"The following is my vision for JAINA's future: I would like to make JAINA a global organization by ensuring that it is financially strong. By working together, we can make JAINA the #1 service organization for the Jain community in North America."
Education : B.E. (Hons) BITS Pilani, MS (EE/CS) UCD 1976
Occupation : Co-CEO/CFO and Co-Founder of Insieme Networks, a majority-owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems
Previously,
Senior VP, Cisco Server Access & Virtualization Group
Founder, CDO and CFO, Nuova Systems
- Acquired by Cisco (2008)
Senior VP, Cisco Routing Technology Group until 2005
- Managed $6 billion Service Provider business for Cisco
- Managed 5000+ people
Founder, Crescendo Communications
- Acquired by Cisco (1993)
Member Association : Jain Center of Northern California
Goals
Make JAINA a global organization
Make JAINA financially strong
Make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community in North America
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA Founding Member (1981)
JAINA First VP (2011-13)
Convener, 1991 JAINA Convention and Chairperson of Program Committee
JAINA VP West (1989-91)
JAINA Patron Member
JAINA Director & Director at Large (multiple terms)
Member, 2005 JAINA Convention Program Committee
Advisor, 2007 and 2011 JAINA Convention Program Committee
"As the global community discovers the value of Jainism, JAINA has the unique opportunity to lead in this revolution for ecological awareness, animal rights, non-violence, and vegetarianism/veganism. My goal as is also to bring JAINA closer to local Jain Centres by improving communication, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of local centers at a national level."
Education : MSME (USA)
Occupation : Manufacturing Manager at Cisco Systems, Inc., Real Estate Investor
Member Association : Jain Center of Northern California
Goals
Bring JAINA closer to Jain Centres by improving communication, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of local centers at a national level
Facilitate and lead the emerging Jain movement in ecological awareness, animal rights, vegetarianism/veganism, and non-violence
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA Secretary (2011-13)
JAINA Director
Co-Author (collaboration with JAINA EC), JAINA Guidelines for Charitable Donations
Impromptu Fundraising, 2011 JAINA Convention
Raised $22,000+ in 22 minutes
Programming or Registration Chairman, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 JAINA Conventions
Author, Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC) Religious Policies (2001)
JCNC Board of Directors (2003-05, 2010-13)
Founder and Chairman, JAINA Campus Outreach Committee
Organizer, 2011 Jain Milan
Professional
Patented novel semi-conductor technology
Successfully managing Real Estate portfolio of over $10 million
Vision
The world is adopting many aspects of Jain dharma, which we have been practicing for over 2,600 years. As the global community discovers the value of Jainism, JAINA has the unique opportunity to lead them in this revolution for ecological awareness, animal rights, non-violence, and vegetarianism/veganism.
JAINA was founded for all Jains. My goal is to enhance the balance to ensure that JAINA represents all traditions fairly. My goal is also to bring JAINA closer to our Jain Centers by improving collaboration, arranging joint projects, and driving initiatives of Jain centers at a national level.
"Preserve and Share a Jain Way of Life is our Vision – to meet this challenge I would like to continue developing and strengthening JAINA infrastructure, grow our organization to 3 full time staff members, and execute 20 distinct projects."
Education : BS Eng., M.S., MBA
Occupation : Engineering and Management
Member Association : Jain Center of Greater Boston (JCGB)
Goals
Hire 3 full-time staff members
Successfully execute 20 projects
Experience
Yogendra Jain is a technologist, serial entrepreneur, and a passionate practitioner and promoter of Jain Way of Life.He started his career at MIT Lincoln Labs and Texas Instruments before founding and operating several successful companies.
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA VP Northeast (2009-13)
- Led multiple projects including
- www.jaina.org
- 2011 JAINA Convention "Innovative Poster Project”
- JAINA newsletter
- JAINA Director Selection Guidelines
- Jain Leadership Conference in Siddhachalam
Chairman, JAINA Long Range Planning Committee
- One of the most active JAINA committees
- Delivered JAINA Vision/Mission and proposal for strengthening JAINA’s foundation
Co-Developer, www.jainlink.org
- 1000 registered members and 4000 other users
Coordinator and Presenter, Jain Leadership Conference
- Multiple events and cities
Coordinator and Presenter, Jain Kellogg’s Leadership and Strategy Sessions
- Multiple events
JCGB
Co-Founder, JCGB Pathshala
- Developed the earliest English course material
Coordinator, 1st Jain Teacher’s Conference
- 80 attendees in Boston
Member, JCGB Executive Committee
JAINA Director (2 terms)
Pathshala Teacher (over 25 years)
- Currently teaching Level 5B
Writing & Speaking
Author, Jain Way of Life (www.jwol.org)
- Over 2000 books in circulation
Presenter and Team Leader, JAINA/YJA Conventions
- Groundbreaking projects including:
- Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive
- Comparative Religion
- Essence of Jainism
- Rebranding and Repackaging Jainism
- Discovery of the Soul
- Strengthening of Faith
- Measuring JWOL Progress
Developed branding of the "Jain Elevator Speech”
- A simple way to explain Jainism
Presented "Tattvarth Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive" at Harvard University
Presented in India, at YJA, and other multiple forums
"My goals are to make JAINA financially strong without cutting programs, help JAINA fundraising activities, organize regional Jain Milan Conventions (the most urgent need for the Jain community), work closely with the Directors from all Jain Centers, and establish a college scholarship for Jain graduate students (I already have $100,000+ in commitments)."
Education : M.S. (USA), M. Sc. (India), LUTCF
Occupation : Professor, Business Owner & Real Estate Investor & Developer (Licensed Real Estate & Insurance Agent)
Member Association : Jain Center of New Jersey - Essex Falls, NJ (JCNJ)
Goals
Make JAINA financially strong without cutting programs
Help JAINA fundraising activities
Organize Regional Jain Milan Conventions
The most urgent need for the Jain community
Work closely with the Directors from all Jain Centers
Establish College Scholarship for Jain Graduate students
I have $100,000+ in commitments
Chairperson, JAINA Senior Housing Committee
- Conducted "Senior Housing Need” survey, receiving 100+ responses
- Traveled to FL to find building sites & to lead the project
JAIN Milan
Founder and Chairperson (2006-13)
- Organized annual Matrimonial Conventions for 8 years in NJ, TX & NY for 800+ Jain youth
- Maintained 3000+ Jains' e-mail contacts
- Managed $100,000+ funds
"As a Jain and a member of JAINA, not only will l help practice, preserve and promote the Jain Way of Life, but I will also take steps to increase the awareness of the Jain Way of Life globally and support JAINA’s endeavors to preserve and carry on the tradition of Jainism into the future generation."
Education : New York University – Stern Business School - BS (Accounting & Economics)
Occupation : Partner in Diamond & Jewelry Business & Software Company
Member Association : Jain Center of America, NY (JCA)
Accomplishments
JAINA
Chairman, JAINA Calendar and Mini-Library Committee (2001-present)
Distributed over 165,000 JAINA Calendars and 3,500 Mini-Library Books
Raised over $825,000 in donations from over 12,500 donors
Member, JAINA 2013 Convention Fundraising Committee
Raised over $20,000 for the JAINA Convention from New York Region
"I see the ever-increasing need for Jain Centers in any given region to interact with each other, increased communication and sharing programs, best practices, and resources. JAINA can be a catalyst for such initiatives."
Education : MBA (Finance) from University of Kansas Electronics Engineer from Mumbai University
Occupation : Self Employed
Goals
l would like to make JAINA a service organization and help become a true representative of all member Jain centers and Jain youth.
Delaware Jain Sangh
Helped found Delaware Jain Sangh in 1999 for 80+ families. Helped Delaware Sangh to become JAINA member. Currently serving as JAINA Director.
Jain Sangh of NJ
Served 10 years as EC Member and Vice President at The Jain Sangh of NJ.
Managed Food committee to serve over 150,000 meals over the years.
Successfully organized and managed 12 YatraTrips and many other projects.
JAINA
JAINA Director since 2005.
Currently serving as JAINA Secretary and as Chairman of the JAINA Membership Committee.
As a Chairman of JAINA Membership Committee Expanded JAINA by making 8 new Jain Centers and with prospects of 8 more in making.
Attended JAINA Conventions since 1999.
For 2007 JAINA Convention, managed Volunteers, assisted various committees including Food, Facility, Programming, and Registration.
Supported, Participated and Donated in various JAINA activities.
Served in JAINA EC as Mid-East Regional VP, From 2011 - 2015
2019 JAINA Convention Board Member.
Youth
Supported JAINA Campus Outreach Committee
Mentoring local Jain college students since 2005 and involved them in temple activities.
Bringing students from campus to temple every weekend.
Actively supported and Volunteered, 2010 YJA convention Hosted by The Jain Sangh of NJ. Helped the youth with convention Location, Food, Transportation, Programming, Scholars, Registration, Souvenir, Logistics, and Security.
Volunteered at 2014 and 2016 YJA Convention.
Self Employed
Owned and operated Retail Businesses and successfully managed for over 34 years with an annual turnover of Millions.
Rajendra Mehta
South East - Regional VP (States: AL,AR,FL,GA,KY,LA,MS,NC,SC,TN)
"I am committed to promoting the Jain Way of Life to the mainstream of the Southeast Jain community and help all the centers in the Southeast in any possible way. I would like to ensure our next generation of Jains carries the leadership torch forward while steering around social, moral and ethical dilemmas."
Education : MS (Electric Engineering)
Occupation : Retired
Member Association : Jain Society of Central Florida (JSOCF)
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA Director (1998-present)
JAINA Education Committee
- Pathshala books
Helped grow Raleigh, NC and Orlando, FL Jain Centers
JSOCF (Jain Society of Central Florida)
Helped draft JSOCF Constitution and By-Laws
Co-Founder, JSOCF Pathshala
Founder, JSOCF Scholar Visits Program (1991-present)
Active in new Sikharbandhi Temple construction (expected August 2013)
Professional
Engineer at ITT and Siemens for 30 years
Hemant Shah
Mid West - Regional VP (States: IA,IL,IN,KS,MI,MN,MO,ND,NE,OH,SD,WI)
"Help bring JAINA to another milestone With enthusiasm, structured efforts, commitment, teamwork and unity; together we can raise the bar for JAINA, as a great umbrella organization for Jain’s religious and community need in North
America. You are empowered and have the opportunity to shape the future of JAINA. I am looking forward to get your continued support in achieving these goals. "
Education : Chemical Engineer, IT professional
Member Association : Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC)
Goals
Help bring JAINA to another milestone With enthusiasm, structured efforts, commitment, teamwork and unity; together we can raise the bar for JAINA, as a great umbrella organization for Jain’s religious and community need in North America.
You are empowered and have the opportunity to shape the future of JAINA. I am looking forward to get your continued support in achieving these goals.
Accomplishments
Volunteer and successful leader since 1994
Pioneered and lead successful fund raisers for JSMC, JAINA & other non-profit org’s
Promoting Jain values to Jain and non-Jains, Government representatives and other faiths
Improved visibility of JSMC & JAINA activities using effective liaison and great public relations with media
Proud pioneer in establishing popular “dial-a-Manglik & Pacchakhan” system
Privileged serving various non-profit organizations and committed to utilize valuable experience gained from:
JAINA Director, JAINA (2011-Current)
Co-Chair, JAINA 2019 Convention PR & Asian Media
Chairman, JAINA PR & Media Committee (2013-current)
"I believe that every Jain member of the community has good to offer to their community and love to serve our beloved Tirthankars. Each and every person needs an opportunity to perform. I have always welcomed all positive ideas and comment to enhance our Jain way of life."
Education : BS (Chemistry)
Occupation : Sales and Marketing, Sigma CapSeal
Member Association : Jain Center of Greater Phoenix (JCGP)
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA Director
Jain Center of Greater Phoenix
President, (2006-09, 2012-13)
Member, Temple Building Committee
Trustee, Jain Center of Greater Phoenix
Jayesh Shah
West - Regional VP (States: AK,CA,HI,ID,MT,NV,OR,WA,WY)
"As Jains we are practicing humanity and nonviolence in true sense. JAINA is doing excellent job in providing leadership and guidance to all Jains in North America and all over the world. My goal is to support and expand JAINA’s scope of work in every possible way."
Education : MD
Occupation : Physician
Member Association : Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC)
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA Director (2011-2013)
JCSC
President (2010-2013)
Executive Commitee (2004-2005)
Chairperson, Anjan Shalaka Committee
Fundraising Committee, Pratistha
Organizer and Moderator, 2011 JAINA Convention Jain Center Presidents' Conference
Professional
Chief of Staff, Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, CA
Founder and President, APPA/IPA
- Serving over 70,000 people
Founder and Director, local community bank
Director, University of Colombus Health Science Center Medical School
"One of JAINA`s distinctive goal is to provide a forum where, through free inquiry and open discussion, the various lines of Jain thought may intersect with all the forms of knowledge. The organization prides itself on fostering the development of those disciplined habits of mind, body, and spirit that characterize educated, skilled, and free human beings. I will facilitate a concerted effort to further these goals."
Education : Ph.D.
Occupation : Research & Development
Member Association : Jain Society of Toronto (JSOT)
Accomplishments
JAINA
VP Canada (2011-13)
JSOT (Jain Society of Toronto)
President (2002-08) -
Involved in securing government and community funding for new Shikarbandhi Temple in Toronto
Member, Management Committee of JSOT (2013-present)
Community
Secretary/Treasurer of Board of Directors' Committee, Ontario Multifaith Council (2010-12)
Board Member, Ontario Multifaith Council (2010-present)
Member, Peel Education Board (2009)
Professional
Divisional Coordinator, Sustainable Development Committee at Ministry of Revenue Research and Development Division
"During my tenure I focused on the concept of "LIVE & HELP LIVE". With the help of the Executive Committee & Board of Directors we accomplished this by using a three-pronged strategy. First, we made effective use of our knowledge & experience to enhance & support the quality of our current operations by making JAINA financially strong & transparent. Second, we shared knowledge with both our member and partner organizations to accomplish common goals & objectives by making JAINA a global organization. Third, we helped member organizations enhance their capacity to generate, access, and used knowledge & experience from all sources and thereby make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community."
Education : B. Sc., OD, MS, FAAO (All in USA)
Occupation : Optometric Physician (Private Practice), former Consultant to the White House & the U.S. Capitol, Assistant Professor
Member Association : Jain Society of Metro Washington, DC (JSMW)
Goals
Make effective use of knowledge & experience to enhance & support the quality of our current operations by making JAINA financially strong & transparent
Share knowledge with our member and partner organizations to accomplish common goals & objectives by making JAINA a Global organization
Help member organizations enhance their capacity to generate, access and use knowledge & experience from all sources thereby,Make JAINA the #1 service organization to the Jain community
Accomplishments
JAINA
JAINA First VP (2011-13)
Convener, 2011 JAINA Convention
- overall ahead-of-schedule progress
- one Grand Sangh Pati
- three Sangh Pati
- many grand sponsors
- new initiatives in progress including promoting vegan education & food
Key JAINA Representative, Passing of Law HR 5202
- Plant-Based Healthy School Lunch Program (in partnership with PCRM)
Instrumental in inclusion of Tirthankar Mahavir Nirvan Divas in President Obama’s Diwali speech
Arranged Legislative Conference on Non-Violence in partnership with AJC & NAACP
Organized & led medical mission in partnership with Sean Penn’s organization to assist in Haiti
JAINA Secretary (2003-05, 2007-09)
JAINA VP Mideast (2001-03)
Chairman, JAINA Public Affairs Council (1999-2008)
Lobbied 17 UN ambassadors to gain NGO status for JAINA
Member, 2007 JAINA Convention Board
Board Member, Interfaith Conference of DC
JAINA Representative, White House Conferences on Faith-Based & Community Initiatives and Caring for Ill and Dying
Jain Society of Metro Washington Temple President (2005-2008) – Leading teams of volunteers to manage activities of Jain Temple. Previously served as Joint-Secretary, and Youth Coordinator in the JSMW for 15 years.
Jain & Hindu Representative, US Department of Defense
Helped develop faith-based meals for use in operational environment
Participated in 18 eye camp missions (10 days each) around the globe for over 65000 patients
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