Home: South Florida. Birthplace: New Delhi, India. Profession: Philanthropy, business and law. Organization: Chowdhury Family Foundation. Title: Founder & President. Alma mater: Lady Shri Ram College for Women; University of Miami; Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law (J.D.). Languages spoken: Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish.
Current project: Expanding the Chowdhury Family Foundation’s reach in children’s healthcare and girls’ education across India, Nepal and Colombia. Latest accomplishment: Leading the Chowdhury Family Foundation to raise millions for children’s healthcare and educational programs across four countries. Latest contribution to others: Supporting Camillus House and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital through fundraising and board leadership to expand care for vulnerable families in Miami-Dade County. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Serving as Board Chair of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, a role I grew into over nearly a decade of board service, and being present the night the institution’s historic name change was announced. Hobbies: Traveling and reading.
Personality profile: Purposeful, empathetic and driven. Moral compass: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. How do you define a perfect friendship? Unconditional trust, shared values and the freedom to be fully yourself. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual respect, transparency and a shared commitment to doing good while doing well. What is your greatest joy? Watching children thrive because of expanded access to healthcare and education. What word or phrase do you use far too often? It is what it is! What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teacher; physician. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Investing in children’s futures through the foundation and through direct philanthropic giving. What is at the top of your bucket list? Establishing sustainable girls’ education programs in every region where the Chowdhury Family Foundation operates. What is your go-to workout? Pilates.
What was your first paying job? Tutoring kids. What was your favorite college course? Criminal law. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My kids’ photographs. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Nicklaus Children’s Hospital—a beacon of pediatric excellence serving children from more than 75 countries. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? Immigrating from India to the United States—it redefined what was possible and gave me the dual perspective that now drives everything I do.
What is your big idea?
Strengthening cross-sector partnerships between business, nonprofit and government to close gaps in children’s healthcare access.
What change would you like to see in the world? Invest in girls. The returns compound across generations. What mega-trend most concerns you? The erosion of equitable access to education and healthcare in under-resourced communities around the world.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? With family, surrounded by the communities we’ve served—and knowing the work will continue. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My passport. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust your instincts and step into leadership earlier. You are more ready than you think. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? To use the opportunities I have been given to expand opportunity for those who have had fewer.
Personal mission: She made a difference—and she made it matter. Desired epitaph: She made a difference—and she made it matter.
