team Member
Apoorva Vishwanath
Director of Public Health Initiatives
Through her work at Saahas for Cause, Apoorva is dedicated to improving and empowering community health. She believes that education is the most powerful tool for transformation.
By conducting workshops and community engagement, she hopes to inspire people to prioritize their health with confidence and resilience.