Board
Ravi Gidumal
Co-founder and Board Chair
Ravi is Managing Director of Gidumal & Sons Limited, a family owned business that distributes internationally branded tableware, gifts and homeware in Hong Kong & Macau. Under the brand name Town House, the company operates seven retail shops and a wholesale distribution business that sells products to leading retailers, hotels and restaurants in Hong Kong.
In the 1990s Ravi led a lobby group in Hong Kong that successfully convinced the UK Government to enact legislation which restored full British citizenship to the non-Chinese population of Hong Kong. This community of “ethnic minorities” faced the plight of statelessness as a result of Hong Kong reverting to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
Ravi’s interest in public affairs and the plight of minority groups in Hong Kong was strengthened as a result of this lobby initiative and despite focusing more heavily on commercial interests in recent years, Ravi has continued support vulnerable groups and individuals in his personal capacity.
Ravi was born and raised in Hong Kong. His family has called Hong Kong their home since the early 1900s.
Ravi is Managing Director of Gidumal & Sons Limited, a family owned business that distributes internationally branded tableware, gifts and homeware in Hong Kong & Macau. Under the brand name Town House, the company operates seven retail shops and a wholesale distribution business that sells products to leading retailers, hotels and restaurants in Hong Kong.
In the 1990s Ravi led a lobby group in Hong Kong that successfully convinced the UK Government to enact legislation which restored full British citizenship to the non-Chinese population of Hong Kong. This community of “ethnic minorities” faced the plight of statelessness as a result of Hong Kong reverting to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
Ravi’s interest in public affairs and the plight of minority groups in Hong Kong was strengthened as a result of this lobby initiative and despite focusing more heavily on commercial interests in recent years, Ravi has continued support vulnerable groups and individuals in his personal capacity.
Ravi was born and raised in Hong Kong. His family has called Hong Kong their home since the early 1900s.
Catherine Husted
Board Vice-Chair
Catherine is a former Allen & Overy Partner, who worked in the firm's London and Hong Kong offices for over 20 years advising on a wide variety of finance-related matters. She was heavily involved in the firm’s social responsibility and pro bono activities, as the Hong Kong office Pro Bono Partner and a member of the firm’s Global Foundation Executive (which oversees the use of funds donated by Partners globally to help support Allen & Overy’s pro bono and community investment initiatives). Catherine is currently dividing her time between working on a voluntary basis for a number of NGOs and indulging her passion for travel. Catherine is an Ambassador for Crossroads Foundation and a Board Director of Community Business Limited. Catherine also has a consulting role with Allen & Overy as Head of Pro Bono and Community Investment, Hong Kong.
Catherine is involved in projects supporting access to justice and rule of law in a number of areas, including helping displaced people, fighting online child exploitation and human trafficking, and supporting migrant workers. At Allen & Overy, she is able to bring together teams of lawyers, professional support staff, alumni and clients to share their knowledge and experience on international projects, as well as focusing on local communities. In her broader work, Catherine encourages collaboration between a range of diverse stakeholders to bring new and original ways of thinking to the challenges faced by those seeking access to justice and to address a broad range of social needs.
Catherine is a former Allen & Overy Partner, who worked in the firm's London and Hong Kong offices for over 20 years advising on a wide variety of finance-related matters. She was heavily involved in the firm’s social responsibility and pro bono activities, as the Hong Kong office Pro Bono Partner and a member of the firm’s Global Foundation Executive (which oversees the use of funds donated by Partners globally to help support Allen & Overy’s pro bono and community investment initiatives). Catherine is currently dividing her time between working on a voluntary basis for a number of NGOs and indulging her passion for travel. Catherine is an Ambassador for Crossroads Foundation and a Board Director of Community Business Limited. Catherine also has a consulting role with Allen & Overy as Head of Pro Bono and Community Investment, Hong Kong.
Catherine is involved in projects supporting access to justice and rule of law in a number of areas, including helping displaced people, fighting online child exploitation and human trafficking, and supporting migrant workers. At Allen & Overy, she is able to bring together teams of lawyers, professional support staff, alumni and clients to share their knowledge and experience on international projects, as well as focusing on local communities. In her broader work, Catherine encourages collaboration between a range of diverse stakeholders to bring new and original ways of thinking to the challenges faced by those seeking access to justice and to address a broad range of social needs.
Don Taylor
Board Member
Kishore Sakhrani
Board Member
Kishore Sakhrani is a Director at Greater Asian Advisors Limited, Hong Kong. His area of expertise is in commercial and private client matters, assisting North American SMEs to strategically incorporate and do business in Asia as well as providing high net worth clients with estate and tax planning advice. Previously, Kishore was a founding director and owner at ICS Trust (Hong Kong) Limited prior to its sale in 2012.
With over 25 years experience, Kishore advises on taxation, corporate structuring, accounting, regulatory and trust related matters for both corporate clients and high net worth individuals.
Kishore chairs the board at Community Business Ltd., a social enterprise promoting community involvement, diversity and non-discrimination and whose members include some of the largest multi-nationals doing business in Hong Kong. He is the co-founder of The Amber Foundation Limited, a recently established local charity and a board member at the Richard Ivey School of Business in Hong Kong.
Kishore Sakhrani is a Director at Greater Asian Advisors Limited, Hong Kong. His area of expertise is in commercial and private client matters, assisting North American SMEs to strategically incorporate and do business in Asia as well as providing high net worth clients with estate and tax planning advice. Previously, Kishore was a founding director and owner at ICS Trust (Hong Kong) Limited prior to its sale in 2012.
With over 25 years experience, Kishore advises on taxation, corporate structuring, accounting, regulatory and trust related matters for both corporate clients and high net worth individuals.
Kishore chairs the board at Community Business Ltd., a social enterprise promoting community involvement, diversity and non-discrimination and whose members include some of the largest multi-nationals doing business in Hong Kong. He is the co-founder of The Amber Foundation Limited, a recently established local charity and a board member at the Richard Ivey School of Business in Hong Kong.
Executive Team
Shalini Mahtani
Zubin's Mummy
Founder & CEO
Shalini Mahtani is one of Hong Kong’s most authoritative and respected voices on social issues, particularly diversity and inclusion. In addition to founding The Zubin Foundation, among the city’s most accomplished think tanks on issues related to ethnic minority welfare and patient welfare, Shalini is the founder of Community Business, the first organisation in Asia that brings together companies and their management around women, LGBT and disabilities at work.
In 2009, Shalini was honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, and a year prior she was awarded an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her services in corporate social responsibility in Hong Kong. She was also recognised by the HKSAR Government for her contribution to issues related to ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.
Shalini has authored research and opinion pieces on diversity and inclusion and is a frequent speaker on the topic. She is also a co-host on both BBC World Service and RTHK Radio 3.
Shalini is from Hong Kong. She is a graduate of The London School of Economics. She is married and has three children.
For her full CV, click below
Founder & CEO
Shalini Mahtani is one of Hong Kong’s most authoritative and respected voices on social issues, particularly diversity and inclusion. In addition to founding The Zubin Foundation, among the city’s most accomplished think tanks on issues related to ethnic minority welfare and patient welfare, Shalini is the founder of Community Business, the first organisation in Asia that brings together companies and their management around women, LGBT and disabilities at work.
In 2009, Shalini was honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, and a year prior she was awarded an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her services in corporate social responsibility in Hong Kong. She was also recognised by the HKSAR Government for her contribution to issues related to ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.
Shalini has authored research and opinion pieces on diversity and inclusion and is a frequent speaker on the topic. She is also a co-host on both BBC World Service and RTHK Radio 3.
Shalini is from Hong Kong. She is a graduate of The London School of Economics. She is married and has three children.
For her full CV, click below
Prachi Phadnis
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Prachi, a Chartered Accountant and a certified Financial Risk Manager, has rich experience in Corporate & Banking industry across roles that have spanned not only local and regional Asia coverage but also top organizations such as Royal Bank of Scotland, Export Import Bank of India and Union Bancaire Privee. After working for more than a decade in Hong Kong, she has now decided to devote her time and energies to a new and noble cause through the platform of TZF. She is inspired by TZF mission and values, and strongly believes that upliftment of marginalized communities can be achieved through Education, Financial independence and holistic Wellbeing. She is excited about supporting and getting actively involved in the wide range of areas that TZF is engaged in.
In her free time, she loves to explore the hills of Hong Kong with her family. She also enjoys indoor sports like Badminton & Table Tennis. A team player at heart, her enthusiasm and positive energy are evident in any group based activity or projects. She has also completed her Diploma in Montessori Method of Education and has been contributing to several charitable organisations. A firm proponent of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), she also created the popular Swap-it-HK Facebook group which now has 60k+ members.
Prachi, a Chartered Accountant and a certified Financial Risk Manager, has rich experience in Corporate & Banking industry across roles that have spanned not only local and regional Asia coverage but also top organizations such as Royal Bank of Scotland, Export Import Bank of India and Union Bancaire Privee. After working for more than a decade in Hong Kong, she has now decided to devote her time and energies to a new and noble cause through the platform of TZF. She is inspired by TZF mission and values, and strongly believes that upliftment of marginalized communities can be achieved through Education, Financial independence and holistic Wellbeing. She is excited about supporting and getting actively involved in the wide range of areas that TZF is engaged in.
In her free time, she loves to explore the hills of Hong Kong with her family. She also enjoys indoor sports like Badminton & Table Tennis. A team player at heart, her enthusiasm and positive energy are evident in any group based activity or projects. She has also completed her Diploma in Montessori Method of Education and has been contributing to several charitable organisations. A firm proponent of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), she also created the popular Swap-it-HK Facebook group which now has 60k+ members.
Sandy Chan
Operations Director
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Sandy's main responsibilities at the Zubin Foundation include managing the day-to-day execution and management of the various projects being undertaken by the organisation. She is also responsible for organising events and talks to spread awareness on issues that the organisation is focusing on.
Sandy Chan is from Hong Kong. Prior to joining the Zubin Foundation, she worked at Community Business from 2008 to 2014. Her main responsibilities at Community Business included managing the disability workplace initiatives of Community Business and addressing employability of people with disabilities. Sandy has taken a lead role in planning The Zubin Day at Community Business on or around 31st May (Zubin’s death anniversary) in 2009 and 2010, where the Community Business team go out and volunteer in a community of their choice.
Sandy’s passion is community outreach and on a personal basis she regularly volunteers with a youth centre for ethnic minorities. She has also worked with Produce Green Foundation as a project coordinator.
Sandy holds a bachelor degree in English for Professional Communication from City University of Hong Kong.
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Sandy's main responsibilities at the Zubin Foundation include managing the day-to-day execution and management of the various projects being undertaken by the organisation. She is also responsible for organising events and talks to spread awareness on issues that the organisation is focusing on.
Sandy Chan is from Hong Kong. Prior to joining the Zubin Foundation, she worked at Community Business from 2008 to 2014. Her main responsibilities at Community Business included managing the disability workplace initiatives of Community Business and addressing employability of people with disabilities. Sandy has taken a lead role in planning The Zubin Day at Community Business on or around 31st May (Zubin’s death anniversary) in 2009 and 2010, where the Community Business team go out and volunteer in a community of their choice.
Sandy’s passion is community outreach and on a personal basis she regularly volunteers with a youth centre for ethnic minorities. She has also worked with Produce Green Foundation as a project coordinator.
Sandy holds a bachelor degree in English for Professional Communication from City University of Hong Kong.
Winnie Ng
Project Director
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Winnie's main responsibilities at The Zubin Foundation are to oversee the operations of Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre and to drive funding proposals and applications for new projects.
Winnie started her journey in India in 2005, where she volunteered with the Unite Way of Mumbai on its fundraising efforts. She has since dedicated her career to CSR and has worked for both NGO and the private sector.
Winnie previously worked at Hogan Lovells as Citizenship Manager, looking after the firm’s pro bono and other citizenship efforts in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Prior to that, she worked in Cathay Pacific, running the airline’s major CSR programmes including I Can Fly, an aviation education programme for over 300 youths, and Change for Good, an inflight fundraising programme. She also worked in Community Business, managing its key projects, including the Diversity & Inclusion in Asia Network which is a network of leading companies in Asia that devotes in progressing diversity and inclusion in the region.
Winnie was born and raised in Hong Kong. She holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences from the University of Hong Kong. She lives with her husband and with two young children.
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Winnie's main responsibilities at The Zubin Foundation are to oversee the operations of Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre and to drive funding proposals and applications for new projects.
Winnie started her journey in India in 2005, where she volunteered with the Unite Way of Mumbai on its fundraising efforts. She has since dedicated her career to CSR and has worked for both NGO and the private sector.
Winnie previously worked at Hogan Lovells as Citizenship Manager, looking after the firm’s pro bono and other citizenship efforts in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Prior to that, she worked in Cathay Pacific, running the airline’s major CSR programmes including I Can Fly, an aviation education programme for over 300 youths, and Change for Good, an inflight fundraising programme. She also worked in Community Business, managing its key projects, including the Diversity & Inclusion in Asia Network which is a network of leading companies in Asia that devotes in progressing diversity and inclusion in the region.
Winnie was born and raised in Hong Kong. She holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences from the University of Hong Kong. She lives with her husband and with two young children.
Sharon Etherington
Human Resource Director
Sharon Etherington is a Senior Human Resource Professional across multiple industries and geographies. Sharon has worked within the region for the past 27 years previously consulting with Deloitte, in-house with BNY Mellon, Vistra, The British Council more recently Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. With over 25 years experience, Sharon advises on strategic, operational and transformative HR matters for both corporate clients, private equity, start-ups and NGO’s
Sharon Etherington is a Senior Human Resource Professional across multiple industries and geographies. Sharon has worked within the region for the past 27 years previously consulting with Deloitte, in-house with BNY Mellon, Vistra, The British Council more recently Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. With over 25 years experience, Sharon advises on strategic, operational and transformative HR matters for both corporate clients, private equity, start-ups and NGO’s
Staffs Team
Aisha Sunar
Project Officer
Aisha was born in Brunei, raised in Nepal and currently living in Hong Kong. She graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Business and Tourism from Federation University of Australia. Before joining the Zubin Foundation, she has worked in the F&B industry for eight years under various roles.
She first learned about social service, community programs when she was in her teens living in hostel and it has always been one of her goal in life to be able to give back to the community. Her first few years in Hong Kong she was kind of lost not being able to get the proper help and guidance. She looks forward in being able to help those coming from home country and not having proper guidance regarding schooling, work and health. She has also always been concerned about mental health and women and human rights. She actively shares her thoughts on these topics on her personal social media account. She strongly believes in the quote, “Humanity comes first”. She can speak in English, Nepali and Hindi.
During her off days and free time, she loves to bake, try new recipes and spend time with family and friends.
Aisha was born in Brunei, raised in Nepal and currently living in Hong Kong. She graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Business and Tourism from Federation University of Australia. Before joining the Zubin Foundation, she has worked in the F&B industry for eight years under various roles.
She first learned about social service, community programs when she was in her teens living in hostel and it has always been one of her goal in life to be able to give back to the community. Her first few years in Hong Kong she was kind of lost not being able to get the proper help and guidance. She looks forward in being able to help those coming from home country and not having proper guidance regarding schooling, work and health. She has also always been concerned about mental health and women and human rights. She actively shares her thoughts on these topics on her personal social media account. She strongly believes in the quote, “Humanity comes first”. She can speak in English, Nepali and Hindi.
During her off days and free time, she loves to bake, try new recipes and spend time with family and friends.
Anky Chau
Office Manager
Anky Chau is the Office Manager at the Zubin Foundation. Her main responsibilities at The Zubin Foundation include supporting the team through office administration, accounting, and event logistics.
Prior to joining The Zubin Foundation, Anky worked as a race manager for an event company to organize a trail running event during 2014 to 2016 and worked as an office manager at Community Business from 2007 to 2014. She feels grateful to be re-joining her former team members in a new venture and looks forward to doing more meaningful work for Hong Kong.
Anky holds a Profession Diploma of Volunteer Management from IVE. She has been a guide runner and board member for the Blind Sports Hong Kong and loves to serve the community and make new friends
Anky Chau is the Office Manager at the Zubin Foundation. Her main responsibilities at The Zubin Foundation include supporting the team through office administration, accounting, and event logistics.
Prior to joining The Zubin Foundation, Anky worked as a race manager for an event company to organize a trail running event during 2014 to 2016 and worked as an office manager at Community Business from 2007 to 2014. She feels grateful to be re-joining her former team members in a new venture and looks forward to doing more meaningful work for Hong Kong.
Anky holds a Profession Diploma of Volunteer Management from IVE. She has been a guide runner and board member for the Blind Sports Hong Kong and loves to serve the community and make new friends
Ashima Sharma
Counsellor
Ashima Sharma is a clinical psychologist and is a counsellor at The Zubin Foundation’s Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre.
Ashima's experience and qualifications have been gained whilst living in India and HK for the past 10+ years. She supports patients from three years old upwards and across the lifespan. She incorporates mindfulness, CBT, positive psychology, and positive guidance/parenting practices where appropriate. Her specialist interests are further reflected in her clinical research work on parents of children with ADHD and ASD.
Before joining The Zubin Foundation, she worked with Human Dynamic and Integrate HK .She also has extensive training in working with hospitals, pediatric clinics, Rehabilitation centres, Air force units, social work centres and schools.
She is a member of British Psychological Society, Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), Hong Kong Psychological Society, Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong, American Psychological Association and Hong Kong Family Law Association.
She is currently running her private practice and working with a few schools across Hong Kong.
Ashima Sharma consults in English, Hindi and Urdu.
Ashima Sharma is a clinical psychologist and is a counsellor at The Zubin Foundation’s Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre.
Ashima's experience and qualifications have been gained whilst living in India and HK for the past 10+ years. She supports patients from three years old upwards and across the lifespan. She incorporates mindfulness, CBT, positive psychology, and positive guidance/parenting practices where appropriate. Her specialist interests are further reflected in her clinical research work on parents of children with ADHD and ASD.
Before joining The Zubin Foundation, she worked with Human Dynamic and Integrate HK .She also has extensive training in working with hospitals, pediatric clinics, Rehabilitation centres, Air force units, social work centres and schools.
She is a member of British Psychological Society, Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), Hong Kong Psychological Society, Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong, American Psychological Association and Hong Kong Family Law Association.
She is currently running her private practice and working with a few schools across Hong Kong.
Ashima Sharma consults in English, Hindi and Urdu.
Derek Chan
Project Manager
Derek is a registered social worker in Hong Kong. Born in HK, he studied in the UK from the age of 10, and completed a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Food Science and Nutrition. Since returning to HK in 2010, he has worked in various sectors such as aviation, nutrition and social services, during which he developed a strong desire to contribute more to the community, especially to ones who are more vulnerable than others. With this in mind, he was later accepted and completed his masters in social work at The University of Hong Kong. As a social worker, he has worked in family service centre providing help to people seeking help on mental health issues, couple & family conflicts, parenting difficulties, housing issues etc.
Derek is a registered social worker in Hong Kong. Born in HK, he studied in the UK from the age of 10, and completed a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Food Science and Nutrition. Since returning to HK in 2010, he has worked in various sectors such as aviation, nutrition and social services, during which he developed a strong desire to contribute more to the community, especially to ones who are more vulnerable than others. With this in mind, he was later accepted and completed his masters in social work at The University of Hong Kong. As a social worker, he has worked in family service centre providing help to people seeking help on mental health issues, couple & family conflicts, parenting difficulties, housing issues etc.
Ekta Raval
Project Officer
Ekta Raval was born and raised in India and is currently living in Hong Kong. Prior to joining The Zubin Foundation, She has worked for 4 years under various capacities in Public Sector, Real Estate and Financial Services industries in India.
Following the footsteps of her parents, who were both retired government officials, Ekta too served in a Public Sector organization bringing her experience in private enterprises to the State Regulatory Authority in India. She has also worked on various programs with the Red Cross Society during her stay in Uganda, Africa. Within Hong Kong, she has also been volunteering at Kids4Kids, an NGO supporting youth development and leadership.
Passionate about empowering the underprivileged youth, she wishes to contribute towards the betterment and development of society as a whole. She believes that equality and diversity is the key to survival of every economy. At The Zubin Foundation, Ekta supports and drives various initiatives under Opportunity Bank, and assists other projects of the organization.
Ekta holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance along with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from India. She is a coffee aficionado and loves traveling and dancing during her spare time. She speaks Gujarati, Hindi and English and is currently learning French.
Ekta Raval was born and raised in India and is currently living in Hong Kong. Prior to joining The Zubin Foundation, She has worked for 4 years under various capacities in Public Sector, Real Estate and Financial Services industries in India.
Following the footsteps of her parents, who were both retired government officials, Ekta too served in a Public Sector organization bringing her experience in private enterprises to the State Regulatory Authority in India. She has also worked on various programs with the Red Cross Society during her stay in Uganda, Africa. Within Hong Kong, she has also been volunteering at Kids4Kids, an NGO supporting youth development and leadership.
Passionate about empowering the underprivileged youth, she wishes to contribute towards the betterment and development of society as a whole. She believes that equality and diversity is the key to survival of every economy. At The Zubin Foundation, Ekta supports and drives various initiatives under Opportunity Bank, and assists other projects of the organization.
Ekta holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance along with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from India. She is a coffee aficionado and loves traveling and dancing during her spare time. She speaks Gujarati, Hindi and English and is currently learning French.
Harpinder Kaur
Project Officer
At the Zubin Foundation, Harpinder’s main duties are to support and drive the various projects under our Opportunity Bank, and to assist with the wider initiatives at the organization.
Harpinder was born and bred in Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Honors) from Lingnan University, majored in Psychology and minored in English. During her undergrad, Harpinder has taught English for 2 years as a part-time teacher and interned at The University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) as a Student Life Officer in summer 2018. She has recently interned at the HKSAR government in summer 2020 where she worked on various projects aimed at assisting the Ethnic Minorities of Hong Kong. Harpinder also developed love for conducting research during her Senior Thesis in which she studied the Attitudes, Language Barriers and Utilization of Mental Health Resources among Punjabi Sikhs in Hong Kong. Her professional experience in diverse industries has enhanced her adaptability, critical, analytical and interpersonal skills.
Harpinder is immensely passionate about preventative mental health research and empowering the marginalized communities of Hong Kong in terms of their psychological well-being. To give back to the Punjabi Sikh community, she volunteers as the Head of Research at Pargaas, a Sikh-based NGO that fosters the education and career advancement of the Sikh diaspora based on Sikh principles. She wishes to become a mental health therapist/counsellor in the near future and hopes to serve the brown communities by incorporating her multilingual knowledge of Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, English and Cantonese.
When Harpinder is not working, she likes researching on Sikh history, cooking, hiking and practicing mindfulness.
At the Zubin Foundation, Harpinder’s main duties are to support and drive the various projects under our Opportunity Bank, and to assist with the wider initiatives at the organization.
Harpinder was born and bred in Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Honors) from Lingnan University, majored in Psychology and minored in English. During her undergrad, Harpinder has taught English for 2 years as a part-time teacher and interned at The University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) as a Student Life Officer in summer 2018. She has recently interned at the HKSAR government in summer 2020 where she worked on various projects aimed at assisting the Ethnic Minorities of Hong Kong. Harpinder also developed love for conducting research during her Senior Thesis in which she studied the Attitudes, Language Barriers and Utilization of Mental Health Resources among Punjabi Sikhs in Hong Kong. Her professional experience in diverse industries has enhanced her adaptability, critical, analytical and interpersonal skills.
Harpinder is immensely passionate about preventative mental health research and empowering the marginalized communities of Hong Kong in terms of their psychological well-being. To give back to the Punjabi Sikh community, she volunteers as the Head of Research at Pargaas, a Sikh-based NGO that fosters the education and career advancement of the Sikh diaspora based on Sikh principles. She wishes to become a mental health therapist/counsellor in the near future and hopes to serve the brown communities by incorporating her multilingual knowledge of Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, English and Cantonese.
When Harpinder is not working, she likes researching on Sikh history, cooking, hiking and practicing mindfulness.
Maggie Holmes
Project Manager
Maggie's special interest is Chinese language education for ethnic minority children. Maggie was born and bred in the UK, studying Chinese at Leeds University. She worked with the BBC World Service in London before coming to Hong Kong in 1995. She has worked as a journalist at TVB, RTHK and on many freelance projects. Maggie has a PGCE in teaching Chinese as a Second Language and is an EDB registered teacher.
Maggie is a volunteer tutor with ethnic minority children studying in Chinese medium schools. She is endlessly frustrated by the challenges they face and is convinced that some of the tools, techniques and strategies used to teach Mandarin as a second language, could be adapted for ethnic minority students in Hong Kong.
Maggie’s main hobby is music. She plays flute to a fairly high level and bassoon to a very low level.
Maggie's special interest is Chinese language education for ethnic minority children. Maggie was born and bred in the UK, studying Chinese at Leeds University. She worked with the BBC World Service in London before coming to Hong Kong in 1995. She has worked as a journalist at TVB, RTHK and on many freelance projects. Maggie has a PGCE in teaching Chinese as a Second Language and is an EDB registered teacher.
Maggie is a volunteer tutor with ethnic minority children studying in Chinese medium schools. She is endlessly frustrated by the challenges they face and is convinced that some of the tools, techniques and strategies used to teach Mandarin as a second language, could be adapted for ethnic minority students in Hong Kong.
Maggie’s main hobby is music. She plays flute to a fairly high level and bassoon to a very low level.
Matthew Yu
Project Manager
Matthew is Project Manager, mainly responsible for developing and implementing The Zubin Foundation’s Opportunity Bank project (job & internship matching, scholarship fairs, online training, and portal) and Building Community · Building Tung Chung project.
Prior to joining The Zubin Foundation, Matthew had worked for a not-for-profit organisation in Hong Kong for 5 years where he was responsible for driving the programmes and campaigns to promote accountability and awareness related to diversity and inclusion and responsible business. During his three years at university, Matthew had also worked as a part-time tutor in his alma mater, teaching Liberal Studies to senior secondary school students, which further developed his critical thinking, public speaking skills and the most important - a sense of becoming a rational and responsible citizen of the local, national and global community.
Matthew holds a master's degree in Counselling (Mental Health) from Hong Kong Baptist University, and a bachelor degree in Arts from the University of Hong Kong, majoring in Translation and minoring in both German and Sociology. In his penultimate year, he received a Reaching Out Award from the HKSAR Government. Leveraging the scholarship from the Award, he went to Berlin, Germany, to polish his German as well as broaden his horizons, where he reckoned the significance of a socially inclusive environment. His studies and working experiences make him passionate about creating a community value – making a positive social impact.
Matthew speaks four languages – Cantonese, English, Mandarin and German and he wishes to learn more.
Matthew is Project Manager, mainly responsible for developing and implementing The Zubin Foundation’s Opportunity Bank project (job & internship matching, scholarship fairs, online training, and portal) and Building Community · Building Tung Chung project.
Prior to joining The Zubin Foundation, Matthew had worked for a not-for-profit organisation in Hong Kong for 5 years where he was responsible for driving the programmes and campaigns to promote accountability and awareness related to diversity and inclusion and responsible business. During his three years at university, Matthew had also worked as a part-time tutor in his alma mater, teaching Liberal Studies to senior secondary school students, which further developed his critical thinking, public speaking skills and the most important - a sense of becoming a rational and responsible citizen of the local, national and global community.
Matthew holds a master's degree in Counselling (Mental Health) from Hong Kong Baptist University, and a bachelor degree in Arts from the University of Hong Kong, majoring in Translation and minoring in both German and Sociology. In his penultimate year, he received a Reaching Out Award from the HKSAR Government. Leveraging the scholarship from the Award, he went to Berlin, Germany, to polish his German as well as broaden his horizons, where he reckoned the significance of a socially inclusive environment. His studies and working experiences make him passionate about creating a community value – making a positive social impact.
Matthew speaks four languages – Cantonese, English, Mandarin and German and he wishes to learn more.
Mariam Bibi
Project Officer
At The Zubin Foundation, Mariam is responsible for supporting and driving the various initiatives under our Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre and Opportunity Bank, and for assisting with wider projects at the organisation.
Mariam was born and raised in Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Lingnan University, majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. She loves to make coffee, read, roller skate and volunteer during her spare time.
Mariam is extremely passionate about mental health in particular about dementia and the stigma surrounding mental health, and she wishes to start up a small community for ethnic minorities that have dementia, as well as normalise mental health education in Hong Kong.
Mariam can speak numerous languages, namely English, Cantonese, Urdu and Hindi and a bit of Mandarin and Punjabi.
At The Zubin Foundation, Mariam is responsible for supporting and driving the various initiatives under our Ethnic Minority Well-being Centre and Opportunity Bank, and for assisting with wider projects at the organisation.
Mariam was born and raised in Hong Kong. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from Lingnan University, majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. She loves to make coffee, read, roller skate and volunteer during her spare time.
Mariam is extremely passionate about mental health in particular about dementia and the stigma surrounding mental health, and she wishes to start up a small community for ethnic minorities that have dementia, as well as normalise mental health education in Hong Kong.
Mariam can speak numerous languages, namely English, Cantonese, Urdu and Hindi and a bit of Mandarin and Punjabi.
Meeta Gupta
Counsellor and Coordinator
Meeta is a mental health counsellor working at the Children’s Counselling Centre. Meeta is passionate about working with children and has interned at two international schools in Hong Kong as a counsellor working with adolescents with anxiety, depression, self-harm, internet addiction, and low self-esteem.
Meeta has also interned for 18 months at Spot Children’s Centre where she saw children with a wide range of mental health concerns and special needs. She also runs mental health talks with Mind HK for parents of teenagers. Meeta is passionate about advocating for children’s needs and bringing out their true potential.
At The Zubin Foundation, Meeta is responsible for counselling children and adolescents. She also runs support groups for women and for parents with children with special needs and raising awareness of mental health in the ethnic minority community.
Meeta has a Masters in Counselling (Distinction) from Monash University, Australia and a Master’s in Business Administration from The Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. She has worked in India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Meeta is a full member of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). She is also certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is fluent in English and Hindi/Urdu.
Meeta is a mental health counsellor working at the Children’s Counselling Centre. Meeta is passionate about working with children and has interned at two international schools in Hong Kong as a counsellor working with adolescents with anxiety, depression, self-harm, internet addiction, and low self-esteem.
Meeta has also interned for 18 months at Spot Children’s Centre where she saw children with a wide range of mental health concerns and special needs. She also runs mental health talks with Mind HK for parents of teenagers. Meeta is passionate about advocating for children’s needs and bringing out their true potential.
At The Zubin Foundation, Meeta is responsible for counselling children and adolescents. She also runs support groups for women and for parents with children with special needs and raising awareness of mental health in the ethnic minority community.
Meeta has a Masters in Counselling (Distinction) from Monash University, Australia and a Master’s in Business Administration from The Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. She has worked in India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Meeta is a full member of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). She is also certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is fluent in English and Hindi/Urdu.
Priya Agrawal
Counsellor
Priya is a mental health
counsellor, supporting the Ethnic Minorities well-being center at The Zubin Foundation (TZF). She is responsible for providing counselling support to the adolescents and adults at TZF. She also supports in raising mental-health awareness through Mental Health First Aid training to the Ethnic Minority community. Priya holds a Master in Psychology degree from Mumbai University, India and is registered with Rehabilitation council of India.
She has 13+ years of experience working in the field of Mental health dealing with concerns like Depression, Anxiety, developmental issues, family and relationship counselling etc. She has been trained to conduct various psychological assessments. Priya takes a holistic approach to understanding each client and their unique presenting concerns. She appreciates that our mind, body, spirit, and relationships are all intertwined and intimately affected by one another. She focuses on each client's strengths and talents in addition to their struggles and areas for growth.
Priya has worked in multiple hospitals and schools in India and Nepal before moving to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she worked on a social welfare project for Non Refoulment Claimant. She also provides individual counselling consultations at her private clinic. She can speak several languages such as Hindi, Nepali, Maithili, Marwadi and English.
Priya is a mental health
counsellor, supporting the Ethnic Minorities well-being center at The Zubin Foundation (TZF). She is responsible for providing counselling support to the adolescents and adults at TZF. She also supports in raising mental-health awareness through Mental Health First Aid training to the Ethnic Minority community. Priya holds a Master in Psychology degree from Mumbai University, India and is registered with Rehabilitation council of India.
She has 13+ years of experience working in the field of Mental health dealing with concerns like Depression, Anxiety, developmental issues, family and relationship counselling etc. She has been trained to conduct various psychological assessments. Priya takes a holistic approach to understanding each client and their unique presenting concerns. She appreciates that our mind, body, spirit, and relationships are all intertwined and intimately affected by one another. She focuses on each client's strengths and talents in addition to their struggles and areas for growth.
Priya has worked in multiple hospitals and schools in India and Nepal before moving to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she worked on a social welfare project for Non Refoulment Claimant. She also provides individual counselling consultations at her private clinic. She can speak several languages such as Hindi, Nepali, Maithili, Marwadi and English.
Qureshi Muhammad Talha
Project Officer
At The Zubin Foundation, Talha is responsible for supporting and driving the various initiatives under our Tung Chung Youth Leaders Programme, and for assisting with wider projects at the organisation.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Talha arrived Hong Kong in 2008. Being the eldest son in family of 6, he chose to work full time and study part time in evening so he can support his family and finance his education at the same time. He completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Studies from University of Greenwich majoring in Event Management.
He had an interest in helping the community and serving the unserved; therefore, while completing his education, he worked with three NGOs and gained experiences in Ethnic Minorities (EM) services, including youth, outreaching, employment, organising outdoor gatherings and community events, coordinating computer and language courses. He also represented the community in various public speaking events to voice EM views and concerns. He took responsibility of mentoring and leading a team of EM youth conducting outreaches across Hong Kong. Talha can develop a bond with EM youth quickly developing them into Youth Ambassadors to serve the community.
Talha also has great interest in music and entertainment. He discovered his interest in singing at high school and performed in many events in his school, encouraged by teachers and friends he created a YouTube channel where he uploads music covers and make vlogs as hobby to kill his free time. Also, he gets invited for performances in various cultural events organised by different local NGOs.
At The Zubin Foundation, Talha seizes the opportunity for further self-development, aims to use his skills and experience to work with youth, and continue serving the community to encourage them to achieve more in Hong Kong.
At The Zubin Foundation, Talha is responsible for supporting and driving the various initiatives under our Tung Chung Youth Leaders Programme, and for assisting with wider projects at the organisation.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Talha arrived Hong Kong in 2008. Being the eldest son in family of 6, he chose to work full time and study part time in evening so he can support his family and finance his education at the same time. He completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Studies from University of Greenwich majoring in Event Management.
He had an interest in helping the community and serving the unserved; therefore, while completing his education, he worked with three NGOs and gained experiences in Ethnic Minorities (EM) services, including youth, outreaching, employment, organising outdoor gatherings and community events, coordinating computer and language courses. He also represented the community in various public speaking events to voice EM views and concerns. He took responsibility of mentoring and leading a team of EM youth conducting outreaches across Hong Kong. Talha can develop a bond with EM youth quickly developing them into Youth Ambassadors to serve the community.
Talha also has great interest in music and entertainment. He discovered his interest in singing at high school and performed in many events in his school, encouraged by teachers and friends he created a YouTube channel where he uploads music covers and make vlogs as hobby to kill his free time. Also, he gets invited for performances in various cultural events organised by different local NGOs.
At The Zubin Foundation, Talha seizes the opportunity for further self-development, aims to use his skills and experience to work with youth, and continue serving the community to encourage them to achieve more in Hong Kong.
Rabia Siddiqi
Counsellor
Rabia is a mental health counsellor, supporting the Ethnic Minorities Well-being Center. In her counselling practice, Rabia adopts an integrative, multicultural, and person-centered approach
to address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal relationships. Her passion is to empower people through knowledge and skills, enabling them to deal with their
emotional and social hurdles.
At The Zubin Foundation (TZF), Rabia is responsible for providing counselling support to adolescents and adults. She is also supporting TZF in raising mental-health & well-being
awareness through a series of webinars/seminars for the Ethnic Minority community. In addition, she designs and leads “autism awareness” workshops for parents of non-Chinese-speaking
children with special education needs.
Rabia holds a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, Australia, and a Masters of Science in Applied Psychology from University of the Punjab, Pakistan. She is also a certified
Acceptance and Commitment Therapist (ACT) for adolescents. Rabia is a full member of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA) and Hong Kong Society for Counselling and Psychology (HKSCP).
Rabia is a mental health counsellor, supporting the Ethnic Minorities Well-being Center. In her counselling practice, Rabia adopts an integrative, multicultural, and person-centered approach
to address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal relationships. Her passion is to empower people through knowledge and skills, enabling them to deal with their
emotional and social hurdles.
At The Zubin Foundation (TZF), Rabia is responsible for providing counselling support to adolescents and adults. She is also supporting TZF in raising mental-health & well-being
awareness through a series of webinars/seminars for the Ethnic Minority community. In addition, she designs and leads “autism awareness” workshops for parents of non-Chinese-speaking
children with special education needs.
Rabia holds a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, Australia, and a Masters of Science in Applied Psychology from University of the Punjab, Pakistan. She is also a certified
Acceptance and Commitment Therapist (ACT) for adolescents. Rabia is a full member of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA) and Hong Kong Society for Counselling and Psychology (HKSCP).
Dr. Ravina Lalvani
Clinical Psychologist &
Project Manager
Ravina is a clinical psychologist. She specializes in humanistic existential psychotherapy, EMDR and mindfulness-based interventions for individuals suffering from grief, loss, depression, anxiety and trauma.
At The Zubin Foundation, a think tank and charity based in Hong Kong, she heads up a number of initiatives. In addition to managing the foundation's Children Counselling Centre, she designs and leads autism and ADHD workshops for parents of non-Chinese speaking children with special educational needs, conducts parenting support groups, and is responsible for Call Mira - Hong Kong’s first helpline aimed at supporting marginalized ethnic minority women and girls in Hindi, Urdu and English.
Prior to joining the team, Ravina was exposed to a wide range of clinical settings and populations as an intern. Her experience includes working at The Justice Centre and Christian Action, offering counseling to refugees and asylum seekers. She spent a year at Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre, learning about psycho-educational assessments. Ravina also interned at the Nesbitt Centre, Hong Kong’s only English language programme for adults with learning disabilities.
Ravina was a keynote speaker at the 2021 International Existential Conference, and regularly participates in panel discussions on topics related to women and girls, ethnic minority mental health, and trauma.
Ravina holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, a certification in Trauma from the Canadian Institute of Traumatology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Widener University. She is fluent in English and Hindi.
Ravina is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and The Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong.
Project Manager
Ravina is a clinical psychologist. She specializes in humanistic existential psychotherapy, EMDR and mindfulness-based interventions for individuals suffering from grief, loss, depression, anxiety and trauma.
At The Zubin Foundation, a think tank and charity based in Hong Kong, she heads up a number of initiatives. In addition to managing the foundation's Children Counselling Centre, she designs and leads autism and ADHD workshops for parents of non-Chinese speaking children with special educational needs, conducts parenting support groups, and is responsible for Call Mira - Hong Kong’s first helpline aimed at supporting marginalized ethnic minority women and girls in Hindi, Urdu and English.
Prior to joining the team, Ravina was exposed to a wide range of clinical settings and populations as an intern. Her experience includes working at The Justice Centre and Christian Action, offering counseling to refugees and asylum seekers. She spent a year at Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre, learning about psycho-educational assessments. Ravina also interned at the Nesbitt Centre, Hong Kong’s only English language programme for adults with learning disabilities.
Ravina was a keynote speaker at the 2021 International Existential Conference, and regularly participates in panel discussions on topics related to women and girls, ethnic minority mental health, and trauma.
Ravina holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, a certification in Trauma from the Canadian Institute of Traumatology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Widener University. She is fluent in English and Hindi.
Ravina is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and The Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong.
Rubina Rehman
Accountant
Rubina handles the day-to-day accounting at The Zubin Foundation.
Rubina brings to the team over 10 years' experience as a financial planning consultant, and 25 years' experience working across various sectors including trading, sales and elderly homes.
Rubina handles the day-to-day accounting at The Zubin Foundation.
Rubina brings to the team over 10 years' experience as a financial planning consultant, and 25 years' experience working across various sectors including trading, sales and elderly homes.
Shilpa Patwardhan
Lead Counsellor
Shilpa is a mental health counselor with 15+ years of experience in the field of mental health. She has helped individuals presenting with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, adjustment disorders, career & work-related stress, substance abuse - addictions, relationship issues, variety of sexual problems and marital issues. She also offers counselling services to the families of clients having mental illness or other health issues & also to the families needing help with parenting skills. She uses Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as main therapeutic techniques.
Shilpa is a medical professional from India, where she has received her undergraduate (Batchelor in Medicine and Batchelor in Surgery- M.B.B.S) and postgraduate training (Doctor of Medicine in Psychiatry). In addition, she has also completed Primary and Advanced Certificate Training in the Principles and Practice of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, from Albert Ellis Institute, New York.
Shilpa practiced as a Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist in India for 7+ years. She has worked as an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at couple of Medical Colleges in India and was involved in training of post graduate and undergraduate medical students. She has also conducted trainings on mental & sexual health for general practitioners, counsellors, psychologists & social workers.
In Hong Kong, Shilpa has been working as a Counsellor for 7+ years. She has worked with Refugees and Non-Refoulment Claimant population presenting with various vulnerabilities including but not limited to mental health issues, couple & family conflicts, parenting difficulties, domestic violence, drug abuse, child abuse, trauma etc. She is the founder of ‘Mind Direct’, offering online as well as in person counselling. Given her experience in dealing with clients presenting with wide range of difficulties and from diverse cultures & ethnicities, Dr Shilpa remains flexible, approachable and equally sensitive to client’s needs.
Shilpa is a mental health counselor with 15+ years of experience in the field of mental health. She has helped individuals presenting with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, adjustment disorders, career & work-related stress, substance abuse - addictions, relationship issues, variety of sexual problems and marital issues. She also offers counselling services to the families of clients having mental illness or other health issues & also to the families needing help with parenting skills. She uses Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as main therapeutic techniques.
Shilpa is a medical professional from India, where she has received her undergraduate (Batchelor in Medicine and Batchelor in Surgery- M.B.B.S) and postgraduate training (Doctor of Medicine in Psychiatry). In addition, she has also completed Primary and Advanced Certificate Training in the Principles and Practice of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, from Albert Ellis Institute, New York.
Shilpa practiced as a Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist in India for 7+ years. She has worked as an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at couple of Medical Colleges in India and was involved in training of post graduate and undergraduate medical students. She has also conducted trainings on mental & sexual health for general practitioners, counsellors, psychologists & social workers.
In Hong Kong, Shilpa has been working as a Counsellor for 7+ years. She has worked with Refugees and Non-Refoulment Claimant population presenting with various vulnerabilities including but not limited to mental health issues, couple & family conflicts, parenting difficulties, domestic violence, drug abuse, child abuse, trauma etc. She is the founder of ‘Mind Direct’, offering online as well as in person counselling. Given her experience in dealing with clients presenting with wide range of difficulties and from diverse cultures & ethnicities, Dr Shilpa remains flexible, approachable and equally sensitive to client’s needs.
Sindhu Nair
Project Coordinator
At The Zubin Foundation, Sindhu is responsible for running support groups for women and girls and parents with children with special needs, raising awareness of mental health in the ethnic minority community and supporting our women and girls initiatives.
Sindhu has a Masters in Counseling degree (Distinction) from Monash University, Australia and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Madras, India. She has worked in the UK, Canada and Hong Kong. She has worked as a special needs teacher in Hong Kong and the UK and has considerable experience in working with children and young people. She has helped them address stress, including examination stress. She has also worked with children with low self-esteem.
She has counseled teenagers and young children with PTSD, anxiety and depression. Sindhu gained a broader experience in counselling whilst working at Christian Action, Hong Kong and International Social Service (ISS), Hong Kong where she counselled refugees and asylum seekers. She is passionate about women’s empowerment and is a strong believer in education, especially for girls. She has helped refugees and asylum seekers understand the importance of education and personally helped children under the age of 18 years to pursue full time education. Whilst working at ISS, Sindhu also educated women on healthy eating and the benefits of providing children with a healthy and balanced diet. She also emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy life style in order to achieve good mental health.
Sindhu is a registered member of the British Association of Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
At The Zubin Foundation, Sindhu is responsible for running support groups for women and girls and parents with children with special needs, raising awareness of mental health in the ethnic minority community and supporting our women and girls initiatives.
Sindhu has a Masters in Counseling degree (Distinction) from Monash University, Australia and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Madras, India. She has worked in the UK, Canada and Hong Kong. She has worked as a special needs teacher in Hong Kong and the UK and has considerable experience in working with children and young people. She has helped them address stress, including examination stress. She has also worked with children with low self-esteem.
She has counseled teenagers and young children with PTSD, anxiety and depression. Sindhu gained a broader experience in counselling whilst working at Christian Action, Hong Kong and International Social Service (ISS), Hong Kong where she counselled refugees and asylum seekers. She is passionate about women’s empowerment and is a strong believer in education, especially for girls. She has helped refugees and asylum seekers understand the importance of education and personally helped children under the age of 18 years to pursue full time education. Whilst working at ISS, Sindhu also educated women on healthy eating and the benefits of providing children with a healthy and balanced diet. She also emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy life style in order to achieve good mental health.
Sindhu is a registered member of the British Association of Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Smita Warvante
Project Officer
Born & brought up in a small city of Maharashtra, India. She has finished her Master’s in Psychology. Having experience as an intern while pursuing her studies worked with Remand home, de-addiction center, mental asylum in India.
Before joining The Zubin Foundation, she has worked with two NGOs with experience in organising activities for women and children as well as volunteering with another NGO in Hong Kong. Having an interest and deep feelings towards helping the community, she has decided to continue working with NGOs as her career. She is willing to help needy people in every possible way. She also enjoys spending time with young kids and arranging interesting activities for them.
She is willing to gain knowledge in different areas related to mental health, emotional support towards ethnic minority ladies in need.
Smita can speak Marathi, Hindi and English. During her off days she likes to spend time with her family, going out for hiking, badminton, doing Yoga practice, volunteer.
Born & brought up in a small city of Maharashtra, India. She has finished her Master’s in Psychology. Having experience as an intern while pursuing her studies worked with Remand home, de-addiction center, mental asylum in India.
Before joining The Zubin Foundation, she has worked with two NGOs with experience in organising activities for women and children as well as volunteering with another NGO in Hong Kong. Having an interest and deep feelings towards helping the community, she has decided to continue working with NGOs as her career. She is willing to help needy people in every possible way. She also enjoys spending time with young kids and arranging interesting activities for them.
She is willing to gain knowledge in different areas related to mental health, emotional support towards ethnic minority ladies in need.
Smita can speak Marathi, Hindi and English. During her off days she likes to spend time with her family, going out for hiking, badminton, doing Yoga practice, volunteer.
Vibha P. Karnik
Partnership Manager
Experience is the best teacher. This motto has guided Vibha her whole life.
She spent her childhood in Oman and moved to India to pursue her education, making her ready for different experiences from a young age. Today, as a Marketing & Communications professional, Vibha has learnt from exploring multiple avenues. In her 13-year-long career, she has worked in Hong Kong and India, and across industries like Banking and Financial Services, Media, Fashion, FMCG, Manufacturing and Non-profits. She has designed and executed marketing plans in South Asia, ANZ, North America, and Europe.
Since 2013, Hong Kong has been home. She loves the city for its order in chaos, the eclectic mix of people from different cultures, and one of the most spectacular skylines in the world.
Her zest to learn from new experiences has also taken Vibha to 39 countries, learning a little more about the world and its people one country at a time. With restricted travel now, Vibha makes use of her free time reviving her reading habit, experimenting with creative writing, and learning Spanish.
Before The Zubin Foundation, Vibha worked as the Development Marketing Lead at The Women’s Foundation where she was responsible for communications linked to fundraising initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, specialising in Electronics and Communications, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Marketing Communications.
Now, as Partnership Manager at Zubin, Vibha looks forward to bringing her multiple experiences to bear on how we can improve the lives of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.
Experience is the best teacher. This motto has guided Vibha her whole life.
She spent her childhood in Oman and moved to India to pursue her education, making her ready for different experiences from a young age. Today, as a Marketing & Communications professional, Vibha has learnt from exploring multiple avenues. In her 13-year-long career, she has worked in Hong Kong and India, and across industries like Banking and Financial Services, Media, Fashion, FMCG, Manufacturing and Non-profits. She has designed and executed marketing plans in South Asia, ANZ, North America, and Europe.
Since 2013, Hong Kong has been home. She loves the city for its order in chaos, the eclectic mix of people from different cultures, and one of the most spectacular skylines in the world.
Her zest to learn from new experiences has also taken Vibha to 39 countries, learning a little more about the world and its people one country at a time. With restricted travel now, Vibha makes use of her free time reviving her reading habit, experimenting with creative writing, and learning Spanish.
Before The Zubin Foundation, Vibha worked as the Development Marketing Lead at The Women’s Foundation where she was responsible for communications linked to fundraising initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, specialising in Electronics and Communications, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Marketing Communications.
Now, as Partnership Manager at Zubin, Vibha looks forward to bringing her multiple experiences to bear on how we can improve the lives of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.
Vinee Kapoor
Project Manager
Vinee is passionate about the empowerment, of women and the youth, and about sustainability. She believes that civic responsibility – providing for the underprivileged and underrepresented in society – is a way of balancing the scales. In order to contribute her share to this cause, she wants to enhance intercultural awareness among people who live in global cities like Hong Kong.
At Zubin Foundation, she is responsible for implementing meaningful projects aimed at benefiting young girls from ethnic minorities, focusing on their education, self-identity, and fulfillment of aspirations. She will also be actively involved in the foundation’s fundraiser.
Vinee has a Masters in Economics from Delhi School Of Economics, India and has been a data analytics professional in academia, and before that, in the financial industry. She has always been very active in community service and has worked on projects with The World Bank, GE-Community Service Fund, HKUST Sustainability, and for the Asian Migrants Credit Union in Hong Kong.
Vinee lives in Hong Kong with her husband and two young boys. She speaks Hindi, Bangla, and English. She loves to travel, cook, sing, and to spend time doing yoga and gardening.
Vinee is passionate about the empowerment, of women and the youth, and about sustainability. She believes that civic responsibility – providing for the underprivileged and underrepresented in society – is a way of balancing the scales. In order to contribute her share to this cause, she wants to enhance intercultural awareness among people who live in global cities like Hong Kong.
At Zubin Foundation, she is responsible for implementing meaningful projects aimed at benefiting young girls from ethnic minorities, focusing on their education, self-identity, and fulfillment of aspirations. She will also be actively involved in the foundation’s fundraiser.
Vinee has a Masters in Economics from Delhi School Of Economics, India and has been a data analytics professional in academia, and before that, in the financial industry. She has always been very active in community service and has worked on projects with The World Bank, GE-Community Service Fund, HKUST Sustainability, and for the Asian Migrants Credit Union in Hong Kong.
Vinee lives in Hong Kong with her husband and two young boys. She speaks Hindi, Bangla, and English. She loves to travel, cook, sing, and to spend time doing yoga and gardening.
Advisors
Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed
Advisor on Impact Measurement
Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed has extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative research, analysis and impact measurement across the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She is currently Director of Research at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), where she leads the generation of evidence-based insights to maximize private resources for doing good across 18 countries and territories in Asia. Prior to joining CAPS, Mehvesh worked in strategy consulting, for the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit at the World Bank, for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget under Mayor Bloomberg.
Mehvesh completed her graduate education at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and undergraduate education at the London School of Economics. She speaks Urdu and Hindi fluently.
Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed has extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative research, analysis and impact measurement across the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She is currently Director of Research at the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), where she leads the generation of evidence-based insights to maximize private resources for doing good across 18 countries and territories in Asia. Prior to joining CAPS, Mehvesh worked in strategy consulting, for the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit at the World Bank, for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget under Mayor Bloomberg.
Mehvesh completed her graduate education at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and undergraduate education at the London School of Economics. She speaks Urdu and Hindi fluently.