In a world where success is often measured by personal achievements, Samir A Desai stands out as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership and heartfelt philanthropy. A first-generation immigrant from Gujarat, India, who carved a thriving career in the high-tech industry in the United States, Samir chose to channel his success toward a cause far greater than himself.
In 1997, driven by an unwavering desire to give back, he launched the Desai Foundation—a family initiative that has since grown into a powerful public nonprofit uplifting millions of lives across India and the U.S.
Samir A Desai: A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Hope
Samir’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and deep cultural grounding. After building a strong reputation in the technology sector, including founding Systems Resources Corporation (SRC)—a cutting-edge systems company advancing innovations in GPS, voice response, and internet-based solutions for industries like transportation, defense, and health—Samir could have simply rested on his professional laurels. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the rural villages of his homeland.
For Samir, success was never meant to be a personal finish line; it was a platform from which to elevate others. He and his wife Nilima Desai began the Desai Foundation with the belief that real, lasting change must rise from within communities themselves. Over time, the foundation transformed from a small family-led effort into a powerful engine of social change led today by their daughter Megha Desai, who serves as its dynamic President.
Mission: Empowering Women and Children with Dignity
At its heart, the Desai Foundation champions dignity, opportunity, and community-led development. It runs innovative programs across three vital pillars:
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Health: Providing access to essential health services, camps, and clinics for women and children in rural India. Over 75,000+ children have attended health camps and 333,000+ have received primary hygiene support.
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Livelihood: Offering vocational training in sewing, jewelry making, computer skills, and other trades to help women achieve financial independence and become entrepreneurs in their own right.
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Menstrual Equity: Through its renowned Asani Sanitary Napkin Program, the foundation trains local women to produce and distribute affordable sanitary products. This initiative combats stigma, ensures menstrual hygiene, and enables girls to stay in school and women to remain active at work.
These efforts are delivered directly by community members through the Heroes for Humanity program—where 70% of the local “Heroes” are women. This approach not only builds trust but also nurtures local leadership, ensuring that transformation is led by the community and for the community.
Samir A Desai: Impact That Echoes Across Generations
What began in 1997 as a small family endeavor has grown into a movement spanning eight Indian states, touching over 11 million lives, and impacting 3,400+ rural communities. The foundation has produced 9.9 million sanitary napkins, responded to 2.7 million help desk inquiries, and continues to expand with over 30 active programs.
Its success has attracted international recognition—including a 2023 visit from Hillary Clinton, who praised the foundation’s pioneering work in rural development and women’s empowerment. In 2014, Samir A Desai himself was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his outstanding contributions to philanthropy and society.
A Legacy of Service, Mentorship, and Leadership
Samir’s life extends well beyond his philanthropic achievements. He has served on the boards of institutions such as Middlesex Community College, Lasalle University, and the Peabody Essex Museum, while also contributing to policy and cultural missions—including joining John Kerry’s trade mission to India in 1992, and accompanying Bill Clinton to Gujarat in 2001 for post-earthquake relief initiatives.
He played a pivotal role in TiE-Boston as its Founding Charter Member, Board Member, and President, where he mentored budding entrepreneurs and nurtured the region’s innovation ecosystem. Even after exiting SRC, he continues to advise startups, invest in promising ventures, and run self-funded mentoring programs.
Yet, when asked about his proudest achievement, Samir points not to awards or titles, but to the millions of lives transformed through the Desai Foundation—and to the enduring values he has passed on to his family and community.
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