Dr Anaita Udwadia Hegde is Consultant Pediatric Neurologist in Mumbai since last 25 years. She has dedicated her career to advancing child health through a robust educational and professional background. She earned her M.B.B.S. from the University of Bombay in 1991, followed by a D.C.H. and M.D. in Pediatrics at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Furthering her expertise, she obtained the MRCPCH in London in 2000 and completed Fellowship in Neurosciences at the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. She serves as Consultant Pediatric Neurologist and Director of Neuroscience at NH SRCC Children’s Hospital, while also holding positions at Jaslok Hospital and Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children. Passionate about education and outreach, she founded the Child Neurology Outreach Program in rural Maharashtra and the KamalUdwadia Foundation, focusing on support for children with neurological issues. As a leader in the field, she has contributed significantly as the President of the Association of Child Neurology of India and an Executive Board Member of the International Child Neurology Association, while mentoring the next generation of pediatric neurologists through various institutional fellowships. Her commitment to improving child health extends to advisory roles in multiple support groups, reflecting her deep compassion and dedication to her patients and their families.

Anant Goenka is the Executive Director of The Indian Express Group. His mission is to grow the reach and impact of the newspaper group’s core journalistic values of fairness, accuracy, & courage, which were established by the founder, his grandfather Shri Ramnath Goenka in 1932. Today, Indian Express Group is one of the world’s largest digital news media groups, reaching over 200 million unique users a month across seven languages worldwide. Before The Indian Express, he worked at Spenta Multimedia. He also worked with Bloomberg’s commercial team in the UK. Anant graduated from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. He was awarded Dean’s scholarship for his Master’s in print journalism from the Annenberg School for Journalism, USC.

Inspired by her deeply spiritual upbringing in India that was rooted in outdoor play and armed with the life lessons that she learned whilst being a mum to three spirited children, Beverly co-founded Middle East’s first green and purpose over profit children’s nurseries, Home Grown Children’s Eco Nursery.

Having witnessed how intrinsically connected children are with nature, Beverly was further inspired to write a series of children’s books that capture the innate love and affinity we share with Mother Earth. Each story focuses on an emotional superpower, such as LOVE, COURAGE, COMPASSION, KINDNESS, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, and GRATITUDE, encouraging children to embrace these virtues, and takes children on their own journey to discover how even little people can make a positive impact on our planet.

Mr. Bobby Deol is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a renowned actor in the Indian film Industry. He is the younger son of the legendary actor Dharmendra. He made a smashing debut in the 1995 hit film Barsaat for which he was awarded the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Debut. His extensive body of work includes films of different genres including thriller, romance, comedy, family drama, action, and so on. He has been extremely supportive of The Gateway School of Mumbai since its inception.

Chirag graduated from the University of Michigan, followed by an MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France. Beginning his career at Merrill Lynch International Bank, London, he went on to become an entrepreneur and set up successful restaurants in New York and Mumbai. Currently he is Managing Director & CEO, and major shareholder at Walchandnagar Industries Limited – a high-technology manufacturing and engineering company. Chirag has been a member of the Managing Committee of Indian Merchants’ Chamber; a member of the Board of the Bombay Chapter of Young Presidents Organization (YPO); and also a member of the Indian Interview Council for new admissions into INSEAD. He is also on the India Alumni Board of his alma mater, The University of Michigan.

Additionally, he is on the board of different Indian NGOs dealing with issues such as education, pediatric cancer, and protection of the girl child.

Devaunshi studied at Sydenham College, Mumbai. She is the President of DiA Precious, a jewellery brand which sells handcrafted, limited edition, rare jewellery designed by Devaunshi herself. She is also a Foundation Trustee at Vanita Vishram High School and College in Mumbai and Surat, in addition to being a Trustee at Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai.

She started her career as Associate Director, at Raheja Universal Pvt Ltd (RUPL) spearheading the Interior Design and other aesthetic divisions. She left an indelible mark on projects like One Altamount Road, Raheja Anchorage, Raheja Legend, Raheja Atlantis, Raheja Princess, Raheja Empress, Raheja Exotica, and Raheja Acropolis.

Over the years leadership has extended beyond interior design into areas of Procurement, Contracts, Collateral Design, Site Management, and Project Completions where she has created immense efficiencies and maintained a commitment to Quality as the Brand Custodian.

In the post-2020 landscape, she has assumed a pivotal role as Strategic Consultant to steer the company through a critical growth period. She now guides Strategic Planning ensuring Financial & Cost Robustness, advising on effective Marketing & Sales Strategies, optimizing Operational Efficiency, overseeing EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) aspects, implementing Human Resource strategies, and maintaining a discerning eye on Interior Design elements.

This holistic approach mirrors her comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, navigating challenges & providing strategic solutions in the Real Estate Industry. Through the varied roles she has played at RUPL, she remains committed to the company’s growth and continued success.

Mrs. Elina Meswani has graduated with a Bachelor’s (BSc) in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and has completed graduate and post-graduate courses on children’s brain development from the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential, Philadelphia. She is on the board of Habitat for Humanity – India BUILDS, a global organization building homes for the underprivileged. Mrs. Meswani has actively participated in annual meetings of Young Global Leaders Forum and World Economic Forum, Davos.

She is also involved in various charitable causes such as Eye Camps, Jaipur Foot Camps and Schools for the Deaf and Disabled. Mrs. Meswani is the wife of Mr. Nikhil R Meswani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd, the largest private sector company in India.

Dr. Fran Reinstein has been a practicing optometrist since her graduation from the SUNY State College of Optometry in 1991. Upon graduation, she received an award for Excellence in Pediatrics and an award for skill and proficiency in contact lens fitting. Dr. Reinstein completed a residency in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where she served as a member of the faculty at the Pediatrics and Binocular Vision modules.

She serves as the President of the Optometric Society, New York, she is on the executive board of the Children’s Vision Coalition, and is a member of The College of Optometrists for Vision Development. Dr. Reinstein has lectured extensively on infant and pediatric vision. She has conducted several vision screening programs for neurotypical and developmentally delayed preschool children.

Mrs. Jethmalani is a promoter of Indian artisans and feels a deep connection with the craftsmanship of the Indian aesthetic. She shares that her Achilles heel is children and when she was faced with the adversity of being “infertile,” she realised the need for women like her to break barriers to help others in a similar situation.

Her need to change the prejudices associated with infertility came from her personal experience and she aims to empower others to live with no judgement. She aims to create a world filled with mutual respect. Mrs. Jethmalani designs, paints, and writes but believes women empowerment is her calling.

John Gloster is the Head Physiotherapist & Medical Coordinator for the Rajasthan Royals IPL Franchise. He is also the Director of Sports Science & Medicine for the GoSports Foundation India and the founder of Triarch, a venture development firm built by experts for tech start-ups in the sports, health, and wellness ecosystem. John has worked extensively in international cricket for the last 25 years, including being the head physiotherapist for the Rajasthan Royals since its inception in 2008, the Indian Cricket Team (2004-2008), Bangladesh National Team (2001-2004), and Surrey County Cricket in England (1998-2001). John has been a guest lecturer for university undergraduate level classes in orthopaedics and sports related injuries and is currently widely sought as a consultant on many health, fitness, and injury related topics. He sits actively on several advisory boards for school and health/wellness related start-ups and projects in Mumbai and across India.

A former Gateway teacher, Dr. Irma Josefina O’Neill (Jossie) has completed a doctorate (Ed.D.) (1988) from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) (1979) in Reading and Human Development from the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. She has served as senior English Language Learner (ELL) literacy advisor to the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, assistant director for curriculum and instruction at the Amber Charter School, and senior program officer at New Visions for Public Schools in New York City.

After her time at Gateway, from 1986 to 1988, she was a full-time, tenured associate professor at SUNY College at Old Westbury, and visiting professor at Teachers College, Columbia University and City College, CUNY. In 2005, Dr. O’Neill returned to Gateway and served for several years as a leader in varying capacities. At the present time, Jossie is involved in a new charter school in Long Island, New York that serves the Latino and African-American communities.

Ms. Kelly Dorfman is a health program planner and nutritionist with a master’s degree in biology/nutrition and 29 years of clinical experience. Her specialty is developing nutritional and lifestyle strategies to address complex health problems from autism to bone loss to rare genetic disorders. Kelly’s special talent for integrating information from many sources and finding practical solutions has made her a popular speaker and workshop leader. Her book, “What’s Eating Your Child?” (Workman Press) was published in June 2011.

Khushnuma Ferzandi has been an active member of the American School of Bombay (ASB) for the past 28 years. Khushnuma continues to be a consultant and workshop leader with the IBPYP. Her current role at ASB is Head of Community Relations. Her primary role is to expand and align ASB’s social and community initiatives with the intent to boost morale and build a stronger and deeper sense of community with all of ASB’s stakeholders. Khushnuma works closely with the Leadership and Admissions team to support families transition to ASB and Mumbai.

With a Masters from St Xavier’s Mumbai and having studied at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, Lakshmi has been involved in hospitality management over the past two decades and currently sits on the board of Doha-based Aiana Hotels & Resorts, besides contributing to the activities of World Presidents Organization. She is committed to promoting entrepreneurship in women and organizing Art camps for contemporary Indian artists. Lakshmi oversees the management of Beauty Salons, retail spaces, and art galleries at various properties for The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts across India.

She is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Leela Magazine, the group’s quarterly in-house luxury lifestyle magazine. She is a patron of the arts, a devoted animal lover, and an active member of the Mumbai-based women’s group Indus and committee member of Sahachari Foundation, a trust that organizes events to promote change particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, community development, and for the promotion of art and culture.

Mahesh Jethmalani is one of the most successful lawyers in India, having served a client list of prominent politicians, businessmen and corporate establishments. He is also a political candidate with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mahesh is also the son of Ram Jethmalani – arguably the most prominent criminal lawyer in the country.

Nandini Singh is founder of the Turn Around shop, a social enterprise that supports numerous NGOs by stocking and selling their products, along with selling preloved clothes with proceeds going to charity. She has been actively involved in social work since 2017, raising funds and awareness for numerous causes and is a member of Social Venture Partners (SVP) India and GivingPi.

Neera Nundy is the Co-founder and Partner at Dasra India, a strategic philanthropic organization that started in 1999. Over the last two decades, Dasra has worked towards shaping the strategic philanthropy movement and strengthening the family philanthropy infrastructure in India. Dasra has catalyzed more than $330 million towards social causes in India, supported over 1500 diverse NGOs across the country, advised more than 750 philanthropists, foundations and corporates, and impacted the lives of over 170 million Indians since it began.

Neera leads ecosystem-building initiatives and facilitates key partnerships with global leaders like Harvard University, Stanford University, and USAID to accelerate social impact. Her overarching goal is to enable social entrepreneurs and funders with the support they need to achieve big goals in areas such as gender, urban resilience, and sanitation through systems change and collaborative philanthropy. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a fellow of the third class of the Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship of the Ananta Aspen Center and a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She is a Board Member of The Hunger Project, LGT Venture Philanthropy, American School of Bombay, and Aangan Trust. She is Canadian, has lived in Mumbai for 21 years and runs Dasra with her husband Deval.

Ms. Nina Kilachand has over 22 years of experience teaching yoga at one of the most renowned kindergarten schools in Mumbai, along with classroom teaching experience at other prominent schools across South Mumbai. She and her husband Rajen Kilachand – leading business magnate and the chairman and president of Dodsal Group – have generously directed their resources towards the support of several medical facilities in India and around the world, rural development initiatives in East Africa and India, and cultural and educational initiatives in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Mumbai, Gujarat, and more recently, Boston, where a $35 million endowment to the Kilachand Honors College at Boston University (USA) was made.

Dr. Devinsky is the Director of the New York University (NYU) Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and the Saint Barnabas Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (INN). He is also a professor of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry at NYU Langone School of Medicine. Dr. Devinsky specializes in epilepsy and behavioral neurology, and has been widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in his field. He has served as a board member for, and chaired several committees of, the American Epilepsy Society.

He is active in the American Academy of Neurology and the Epilepsy Foundation. He is an associate editor of Epilepsy and Behavior, has co-founded Reviews in Neurological Disorders, and serves as a reviewer for more than 30 journals. He has authored more than 20 books in these fields.

Dr Priyanka Parikh is a Senior Developmental Pediatrician in Mumbai. She currently practices at the NH SRCC Children’s Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Cloudnine Hospital, and Bal Asha Child Development Centre. Her areas of interest and expertise include evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities, Developmental delays, Intellectual Disability, Slow learners, behavioural problems in children, developmental follow-up of high risk newborns, sensory impairments (vision, hearing), motor coordination difficulties, Down’s syndrome, etc. After completing MBBS from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion Hospital) and MD from Sir J J Group of hospitals, she went ahead and attained her MRCPCH from London. She trained at the Pediatric NeuroDisability Clinic at Northwick Park Hospital, London for the diagnosis and management of children with Autism, ADHD and other developmental disorders. She also worked as a Consultant at the Learning Disability Clinic at Sion Hospital, which was the first clinic for the certification of Learning Disability in Maharashtra. She has many presentations and publications to her credit, has authored textbook chapters and has been faculty at various conferences and CMEs. She was also involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical students while she was lecturer at tertiary care teaching hospitals and honorary at the B J Wadia Hospital for Children. Dr Priyanka has 20+ years of experience of working with children and is passionate to help children with disabilities reach their maximum potential and be included in society.

Reshma Piramal heads operations at SEE Learning India. The SEE Learning Program® is Emory University’s K-12 education program that promotes Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning in educators and their students. She is committed to fostering a compassionate culture in schools through training of teachers and their students. She is a Developmental Speech and Language Therapist by training, having completed her Masters Degree at City University in London. Her area of interest has been ‘children at risk of reading failure’. Reshma is the Co-Chair of UNESCO MGIEP’s Global Working Committee for SEL and Emory University certified Senior CBCT® (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training) Instructor.

Dr. Sharon Herzfeld is a pediatric neurologist specializing in alternative and holistic neurology. She is an active member of the Homeopathic Medical Society, New York State, and has spent the last few years researching and studying alternative treatments for many common and chronic conditions that can be treated with homeopathic remedies successfully and less intrusively than with traditional pharmaceuticals.

With over two decades of experience in the QSR industry in India, Smita Jatia has been an active member of the McDonald’s India team since its operational commencement and has managed various roles within the organization, over the years.

Smita is responsible for charting out and leading the aggressive growth of McDonald’s India’s operations across West and South India. She has been instrumental in launching, indigenizing and building the McDonald’s brand over the last two decades. Having joined HRPL in 1996 as Director – Marketing, Smita soon moved on to take the role of Chief Operating Officer. Currently, the Managing Director – Hardcastle Restaurants, Smita leads an organisation that boasts of an employee strength of over 7500 people across the West and South of India.

Under Smita’s leadership, McDonald’s India has also undertaken a host of community development programs ranging from education of youth on environmental issues and cleanliness to traffic safety awareness programs. She has been the driving force behind Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation setting up its first Ronald McDonald Family Room in partnership with the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, in India. She also identifies closely with the mission of RMHC India – to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.

A commerce graduate from Sydenham College Mumbai, Smita also completed an 18 weeks Executive Management Program from Harvard Business School, Boston and also underwent a rigorous Marketing and Restaurant Leadership program at the Hamburger University, USA, to better prepare for her challenging role at McDonald’s India.

Smita lives in Mumbai, India with her husband Amit Jatia, who is the Vice Chairman of Westlife Development Pvt Ltd (WDL) and their sons, Akshay, who leads a business extension of McDonald’s India and Ayush, who is currently pursuing his studies abroad.

Dr. Suzanne Rosenfeld, MD is a pediatrician in New York, NY and has over 43 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1980. She is affiliated with multiple hospitals in NYC.

Ms. Pulanco has a Bachelor’s (BA) in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and a Masters (MA) in SpecialEducation from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. Having been mentored by Elizabeth Freidus, the school’s founder, Tonya has played a critical role in developing and applying the Gateway approach to education since the past 40 years.