Parul Mehta
Parul Mehta is a proud Delhi native who, like all Delhiites, wears her heart on her sleeve. She moved from Delhi to England, and then to the U.S., where she relished every new adventure she encountered. Parul used to work for HSBC, but being a passionate Kathak Dancer, could never seem to let go of her love of dance. Thus, she decided to pursue her passion for dance and became an educator and choreographer in Austin. Currently she teaches semi classical and Bollywood dance forms in Round Rock and Cedar Park. Passionate about promoting this form of dance art, she conducts various workshops and lecture demonstrations in schools and non profits. Being Zumba certified, she also looks forward to encouraging physical fitness through exercise and dance. Parul has two sons and prides herself on giving them long hugs that she hopes stays with them throughout the day.
Veena Reddy
Veena Reddy Gangidi moved from Hyderabad, India to Austin to join her husband. She is a mother of two boys, works full time as a database administrator, and also enjoys serving the community. She mentors second grade students, delivers food through Meals on Wheels, and also serves on the IACT (Indian American Coalition of Texas) board, which focuses on political and civic engagement. She loves meeting new people and cherishes old friends.
Pooja Sethi (Founder and President 2014 – 2020)
Pooja moved from New York to Austin in 2012 with her son and husband. Besides being a mom, she is an Attorney passionate about the rights of women and children. Since coming to Austin, Pooja has worked as a CASA Volunteer, an American Gateways Attorney Volunteer, assisted in charity events for organizations like SAIVA and Net IP, serves on the Executive Board for the Asian American Resource Center Nonprofit, and started South Asian Austin Moms Nonprofit. Pooja’s favorite things to do are spend time with her son and nephews, plan events, and engage in the Austin live music scene with her husband and close friends. Recently, Pooja launched her law firm, The Law Offices of Pooja Sethi, LLP in which she is the Principal Associate. She is very passionate about South Asian Austin Moms Nonprofit and hopes it will bring the South Asian Austin community together as well as teach all children in Austin about the South Asian culture, while raising money for children in need.
Ami Gandhi (2014 – 2020)
Ami is a native New Jerseyan who now lives in Austin with her husband and two sons. Before having children, Ami worked as a high school English teacher in New Jersey public schools. Her greatest passions have always been literature and education, and she engages her passions by reading and writing as often as possible and discussing books with children and adults alike. Now that Ami has young kids she is immersed in the world of children’s books and is excited to share her recommendations and insights with the SAAM community. Ami also loves traveling and spending time outside, especially in, on, or by water.
Archana Vemulapalli (2014 – 2020)
Archana grew up in India in the culturally rich and diverse city of Hyderabad. She moved several times for education, work and family, living in up to eight different states over the years since moving to America in the year 2000. Being married with two daughters, she has plenty to say about raising children, providing them with an exposure to a healthy balance of different cultures as a South Asian, and the general joys and travails of family life.
Archana works in very logical environs within the IT world by day and hence loves to engage her creative side when she can with books, poetry, music and spending unbridled time chasing after her little munchkins with her husband. She is fascinated by different cultures, cuisines, and languages and loves to engage in meaningful conversations that enlighten and foster kinship. She is delighted by her recent move to Austin and wants to share her experiences as she explores this very cool, friendly city they are now calling home. You can read more of her writing at myasays.com
