Mala Adiga is the Policy Advisor to First Lady Jill Biden. Adiga has a distinguished background in law and public service. Her career includes serving as a senior advisor to Dr. Jill Biden and as the Director for Higher Education and Military Families at the Biden Foundation.

During the Obama administration, she held roles such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs and Director for Human Rights on the National Security Staff.

Adiga’s work focuses on education and women’s issues, aligning closely with Dr. Biden’s priorities. Indiaspora is proud to have Mala Adiga in our Government Leaders List.

Sajeel Ahmed is a distinguished leader in the U.S. Department of Defense, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Administration & Management (DA&M) With over three decades of experience, he has held pivotal roles, including Director of the Joint Service Provider at DISA, where he managed a $1 billion IT infrastructure supporting the Pentagon and various Defense Department components.

Ahmed’s career began as a systems engineer, leading significant projects like the Pentagon renovation post-9/11. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has been part of the Senior Executive Service since 2004​. Indiaspora is proud to have Sajeel Ahmed in our Global Government Leaders List.

Afreen Akhter is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. She is responsible for Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as the Office of Security and Transnational Affairs.

In her role, Akhter has actively worked to strengthen U.S. relations with these countries, emphasizing economic development, democracy, human rights, and climate change. She has commended Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in poverty reduction and highlighted the deep economic ties between the U.S. and Bangladesh during her visits​ (State.gov)​​ (TBS News)​​ (Kathmandu Post)​. Indiaspora is proud to have Afreen Akhter in our Global Government Leaders List.

Shantha Ready Alonso serves as the Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). In her role, Alonso is instrumental in fostering partnerships between federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as strengthening relationships with diverse stakeholders.

With a long-standing commitment to environmental justice, Alonso has worked on policies that enhance community engagement and uphold sustainable practices, particularly for marginalized and Indigenous communities. Her career includes over a decade of leadership in environmental advocacy, including roles in various nonprofit organizations.

Alonso’s work at the DOI reflects her dedication to inclusive policy-making and her expertise in coordinating cross-sectoral efforts for environmental and public resource stewardship. Indiaspora is proud to have Shantha Ready Alonso on our Government Leaders list.

Priyal Amin serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) at the White House as of 2024. She plays a key role in coordinating the White House’s agenda, streamlining operations, and supporting high-level decision-making processes.

Amin’s experience includes influential roles within federal agencies and advisory positions, where she focused on economic policy, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Known for her collaborative approach, she has helped implement numerous domestic policies aimed at strengthening economic resilience and advancing social equity.

Amin’s leadership and dedication to public service underscore her significant contributions to advancing the administration’s objectives across key policy areas. Indiaspora is proud to have Priyal Amin on our Government Leaders list.

Sim J. Singh Attariwala serves as Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Justice. A licensed attorney in Washington, D.C., and Florida, he previously worked as Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager at the Sikh Coalition.

Attariwala has led grassroots and national advocacy efforts against hate crimes, discrimination, and racial profiling, advising the White House, Congress, and federal agencies. He has testified before Congress, contributed to civil rights legislation, developed cultural competency training for law enforcement, and served as a commissioner to the Department of Transportation on anti-discrimination in civil aviation.

His work also includes submitting public comments for federal agencies and advising on national security and community relations policy.Indiaspora is proud to have Simranjit Attariwala in our Global Government Leaders List.

Jainey Bavishi is a distinguished expert in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. She currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator at NOAA. Previously, she led the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency, implementing strategies to prepare the city for climate impacts.

During the Obama administration, Bavishi was the Associate Director for Climate Preparedness at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Her earlier roles include Executive Director of R3ADY Asia-Pacific and Director of the Equity and Inclusion Campaign in the Gulf Coast, focusing on disaster recovery.

Bavishi holds a master’s degree in city planning from MIT and a bachelor’s degree in public policy and cultural anthropology from Duke University​. Indiaspora is proud to have Jainey Bavishi in our Global Government Leaders List.

Shailen Bhatt is the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation, overseeing the nation’s highway system with a focus on improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in December 2022, Bhatt brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He previously served as Executive Director of the Colorado and Delaware Departments of Transportation and held a senior position at AECOM, where he focused on transportation strategy.

During the Obama administration, he was the FHWA’s Associate Administrator. Bhatt is recognized for his leadership in modernizing transportation infrastructure and advocating for policies that enhance mobility and environmental sustainability, significantly shaping U.S. transportation at both state and federal levels. Indiaspora is proud to have Shailen Bhatt in our Global Government Leaders List.

Arpita Bhattacharyya is a prominent figure in the field of climate and clean energy. She currently serves as the Chief Climate Officer and Senior Advisor at the Loan Programs Office of the U.S. Department of Energy. Bhattacharyya has had an impactful career, previously leading strategic projects at Impossible Foods to market low-emission food technology and working at SunPower Corporation, where she developed commercial solar projects for major corporations.

Additionally, she has contributed to international climate partnerships at the Center for American Progress. Bhattacharyya holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA from Carleton College​ (Carleton College)​​ (Yale CBE)​​ (Clean Energy Finance Forum)​. Indiaspora is proud to have Arpita Bhattacharyya in our Global Government Leaders List.

Sourav Bhowmick is a key official at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping financial policies and overseeing economic initiatives aimed at promoting growth and stability. With a strong background in economics, finance, and public policy, Bhowmick has worked on a wide range of issues including fiscal policy, financial regulation, and economic development.

Before joining the Treasury, he gained extensive experience in economic analysis and policy development through roles in both the public and private sectors. At the Treasury, he advises senior officials and coordinates with federal agencies on critical financial matters. Bhowmick is also committed to advancing economic equity, ensuring that financial policies benefit all segments of society. His work is vital to maintaining the strength and resilience of the U.S. economy. Indiaspora is proud to have Sourav Bhowmick in our Global Government Leaders List.

Nisha Biswal serves as the Deputy CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). With a distinguished career in public service, Biswal has played pivotal roles in shaping U.S. foreign policy and international development.

She previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, where she strengthened U.S. ties with the region. Biswal also held leadership positions at USAID and the American Red Cross, focusing on humanitarian aid and global health.

Known for her expertise in economic and development issues, Biswal continues to drive impactful projects at the DFC, promoting sustainable investment in emerging markets. Indiaspora is proud to have Nisha Biswal in our Global Government Leaders List.

Amit Bose is the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), confirmed by the U.S. Senate in January 2022. His extensive career in transportation includes previous roles as Deputy Administrator, Chief Counsel, and Director of Governmental Affairs at the FRA. He also served as Associate General Counsel and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Prior to his federal service, Bose worked at New Jersey Transit and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. His achievements include overseeing safety regulations, policy development, and managing significant infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law​ (Transportation.gov)​​ (Transportation.gov)​​ (APTA)​. Indiaspora is proud to have Amit Bose in our Global Government Leaders List.

Anil “Neil” Chaudhry serves as the Associate Administrator for Planning and Analytics within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation as of 2024. In this role, Chaudhry leads critical initiatives for pipeline safety and hazardous materials management, leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance national infrastructure resilience and safety standards.

With a background in analytics, public policy, and regulatory compliance, he has played an instrumental role in modernizing safety protocols and improving risk assessment methodologies. Chaudhry’s dedication to using innovative technology and analytics ensures that PHMSA’s operations align with evolving industry standards and environmental considerations, reinforcing safety across pipelines nationwide.

His work reflects a commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence in the U.S. transportation sector. Indiaspora is proud to have Anil (Neil) Chaudhry on our Government Leaders list.

Dimple Chaudhary is the Deputy General Counsel for Nationwide Resource Protection Programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Prior to this role, she served as the Deputy Litigation Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where she played a significant role in the Flint water crisis litigation.

Chaudhary successfully advocated for the replacement of lead service lines in Flint, Michigan, securing a $97 million settlement for the city. She also pushed for the delivery of bottled water to Flint residents during the crisis.

Her extensive legal career includes representing community groups affected by environmental injustices and working as an associate at a major law firm​ (Columbia Law School)​​ (E&E News by POLITICO)​​ (Flint Beat)​​ (The News Minute)​. Indiaspora is proud to have Dimple Chaudhary in our Global Government Leaders List.

Dr. Chaudhary previously served as a Senior Executive at the U.S. Department of Transportation where he was Director of Advanced Programs and Innovation, Office of Commercial Space, at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this role, Dr. Chaudhary was responsible for the execution of advanced development and research programs in support of the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation mission. While at DOT, he also served as the Executive Director, Regions and Center Operations, where he was responsible for integration and support of aviation operations in nine regions located nationwide.
Dr. Chaudhary is a former Air Force officer and pilot, serving on active duty from 1993 to 2015. He has completed a variety of operational, engineering, and senior staff assignments in the Air Force. Dr. Chaudhary also served as a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the Obama Administration. In this role, he advised the President on executive branch efforts to improve veterans support for the AAPI community.
He holds a Doctorate specializing in Executive Leadership and Innovation from the Georgetown University D.L.S. Program, an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from St. Mary’s University as a NASA graduate fellow, an M.A. in Operational Arts and Military Science from Air University, and a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Subhan Cheema is Senior Advisor for Public Affairs, Department of Treasury. Before taking on this position he was the Communication Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy. Subhan Cheema has held several notable positions in the White House, including: Senior Advisor for Public Affairs: He provided strategic counsel on public relations and communications, shaping key policy discussions and government outreach efforts. He was also the Deputy Director of Communications: Cheema managed internal and external communications, coordinating messaging and media relations to advance the administration’s objectives. Special Assistant to the President: He supported the President in various capacities, offering policy advice and managing high-level initiatives.

His roles have significantly contributed to the administration’s public engagement and policy communication strategies.

Subhan Cheema is Senior Advisor for Public Affairs, Department of Treasury. Before taking on this position he was the Communication Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy. Subhan Cheema has held several notable positions in the White House, including: Senior Advisor for Public Affairs: He provided strategic counsel on public relations and communications, shaping key policy discussions and government outreach efforts. He was also the Deputy Director of Communications: Cheema managed internal and external communications, coordinating messaging and media relations to advance the administration’s objectives. Special Assistant to the President: He supported the President in various capacities, offering policy advice and managing high-level initiatives.

His roles have significantly contributed to the administration’s public engagement and policy communication strategies. Tarun received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow for New Americans, an M.Phil. from Oxford, where he was a Marshall Scholar, and a B.A. from Stanford.

Rachit Choksi has been appointed as Director for Oversight at the Office of the Secretary in the Department of Commerce. He had previously served as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, where he leads investigations into civil and criminal wrongdoing in the private and public sectors. Prior to this role, he served as Oversight Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, where he worked on oversight and investigations as well as nearly 20 nominations involving five cabinet level departments and seven independent agencies, including the EPA, GSA, NRC, FWS, White House CEQ, and FEMA.
Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Rachit served as Counsel to the Chairman at the Federal Maritime Commission, where he was the primary legal advisor to the head of an agency that enforces antitrust and consumer protection laws in the shipping industry. Before that, he was an APAICS Legislative Fellow for Rep. Judy Chu for whom he handled House Judiciary Committee matters. He also served as Research Assistant to the Hon. John J. Farmer, Jr., former Attorney General of New Jersey and Senior Counsel to the 9/11 Commission, for whom he conducted research and assisted with drafting of The Ground Truth. That book provided a timeline of the events on 9/11 and the events leading up to the “Underwear Bomber’s” failed attack. It also tracked implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. Between 2010 and 2014, he practiced law in New Jersey and New York. Rachit is an Aspen Institute Socrates Emerging Governance Leader and a Wilson Center Foreign Policy Fellow.

Rohit Chopra, as the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has made significant strides in protecting consumers’ financial interests. Appointed in 2021, Chopra has focused on ensuring fair practices in the financial industry, enhancing transparency, and holding corporations accountable for misconduct.

His leadership has strengthened enforcement actions against predatory lending and deceptive practices. Chopra’s prior experience as the CFPB’s Assistant Director and a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been instrumental in shaping his approach to consumer protection. His tenure at the CFPB reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting financial equity.
Chopra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Indiaspora is proud to have Rohit Chopra in our Global Government Leaders List.