Christine Sita DaveFounder and Chairperson

Christine Sita Dave

Founder and Chairperson

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 BakerVice Chair and Board Member

Gillian Baker

Vice Chair and Board Member

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. IyerSecretary and Board Member

Dr. Lakshmi S. Iyer

Secretary and Board Member

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 NafeesBoard Member

Dr. Lubna Nafees

Board Member

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 NikbakhtBoard Member

Sharareh Nikbakht

Board Member

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.

Susan StellingBoard Member

Susan Stelling

Board Member

susan stelling

Board Member

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

Education can change the world. Becoming a member of this non-profit allows me to use the skills achieved from my own educational experience and apply them in a way that can empower young girls across the globe. I am inspired and motivated to help the young women in Odisha, India obtain a quality education. If our world seeks to achieve peace, equality, and justice it must begin with the education of young girls.

Susan Yashoda JensenBoard Member

Susan Yashoda Jensen

Board Member

Susan Yashoda Jensen

Board Member

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

I have always had a passion for service to the community, women, and children and have used the experience & wisdom gained through my yoga and meditation practice to do this. I am honoured and very proud to be a part of EDGE and am dedicated to accomplishing the goals we have set for our girls school in Odisha, India. I know the power of education and the gift this opportunity brings for girls worldwide but especially in rural India. I believe that with the help and support of generous, compassionate souls we will be able to make a difference, one girl at a time. 

Deborah PhillipsBoard Member

Deborah Phillips

Board Member

dr.Deborah Phillips

Board Member

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

I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit India on four different occasions, and I have visited several rural villages.  Nothing is more important than providing the girls with an education to help them contribute to meaningful change in their own lives and communities, and for the future of their children.

Caroline BlandBoard Member

Caroline Bland

Board Member

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.