There are individuals whose life’s work reverberates far beyond personal success, echoing through generations and reshaping communities. Preeti Hari Nandanar is one such remarkable force. As the inaugural CEO of Aarti for Girls Inc., a U.S.-based nonprofit supporting the transformative work of Aarti India, Preeti’s journey is a powerful testament to passion, purpose, and unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives.
Preeti Hari Nandanar: A Legacy Rooted in Compassion
The seeds of Preeti Hari Nandanar’s lifelong mission were planted in her formative years. Growing up, she watched in awe as her grandmother devoted herself to championing literacy for underserved girls and women in India. What may have seemed like small efforts—teaching a girl to write her name or helping a woman read a bus sign—ignited a spark in young Preeti that would shape the course of her life.
Those humble beginnings left an indelible mark. The idea that education could be a lifeline, a gateway out of poverty, and a source of dignity and opportunity stayed with her. It wasn’t just a cause—it became her calling.
A Journey from Finance to Fulfilment
Before embracing her most impactful role yet, Preeti Hari Nandanar built an illustrious career in financial services. With over 15 years of experience, she held key positions in investment banking at global giants like JP Morgan and Citi. The fast-paced, high-stakes world of finance sharpened her analytical mind and honed her leadership skills, preparing her for the complex challenges of nonprofit leadership.
But Preeti’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2017, driven by a creative spark and entrepreneurial spirit, Preeti Hari Nandanar launched her own fashion label. For six years, she ran a successful business, merging aesthetics with vision, and proving that her talents extended far beyond numbers and balance sheets.
Yet, even amidst success, Preeti knew her heart belonged to a deeper purpose.
Coming Full Circle with Aarti for Girls
For over 30 years, Preeti Hari Nandanar remained a loyal supporter of Aarti India. Her connection to the organization began in 1992, when she first visited the modest two-room shelter that was the organization’s humble beginning. She recalls the warmth, the smiles, and the quiet determination of the children she met. That encounter left a lasting impression.
Now, decades later, Preeti Hari Nandanar stands at the helm of Aarti for Girls Inc. as its inaugural CEO. Her mission is simple but powerful—to enable Aarti to do more of what they do best: educate and empower girls.
“It is not often one gets the opportunity to work at an organization that inspired your impressionable teen self,” Preeti shares. “For that, I am truly grateful.”
Her leadership is not about titles or accolades. It is about impact. Preeti is committed to expanding the reach of Aarti’s work, helping more girls access quality education and empowering them to take charge of their futures. By breaking the cycle of poverty, Aarti is not just changing individual lives—it is reshaping communities and inspiring a generation of changemakers.
A Vision of Empowerment, A Call to Action
At its core, Preeti’s role is that of an enabler, fueling the engine of change that Aarti represents. Preeti Hari Nandanar bridges the world of resources and need, ensuring that the support mobilised in the U.S. translates into real opportunities on the ground in India.
But she also sees her role as a storyteller—shining a light on the untold narratives of courage, resilience, and triumph that emerge from Aarti’s campuses every day.
“The smiles are still the same,” she says, remembering the children from her first visit. “And that is the greatest testament to Aarti’s mission—to educate, to uplift, to empower.”
Also Read : Rajat Jay Sehgal: Empowering Rural Communities Through Service and Innovation