Kavita Mehra is the Vice President of the Glamour Gals Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with 10 chapters in New York State that has been featured on the "Oprah" television show and in Glamour magazine. Its mission is to bring high school teenagers to senior centers doing beauty makeovers and spending time with them. Started by Rachel Mara Doyle, who is the current CEO it is based out of New Jersey but has 68 chapters in 14 states.

Kavita has been working in the not-for-profit sector in New York City area, where she has worked with a host of organizations, including, New York Asian Women's Center, New York Taxi Workers Alliance, Easter Seals New York, SAYA! and Asian Women In Business. Kavita is currently the Vice President of GlamourGals, an organization that she believes provides an incredible opportunity to both young and elderly women. Kavita completed her Bachelor of Arts from New York University with a double major in both the History and the Gender Studies disciplines. She also holds a Master of Arts from Columbia University, with a concentration in South Asian Studies.

What inspired you to join glamour gals? How would you define its mission?

It has been an interesting path. I was introduced to GlamourGals two years ago when I was offered the position to be its program director. I was fascinated with the idea of serving two distinct populations – the teenagers and the seniors and bringing them together in a very unique setting. Glamour Gals also known as GG, is a not-for-profit organization that exists to inspire and organize teens to provide ongoing complimentary beauty makeovers to elderly women living in senior homes. At the same time, teenagers spent some quality time with them listening and bringing joy into their lives.

How do teens respond to this idea?  Is it a challenge to get them to volunteer?

We understand that teenagers are busy with their school lives and when we introduce this concept to them, we tell them that is a ‘once a month’ commitment and ‘GlamourGals is all about you”. GlamourGals has 68 chapters in 14 states and one chapter in Scotland. Teens are empowered by this idea of service to seniors who could be their grandparents age. I felt the same too when I saw my own grandparents and noticed how my visits to them always perked them up. The teens we recruit love the idea so much that when they go back, they attract more volunteers building a team and a chapter. In the process they learn about leadership, being positive roles models, and develop excellent communication skills.

Share with us a story of a GlamourGal makeover?

I think the story that I would like to share is every time I walk into a senior center with volunteers, the parking lot is empty and silent but the minute you walk into a room, it is like a party come alive. The women are chatting, getting their nails done,a light facial, manicure, make up and joking with the teens. It is very a satisfying setting. There is camaraderie and comfort, warmth and companionship. Each session last 2-3 hours with volunteers paired with seniors and many seniors admit they look forward to the GlamourGals visit each time.

What are the other activities of the GG Foundation?

We offer a fellowship to some of our volunteers based on their commitment and hours. Former GG volunteers can intern in the summer with us and help us in marketing, organizing events and managing the website. We also offer a Glammy Scholarship Awards that spotlights GG volunteers and their commitment to serving seniors in their communities. The annual event is held to inspire supporters and to celebrate volunteers and share their achievements. GlamourGals  rewards three distinguished Glammy Award recipients with an inaugural $1,000 scholarship and  bestows the prestigious Daniel and Lucille Valerio Award to an outstanding GG volunteer.

We also have the 9th annual leadership training, a one-day conference coming up on November 17th held to introduce volunteers to dynamic speakers, network with experts, and encourage them to connect with one another through skill building workshops, and other special presentations. At this year's GLTI, volunteers will be focusing on investing in themselves in both their high school careers and professional lives.

As a career choice of working for a non –profit, how do you find it beneficial vs. a profit career?

It is a personal choice. We are a virtual organization so we can define and be flexible with our schedules while working hard on spreading the word. At the end of the day when you see a smile on a senior face and their face lift, you know you are doing something special.

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