In a world where inequities persist across health care, education, and housing, some individuals step forward to bridge the gap between privilege and responsibility. Kalpana Bhandarkar is one such individual. With nearly two decades of experience in health care, non-profit consulting, and civic engagement, she has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities, dismantling systemic barriers, and advancing equity at every level of society.
Early Life and Education of Kalpana Bhandarkar: Foundations of Service
Raised in Suffolk County and now residing in Nassau County, Kalpana Bhandarkar grew up deeply aware of the privilege she carried and the responsibility it demanded. Her education reflects both intellectual rigor and an unwavering commitment to social justice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University, followed by dual master’s degrees—a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
These academic pursuits laid the groundwork for her to navigate both the clinical and strategic aspects of health care, as well as the financial and operational challenges of leading large organizations and advocacy groups.
Professional Journey: Bridging Health Care and Equity
Kalpana Bhandarkar’s professional career has been rooted in health care, where she has worked tirelessly to expand access for those in low-resource settings. Her leadership positions at NYC Health + Hospitals, Maimonides Medical Center, and Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center gave her the opportunity to directly impact thousands of lives, especially in communities that face structural barriers to quality care.
Her work at The Children’s Defense Fund and Manatt Health broadened her scope, allowing her to merge her advocacy for children and families with her expertise in health policy and consulting. Whether it was strategizing at the administrative level or advocating for policy reform, her mission remained the same: ensuring that every individual—regardless of race, income, or geography—has access to quality health care and the opportunity to thrive.
Kalpana Bhandarkar: Spring Bhee Advisory – Guiding Nonprofits Toward Impact
Today, Kalpana Bhandarkar serves as Principal of Spring Bhee Advisory, where she advises health care organizations and nonprofits. Her consulting spans board governance, executive coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, fundraising support, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Through Spring Bhee, she has become a trusted navigator for organizations striving to create sustainable impact. Her role is not merely advisory; it is deeply transformational. She equips leaders with the tools to strengthen governance, sharpen strategy, and ground their work in equity.
Civic Engagement and Nonprofit Leadership
Beyond her professional career, Kalpana Bhandarkar has been a passionate advocate for democracy, civic engagement, and social justice. She has participated actively in voter registration and outreach campaigns at local, state, and national levels, ensuring that communities who are often left unheard gain a voice in shaping their futures.
Her leadership extends into the nonprofit sector, where she serves on the boards of three influential organizations:
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ERASE Racism – A civil rights organization advancing fair housing and educational equity across New York State.
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Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy – A child advocacy group committed to advancing policies for low-income families.
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She Is the Universe – A global leadership development initiative empowering teenage girls.
As Co-Chair of ERASE Racism, she has played a vital role in pushing forward groundbreaking fair housing legislation and developing youth leadership programs that equip the next generation to challenge structural racism.
Philanthropy and Global Vision
Her philanthropic spirit extends internationally as well. Kalpana Bhandarkar and her family support Akshaya Patra USA, a nonprofit that provides mid-day meals to millions of schoolchildren in India. She has personally visited one of their kitchens, witnessing firsthand how the simple act of feeding children enables them to learn, grow, and dream without the burden of hunger.
Akshaya Patra’s mission resonates deeply with her belief that social justice begins with meeting basic needs and then empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Leadership Philosophy: Service as a Responsibility
When asked what inspires her, Kalpana Bhandarkar points to the privilege of her upbringing. “I grew up very privileged and have been the beneficiary of good fortune. That privilege—and the hard work of my parents and ancestors—would be wasted if I didn’t convert it into service toward others.”
For her, service is not an option; it is a duty. Whether addressing health inequities, advocating for child welfare, or fighting systemic racism, she sees her work as a direct response to injustices that deny people the right to live healthy, dignified lives.
Inspiring the Next Generation
To young professionals, Kalpana Bhandarkar offers powerful advice: “First, figure out what you’re passionate about. What in your lived or professional experience helps drive that passion? Where do you see unmet need or injustices that you want to contribute to? Once you define that, you can find opportunities that align with your passion and preferences. Do the thought work before you dive in, so that you can be intentional and sustain your commitment.”
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