Ranjani Saigal who has served as Executive Director for nearly 12 years will be stepping away and we are pleased to announce that Manisha Jain has been named the next Executive Director of Ekal USA effective immediately.

Ranjani Saigal | Extraordinary Impact

Ranjani Saigal, as Executive Director has made significant contributions to advancing the foundation’s mission of promoting education, empowerment, and rural development in India. Her leadership has been instrumental in supporting Ekal's vision of transforming rural and tribal areas through education and holistic community development.

During her tenure, Ekal Vidyalaya has expanded its efforts to support more single-teacher schools in remote and underprivileged areas of India, bringing education to millions of children who lack access to formal schooling. Beyond education, Ranjani has actively championed Ekal's integrated development initiatives. These include programs focused on digital literacy, healthcare, skill training, and sustainable agriculture, enabling communities to achieve self-reliance.

Ranjani has played a pivotal role in mobilizing the Indian diaspora in the United States to support Ekal’s mission. Her efforts in organizing events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns have garnered widespread support for the cause.

Manisha Jain | Next Executive Director 

Manisha journey with Ekal began 7 years ago as a volunteer and donor. Through her commitment and passion for Ekal, she became President of the New England chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter has made significant progress gaining a robust increase in volunteers as well as donor engagement, resulting in impactful fundraising events. 

Prior to this, Manisha was the Chief Executive Officer of Juju Productions, a music and video production company, where she forged strategic partnerships, led external communications, and organized cross-cultural events. Manisha is a dynamic and versatile professional with over 3 decades of experience in education, education management and community service.

In 2020, at the height of Covid, Manisha started the “Sew We Care” initiative that was instrumental in donating close to 25,000 pieces of homemade PPE to local hospitals and organizations. Her leadership has been recognized by organizations such as India Association of Greater Boston, Volunteering for Seniors, United India Association to name a few. Manisha played a key leadership role in organizing an Ekal fund-raising event in Kennebunkport, Maine in 2024 during which Ekal secured commitments for 8 IVDs!

"I have worked with Ranjani for over 10 years through Ekal's extraordinary growth, and some of the most memorable chapters and events of Ekal's programs and history. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ranjani for all she has done for Ekal through her passion, infectious enthusiasm and leadership", said Subra Dravida, President, Ekal USA.

"Manisha arrives at Ekal with an unwavering devotion to our mission and the communities we serve. Her passion and tireless drive for excellence promise to shepherd us into an exciting new chapter of growth. I am very excited to have Manisha assume the role of Executive Director. Please join me in congratulating Manisha on her new role as Executive Director and thanking Ranjani for her many contributions and years of dedication to Ekal USA and wishing her well in all her future endeavors", said Dravida. 

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