Chapter Presidents

Born and raised in the breathtaking valley of Kashmir, my journey has been one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community and social impact. At the age of 17, I migrated from Kashmir, carrying with me the deep-rooted values of my heritage. I pursued my master’s degree in Pune, which laid the foundation for my professional path. My career began in journalism, where I had the privilege of working with esteemed media houses. However, my true calling lay in advocacy and social service. This passion led me to transition into the nonprofit sector, working alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi. Contributing to a cause that drives meaningful change has always been my aspiration, and this role allowed me to turn that aspiration into action.Teaching eventually became my profession, allowing me to shape young minds while continuing my mission of service. Life took a new turn when my husband and I moved to the United States with our 5-year-old daughter. The journey was not without challenges, but it was the warmth of the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) in Indianapolis and later in New Jersey that provided a sense of belonging—a home away from home. For the past 15 years, I have been deeply committed to volunteering, striving to keep our community connected and our cultural roots alive. Giving back, no matter how small the effort, has been my way of honoring the rich heritage I am so proud of. Being Kashmiri is an integral part of my identity, and I carry it with pride, wherever life takes me.

My name is Anuradha Aswani. I was born and raised in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Completed my B.Sc from Sophia College, and then received my MBA degree from Symbiosis,Pune. Moved to the USA in 2006. Currently based out of Dublin CA (Bay Area) and working as a HR professional at a technology company. My exposure to Kashmiri culture and language was through my husband Rohit Kaul whom I married in 2004 and was fascinated by the multifaceted aspect of the heritage that contributes to the beauty and resilience of the Kashmiri culture. I am really looking forward to serving as Bay Area Chapter President. I firmly believe that the resilience and diversity of the Kashmiri people have enabled them to preserve their cultural heritage despite the challenges they have faced. The unique cultural elements of Kashmir are a testament to the region's rich history and the creativity and ingenuity of its people and would continue to foster that with all sincerity and passion.

I’m Neha Nehru, a proud Kashmiri and a long-time resident of Seattle, where I’ve lived for over a decade. Born in Raj Bagh, Srinagar, Kashmir, my family migrated a few years before 1990. Over the years, we moved across 12 states in four countries—India, the UAE, Canada, and the U.S.—before finally settling in Vancouver, BC, where my family has lived for the past 27 years. I majored in electrical engineering in BC and pursued my master’s in Computer Science in Seattle. Professionally, I’m an investment banker and contribute to my family business, Nehru Accounting, Construction, and Properties. I’m married to Hitaish Raina, an IT professional who also majored in engineering. He was also born in Srinagar and has firsthand memories of the conflict, having fled his home at the age of six in an army truck under harrowing circumstances. His family eventually settled in Pathankot, India. We are proud parents of two wonderful children, Neeva (8) and Ruaansh (4), who fill our lives with joy and purpose. I have been a Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) member for the past five years and have served as the Seattle Chapter President for the last year and a half. With the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, I’ve organized various cultural and religious events. I aim to work on projects and events highlighting Kashmiri culture and fostering a deeper understanding of our rich heritage and community resilience. By celebrating our traditions and passing them on to future generations, I hope to unite the community as one big family while promoting awareness of our cause.