Amit Jain (Co-chair)
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Peace to you all. As the Co-Chair and ambassodor for YJA I am looking forward to bringing you an YJA convention experience unlike anything there’s EVER been. I am so excited about the strength of this YJA and all we’re going to accomplish in 07-08. Keep a look out for emails and the info on our website including http://www.yja.org/blog
I finished my MBA at Loyola Marymount University last summer and currently am the Director of Operations of www.sunsetronics.com. I also am a independent consultant working with small businesses and start-ups all across the country trying to grow the bottomline. I am a huge Phoenix Suns fan and I loooove the West Coast. I’m always accessible amit.jain@yja.org please leave send me comments, suggestions, questions, but please no viruses!! L8. |
Meghi Metha (Co-chair)
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Jai Jinendra to all the Young Jains! I am one of the Co-chairs for YJA this year and I am a Consultant for Deloitte & Touche in Boston. I have spent half my life growing up in Toronto, Canada and the other half in Boston, MA and I have always found myself to be active and involved in my community, at the temple, and in various organizations. Practicing Jainism has undoubtedly had a huge impact on my way of life. Having grown up in North America, I’ve come across many young Jains, like myself, who have found it difficult to adapt to the American/Canadian way of life and keeping up with the Jain faith. I am ambitious to be on the board this year to help promote and educate others about Jainism and to ignite more of a passion for understanding my life as a Jain. If I can empower anyone else to take pride in being a Jain, feel free to drop me a line – Meghi.Mehta@yja.org  |
Nirav B. Shah (Director of Project Development)
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Hi, I’m (big) Nirav—we have two Nirav Shah’s on the board and need to tell us apart—this year’s director of project development. I’m here to ensure that all the great projects YJA is doing this year run smoothly. If you find yourself thinking ‘Wouldn’t it be neat if YJA did …?’ please get in touch with me (nirav.b.shah@yja.org) and we’ll see what we can do. No idea is too big (well maybe some) or too small.
I was born in Manhattan grew up mostly in or around New York City. For college I moved to Boston and learned how to make rockets and airplanes at the venerable Murray’s Institute of Tools. I liked it so much, that I’m now getting my PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Along the way, I spent some time working in northern New Mexico and consulting with a firm in Washington DC. All of that leads to one my favorite activities—travel! Check out my flickr site (www.flickr.com/photos/nirav-shah/) for pictures from my latest adventures.
I’ve been involved with the Jain community locally for several years and look forward to serving all of you at a national level in the year to come.Go Sox! |
Tarang Gosalia (Director of Events)
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Well to start… I am a short little brown guy who loves music, business, bhangra, diamonds, djing, and of course Taco Bell. With these six essentials I am pretty much all set. In addition, I tend to be easily amused as I can stare at any inanimate object for several hours at a time and still be entertained. In terms of career goals, I am hoping to develop an e-commerce startup providing retail services for large capital cooperation’s. I am currently enrolled at Babson College which is a small business school outside Boston focusing on entrepreneurship. Being heavily involved in YJA in the past, I am really exited about the new things we are looking to bring this year! Stay tuned and keep checking your facebook because YJA 2008 is coming full speed and ready to generate a buzz for each and every attendee that comes this year. Much love to all of you |
Ami Doshi (Director of Finance and Fundraising)
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Jai Jinendra, my name is Ami Doshi, and I am the Director of Finance this year. I graduated from York University with degrees in Business and Information Technology in 2006. Currently, I work as a technical analyst in Toronto,Canada. I have had the opportunity to live in three different places – Bombay, Boston and Toronto. Living in different cities has truly allowed me to appreciate the uniqueness and vibrancy of each culture. It has also taught me to appreciate everything we are given in life a lot more.
I have always found myself to be active with Local Jain Centers (Boston and Toronto Youth Community). I am interested in a lot of different things and truly enjoy doing whatever I am involved with. I have some fairly strong beliefs and practicing Jainism has undoubtedly made a huge impact on my life. I am excited to be on the board and taking part in helping the youth incorporate Jainism into their daily lives. If you have any comments, ideas or questions about YJA or just want drop and line and say hello,contact me at ami.doshi@yja.org. |
Apurva Patel (Director of Education)
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Jai Jinendra fellow young Jains! My name is Apurva Patel and I am the director of education this year. I’m currently a Junior studying entrepreneurship and economics at Babson College in Boston. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and have been involved with Jain activities and pathshala in both Columbus and Boston. My interests include technology, natural health, and of course being an Ohio State fan!
This year, there are several projects planned to raise awareness about the Jain Way of Life. I need your help to come up with ideas for new projects and to implement them. Please email me at apurva.patel@yja.org with your ideas. |
Ankit Shah (Director of Publications)
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Hellllo y’all! My name is Ankit Shah, and I’m in my junior year of high school in New York. I love playing tennis, running, and cycling. I try my best to live life in the present and not to concern myself with hurdles ahead, but focus on the ones in front of me.
Though I’m not the most religious guy you’ll meet – I barely know more than a couple of sutras and I don’t know Mahavir Swami’s life in detail – Jain virtues and the way of life have always caught my attention and I try my best to live by them. I have a couple of strong practices that I wish to pursue throughout my life, including veganism, service for those less fortunate than me, and spreading kindness. I have been inspired to pursue these through the Jain way of life.
Hit me up via AIM (ankittt), e-mail (ankit.shah@yja.org), or facebook (Herricks High School network) and we’ll talk about whatever you want to. I have a lot to say. I just don’t want this to be even longer than it already is. |
Shefali Shah (West Regional Coordinator)
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Jai Jinendra! My name is Shefali Shah and this is year I’m the West Regional Coordinator for YJA.I am an active member in my Jain center (Jain Center of Southern California), and enjoy participating in temple activities. As down to earth as you can get, unless provoked.I put a lot of emphasis on the important things in life (family, friends, financial well being) I believe that everything happens for a reason, even though it may not be obvious at the moment, but it’ll explain itself some day. YJA has been a great experience for me, bringing me in touch with my religion and Jains around the world.As your West Coast RC I hope to make this year a fun and exciting time for everyone. Send me questions, comments, suggestions, or just drop in to say hello at shefali.shah@yja.org! |
Mitesh Shah (Southeast Regional Coordinator)
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Jai Jinendra! My name is Mitesh Shah and I’m this year’s Southeast Regional Coordinator. I graduated from Auburn University in December of 2004 with degrees in Management Information Systems and Finance. Currently I work as an IT consultant in Atlanta, GA. I enjoy playing and watching sports as well as working out and hanging out with friends. I have attended many past conventions and I am excited to get involved with the board. As Southeast RC I hope to get the youth from the Southeast more involved in the community and Jain related activities while keeping it fun and exciting for everyone. If you have any ideas, comments, concerns, or just want to say Hi; feel free to contact me at mitesh.shah@yja.org. |
Ajay Dagli (Midwest Regional Coordinator)
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Jai Jinendra to everyone in the Midwest! I’m a recent graduate of a prestigious automotive engineering school, and currently work for a Japanese automotive parts supplier, while pursuing a masters degree in Operations Engineering. As a member of the Jain Society of Greater Detroit, I have held a strong presence in the community for the past 17 years. Also, I have a fresh perspective on what it will take to bring back the Midwest, and will carry our people into the future. Many of the events being planned include the 2007 Midwest Retreat in Plymouth, MI (November 23rd – 25th)and collegiate interfaith activities, to activities that range from religious, cultural, and philanthropic activities with the Jain Society of Greater Detroit.
I am open to new activities to learn about the Jain Way of Life, apply the knowledge in a philanthropic, social, and/or religious projects, and just chillin. I want to hear from you, even if it’s not Jain-related, from your career goals to your favorite sports teams. Even more, I want to hear your ideas about activities that people want to do from volunteer work to hangin’ out. Feel free to introduce yourself, or make any suggestions, comments, ideas with an e-mail to ajay.dagli@yja.org and let’s throw around some ideas! |
Resha Shah (South Regional Coordinator)
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Jai Jinendra! My name is Resha Shah and I’m a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in psychology. Over the last few years I have been actively involved in the Houston area Jain youth group. While serving as South Regional Coordinator, I’m hoping to do the same and reach out to all the Jain communities we have here in the South. I’m excited to be on the board and am looking forward to a fun and successful year. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at resha.shah@yja.org. Hope to see y’all at YJA Convention 2008 at Chicago! |
Sonam Sheth (Northeast Regional Coordinator)
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Jai Jinendra! My name is Sonam Sheth and I will be a freshman at Boston University in the fall. I’m originally from Flushing, New York and then moved to Danbury, Connecticut. I’ve been actively involved with both Jain centers of those areas with patshala, discussions, classes, youth activities, dances, plays, and various religious celebrations. I got involved with YJA when the convention was held in Connecticut two years ago. Since then I’ve also helped out with the YJA Regional Ski Retreat and the JAINA 2007 convention in New Jersey. All three events were great experiences that motivated me to join the board for the upcoming convention! I’m really excited to be this year’s Northeast Regional Coordinator and I am expecting big things for our region! I’m very open-minded and love to meet new people, so if you have any ideas, suggestions, questions, concerns, or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to contact me at sonam.sheth@yja.org or find me on facebook! |
Parth Savla (Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator)
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Jai Jinendra to all Young Jains worldwide! It is truly an honor to serve you as this year’s Regional Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region. I will soon be completing my wonderfully exciting career as a data analyst for a health care company and moving out west to the California Institute for Integrated Studies to pursue a degree in Transformational Change in Business and in Community.
Although I was brought up with a fairly eclectic upbringing with various cultural/religious exposure, the past few years I’ve been looking to get back in touch with my Jain roots. I love people; getting to know them, how they feel about things, how they evolve, and love to empower them to be best that they can be.
If you have any thoughts, ideas, opinions, feelings, or just want to say “hi” I’d love to hear from you! You can drop me a line at parth.savla@yja.org or catch up with me on facebook, myspace, or friendster. |
