May 2, 2024 | Cambridge, MA
The Cambridge Community Foundation’s President Geeta Pradhan was named the 2024 “Woman of the Year” by India New England News, chosen by a panel of 11 local leaders for her outstanding and inspirational civic leadership.
“I am still in awe for being recognized for doing what gives me great joy and is my passion in life,” said Pradhan. “I am deeply grateful that the event lifted up the value of humanity, the joy of giving, and the human right to dignity – serving as a reminder of that inherent compassion and kindness that lives in all of us.”
Pradhan was one of ten South Asian women recognized this year for their exceptional contributions in business and social arenas. An 11-member judging panel selected her from a group of 10 honorees as the Woman of the Year.
“We were impressed by Ms. Pradhan’s leadership in transformation of the Cambridge Community Foundation from a local grant maker to a strategic civic leader, and by her keen understanding of core civic and economic issues faced by the City of Cambridge and the society in general,” said entrepreneur and philanthropist Vivek Sharma, who led the judging panel.
The committee also included Vivek Arora, a partner in McKinsey’s Boston office; Sam Bhambhani, Director of Sales at LaserStar Technologies Corporation; Java Joshi, co-founder and CEO Academy of Creative Arts; Sunayana Kachroo an award-winning poet, lyricist, and film writer; Farida Kathawalla, a long-term supporter of the nonprofit community and philanthropy; Dr. Sonal Pandya, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center; Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chair of TiE Boston’s flagship TiECON East 2024, and Chairman and CEO of ConnectM Technology Solutions; Eshani Shah, co-owner of S4 Inc.; Kim Shah, CEO of CREDA Health; and Lalit Sudan, Managing Director of Market Data Group LLC, and President of Vision-Aid.
Pradhan has served as the Foundation’s president for eight years, drawing on a thirty-year career in urban planning, community development, and philanthropy. She previously worked for The Boston Foundation as the associate vice president for programs and co-founded the Boston Indicators Project. Prior to that she worked for the City of Boston as director of Sustainable Boston and assistant director for neighborhood development.
“Huge congratulations to India New England News for 21 years of lifting up truly exceptional women contributing to community.” said Pradhan about the event. “These women are keeping language and culture alive, making films, using the arts to promote healing, and empowering Asian immigrants, women, and ensuring youth and gender equality. They are entrepreneurs, teachers, and community builders and I’m truly honored to be included among such an impressive and compassionate group.”
Learn more about the 21st Annual Woman of the Year celebration by India New England News on their website.
