Christine Sita Dave,

Founder and Chairperson

Why did you create this nonprofit?

I wanted to support the dreams and education of rural village girls in Odisha, India. I am building on the legacy of education that my father and his co-founder created when they established this girl’s school in 2011.  I believe the education of these female students is a key component to improve the lives of their generations, community and nation.

Gillian Baker

Vice Chair and Board Member

Why did you choose to become a member of this non-profit?

I love the opportunity to work on behalf of this organization to enhance the lives of young women in India.   Enabling the girls in the villages surrounding Odisha, India to obtain an education will empower them to grow into strong women.  My passion for community and education are fulfilled with through the mission of this organization.

Dr. Lakshmi S. Iyer

Secretary and Board Member

Why did you choose to become a member of this nonprofit?

Advancing women’s education has always been my passion. The “Women in Information Technology (IT)” initiative I founded in 2009 and the “Innovate for Social good” started in 2018 both focus on increasing underrepresented students’ education and career opportunities in computing/IT

Dr. Lubna Nafees

Board Member

Why did you choose to become a member of this nonprofit?

Educating women is to empower women which in turns strengthens society. Such is the need of the hour globally and all the more so in India. This is a cause close to my heart and I make an effort to contribute to it in my little way and joining this organisation is part of that effort.

Sharareh Nikbakht

Board Member

Why did you choose to become a member of this nonprofit?

I am very passionate about the Sustainability and Environmental issues. One of the pillars of Sustainability is Social Justice. Without providing equal opportunities for everyone to get educated and grow, we will not have sustainable communities. I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.

Rev. Melanie Childers

board member

Director of Pastoral Care at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC.

Educating girls is crucial for justice, for equality, and for the future of our planet. Women think differently and develop different types of solutions to the problems our world is facing. Educated women lead their communities in bold and empowered ways. I am thrilled to contribute to the education of girls in and around Odisha, India, through EDGE.

Caroline Bland

Board Member

Why did you choose to become a member of this nonprofit?

I hope to become a clinical social worker one day and have always had a huge passion for social justice and empowering others. Being a part of this organization has allowed me to reflect on how thankful I am for the education I am receiving and inspired me to help the young women in India be able to have the same opportunity. I look forward to watching these young women grow into strong successful individuals and to continue to raise awareness for women's education.