In a world where meaningful change demands more than good intentions, Sejal Desai, a true education advocate, stands tall as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. With a career that seamlessly blends corporate strategy and social innovation, Desai has become a transformative force in both the United States and India, touching countless lives through education, philanthropy, and community engagement.
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Sejal Desai’s journey began amidst a vibrant culture and a deeply rooted belief in the power of education. From her early days at Jamnabai Narsee School to earning her Chartered Accountancy and B.Com from the University of Mumbai, her academic foundation was laid with excellence and ambition. These early years cultivated a sense of duty that would later drive her global mission: to bridge communities and uplift the underserved through knowledge and opportunity.
Sejal Desai: A Multifaceted Career That Defies Boundaries
With over 30 years of professional experience, Sejal Desai’s path is nothing short of extraordinary. Her career spans venture capital, M&A, accounting, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility. Each chapter of her journey reflects a relentless pursuit of purpose.
After honing her skills at Ernst & Young and STARTech Early Ventures, Sejal moved into roles that blended business acumen with social good. As Director at Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), she led strategic initiatives that connected businesses to their communities in meaningful ways. Here, she wasn’t just building partnerships—she was fostering a culture of empathy in the corporate world.
But her ambitions didn’t stop there. Desai founded SevaYatra, a social enterprise connecting U.S.-based students and professionals with Indian NGOs. Through immersive service-learning trips, SevaYatra introduced participants to India’s grassroots realities while strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem on the ground. It was this initiative that further solidified her legacy as an innovator who bridges continents, ideologies, and hearts.
Leading with Compassion at Akanksha Education Fund
In 2021, Sejal Desai took the helm as the Executive Director of the Akanksha Education Fund (AEF), a U.S.-based nonprofit supporting high-quality education for underserved children in India. Her appointment was not merely symbolic—it was a decisive step in AEF’s evolution.
With her deep roots in Mumbai and her extensive networks in the U.S., Desai was uniquely poised to guide AEF’s mission forward. Under her leadership, Akanksha has strengthened its commitment to providing access to best-in-class education for children in low-income communities across Mumbai and Pune. The foundation currently supports 21 transformative schools that are redefining what’s possible for students born into disadvantage.
As Board Chair Ramesh Srinivasan aptly noted, “Sejal’s combined roots in Dallas and Mumbai are perfect for this moment in the organization’s growth.” And indeed, she has risen to the occasion—amplifying Akanksha’s voice, expanding its donor base, and deepening its impact.
An Advocate for Philanthropy and Women’s Empowerment
Beyond education, Sejal Desai’s work reflects a passionate commitment to women’s empowerment, hunger relief, and philanthropic engagement. She has supported countless individuals and families in navigating their giving journeys, helping them align their values with impactful actions. Whether advising high-net-worth donors or grassroots changemakers, she brings clarity, integrity, and compassion to every conversation.
As co-chair of the Steering Committee of India Giving Day and a former leader at the American India Foundation’s Dallas Fort Worth Leadership Council, Sejal has been instrumental in promoting diaspora engagement in social causes. Her work is not transactional—it is transformational, rooted in the belief that giving is not just an act, but a way of life.
An Inspired and Inspirational Global Citizen
Sejal Desai’s academic pursuits are as diverse as her career. Sejal Desai holds an MBA in Marketing and General Business from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master’s in Liberal Studies with a focus on Arts and Cultural Traditions from Southern Methodist University. In 2021, she further refined her leadership through the Stagen Leadership Academy’s Social Change Leadership Program.
Her educational journey is a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning, a quality she hopes to instill in the children and communities she serves. As a passionate and engaged citizen of both the U.S. and India, Sejal embodies the idea that borders are not barriers—they are bridges waiting to be built.
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