In today’s world, where voices often struggle to find a platform, Dr. Manju Sheth has emerged as a beacon of inspiration—bridging the worlds of medicine, media, and community leadership. A respected physician at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital, she is also a trailblazing media personality and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Her unique ability to balance healing patients with building platforms for storytelling has made her one of the most influential South Asian women leaders in America.
Manju Sheth: A Physician with a Broader Vision
Medicine has always been at the heart of Dr. Manju Sheth’s journey. Serving as a physician at Beth Israel Lahey Health and Atrius Health, she has dedicated her life to patient care, combining compassion with expertise. Yet, beyond the hospital walls, she envisioned a larger role for herself: to heal not only through medicine but also through dialogue, storytelling, and community building.
This vision led her to step into the world of media—an unconventional path for a doctor, but one that allowed her to create platforms of impact far beyond clinical practice.
Chai with Manju – Every Life Has a Story
One of Dr. Sheth’s most celebrated contributions is the groundbreaking talk show Chai with Manju: Every Life Has a Story. Launched in 2012, the show ran for a decade, spanning ten successful seasons and inspiring thousands of viewers. Unlike traditional interviews, Chai with Manju created an intimate, authentic atmosphere where celebrities, leaders, and changemakers shared their journeys over a simple cup of tea.
The guest list reads like a who’s who of global icons—spiritual leaders like Sadhguru and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, philanthropists such as Desh Deshpande and Sudha Murthy, business giants like Indra Nooyi, and political leaders including Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Joe Kennedy, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg. International artists like Neha Kakkar, Sonu Nigam, and Shreya Ghoshal also graced the show, sharing not just their careers but also their human stories.
The show was praised by leaders across industries, with many likening it to Larry King Live or NPR’s Fresh Air. Even after its conclusion in 2022, Chai with Manju remains a cultural legacy—proof that meaningful conversations can spark inspiration for generations.
Manju Sheth: Women Who Win – A Global Platform for Empowerment
In 2020, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Manju Sheth co-founded Women Who Win, a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying women’s voices across the globe. Alongside Shaleen Sheth and Dr. Deepa Jhaveri, she built a digital platform that now reaches women in more than 80 countries.
From grassroots initiatives like The Shoe Project—which provided footwear to vulnerable communities in Boston—to collaborations with institutions such as Bank of America, LinkedIn, and the Asian American Commission, Women Who Win has become a hub of empowerment. Its projects address not just professional growth but also dignity, resilience, and solidarity among women from diverse walks of life.
In January 2024, the organization published its first book, featuring 100 inspiring stories of women changemakers, with a foreword by actress and activist Shabana Azmi. Awards and recognitions quickly followed, including the Trailblazer of the Year Award by the India Association of Greater Boston and the Leadership in Women Empowerment Award by IMANE.
Leadership in Community and Beyond
Beyond media and nonprofits, Dr. Sheth has held leadership roles in prestigious organizations. She served as President of the Indian Medical Association of New England and co-chaired its Women’s Forum, championing health and empowerment for women. She also presides over the India New England Multimedia, the New England Choice Awards, and directs the annual Woman of the Year Gala, honoring outstanding achievers and role models.
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