Sonali Nijhawan serves as the Director of AmeriCorps State and National, a vital role within the Corporation for National and Community Service. In this role, she leads initiatives aimed at strengthening communities through national service and volunteerism. Nijhawan has a proven track record in nonprofit management and community engagement, previously holding leadership positions in various organizations focused on education, youth development, and social equity.

Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have significantly expanded AmeriCorps programs, enhancing their impact across the United States. Known for her dedication to empowering individuals and fostering civic responsibility, Nijhawan continues to advocate for the transformative power of service in addressing critical societal challenges. Indiaspora is proud to have Sonali Nijhawan on our Government Leaders list.

Suyash Paliwal is the Director of the Office of International Affairs at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping U.S. policy on global financial markets. With extensive expertise in international finance and regulatory affairs, Paliwal is responsible for fostering international cooperation and ensuring that U.S. derivatives markets remain competitive and resilient.

His career includes significant contributions to regulatory frameworks and engagement with international counterparts to promote sound practices in trading and market oversight. Paliwal’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating complex global challenges, enhancing the CFTC’s role in international regulatory dialogues, and advancing initiatives that uphold market integrity and investor protection.Indiaspora is proud to have Suyash Paliwal on our Government Leaders list.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BS and MBA in 2002, and obtained a JD from Columbia Law School in 2010.

Jagadeesh Pamulapati serves as the Director of the Laboratories and Personnel Office at the Department of Defense (DOD). In this role, he oversees the strategic direction and management of various defense laboratories, ensuring that they meet the research and development needs of the U.S. military.

Pamulapati is dedicated to advancing scientific innovation and fostering a highly skilled workforce to support national security objectives. His career has been marked by significant contributions to technology transfer and collaboration between military and civilian sectors.

With a strong background in engineering and leadership, he has played a key role in enhancing the DOD’s capabilities through effective personnel management and laboratory operations. Indiaspora is proud to have Jagadeesh Pamulapati on our Government Leaders list.

Kaschit Pandya serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the agency’s information technology strategy and ensuring that technology initiatives effectively support IRS operations and taxpayer services.

With a background in cybersecurity and data management, Pandya has led efforts to modernize IRS systems and enhance digital services, improving the taxpayer experience. Before joining the IRS, he held various leadership positions in both public and private sectors, where he implemented innovative technology solutions.

His commitment to leveraging technology for operational efficiency has positioned the IRS to better serve the needs of American taxpayers in an evolving digital landscape. Indiaspora is proud to have Kaschit Pandya on our Government Leaders list.

Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan serves as the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), leading the agency in its mission to promote scientific advancement and innovation across the United States. Appointed in 2020, he has championed initiatives to enhance STEM education, broaden participation in scientific research, and advance technology development.

Prior to his role at NSF, Panchanathan held various leadership positions at Arizona State University, where he focused on research, engineering, and technology transfer. His commitment to diversity and inclusion in science and engineering has been a hallmark of his career, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Under his leadership, the NSF continues to drive transformative research and foster partnerships to address pressing societal challenges.

Panch earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Madras in Physics, then received a B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Indian Institue of Science in Bangalore. He completeted his M.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in Electrical Engineering, and received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Ottowa in Canada. Indiaspora is proud to have Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan on our Government Leaders list.

Shreeya G. Panigrahi serves as a Policy Advisor at the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC), where she plays a crucial role in shaping domestic policy initiatives. With a focus on equitable access to education and social justice, Panigrahi works to develop strategies that address pressing national issues. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in both governmental and non-governmental organizations, where she successfully advocated for policies benefiting underserved communities.

Panigrahi holds degrees in public policy and law, equipping her with a robust understanding of the complexities of governance. Her commitment to fostering inclusive policies and her strategic approach to collaboration have made her an influential voice in the administration’s efforts to create positive change across the nation.Indiaspora is proud to have Shreeya G. Panigrahi on our Government Leaders list.

Chirag R. Parikh serves as the Executive Secretary of the National Space Council at the White House (EOP). In this role, he oversees the coordination and implementation of U.S. space policy, working closely with federal agencies, industry leaders, and international partners to advance the nation’s strategic interests in space exploration and security. Parikh has played a crucial role in initiatives related to commercial space development and space sustainability, advocating for innovative policies that enhance U.S. leadership in the space domain.

With a background in aerospace engineering and public policy, he combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of governance. His leadership is instrumental in navigating the complexities of an evolving space landscape, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in space exploration. Indiaspora is proud to have Chirag R. Parikh on our Government Leaders list.

Vedant Patel is the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, marking a historic milestone as the first Indian-American to hold the daily press briefing.

Previously, he served as an Assistant Press Secretary and Spokesperson at the White House under President Biden. Patel played key roles during the Biden-Harris transition and the Presidential Inaugural Committee. His career includes serving as Communications Director for Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Mike Honda, and as a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee.

Patel’s work on the Biden 2020 presidential campaign further established his reputation for clear communication and professionalism. Indiaspora is proud to have Vedant Patel in our Government Leaders List.

Dr. Arati Prabhakar serves as the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, playing a pivotal role in advising the U.S. government on science, technology, and innovation policies. With a distinguished career spanning both public and private sectors, she brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Her leadership is marked by a commitment to harnessing scientific advancements to address societal challenges, fostering innovation, and promoting technological development for national security and economic growth. Indiaspora is proud to have Dr. Arati Prabhakar in our Global Government Leaders List.

Gautam Raghavan serves as the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, within the Biden administration. With a career rooted in public service and advocacy, Raghavan has made significant contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion within the federal government.

Before his current position, he was the Deputy Director of the Office, where he played a key role in staffing senior government positions with individuals reflecting America’s rich diversity. Raghavan’s previous experiences include serving as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and as an advisor in the Obama White House, focusing on LGBTQ+ issues.

His dedication to civil rights and equality has been a consistent theme throughout his career. Indiaspora is proud to have Gautam Raghavan in our Global Government Leaders List.

Akhil V. Rajan serves as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House (EOP). In this role, he plays a key part in shaping and implementing domestic policies, focusing on economic development, health care, and social equity. Rajan’s strategic insights and collaborative approach have made him an invaluable asset in navigating complex legislative issues and fostering partnerships across various government agencies.

With a background in public policy and law, he combines analytical rigor with practical solutions to address pressing national challenges. His dedication to advancing inclusive policies reflects a commitment to enhancing the well-being of all Americans, positioning him as a vital contributor to the administration’s agenda. Indiaspora is proud to have Akhil V. Rajan on our Government Leaders list.

Sreeniva Ramaswamy serves as the Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, he provides strategic guidance on a wide range of economic policies, focusing on enhancing trade, innovation, and economic development.

Ramaswamy’s expertise in data analysis and policy formulation has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote competitiveness and inclusivity within the U.S. economy. With a strong background in public policy and economics, he collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including federal agencies and private sector partners, to implement effective policies.

His commitment to driving sustainable growth and fostering equitable opportunities reflects his dedication to improving the economic landscape for all Americans. Indiaspora is proud to have Sreeniva Ramaswamy on our Government Leaders list.

Dr. Vic S. Ramdass serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Materiel Readiness at the U.S. Department of Defense. In this critical role, he oversees policies and programs that ensure the readiness and sustainability of military equipment and logistics. Dr. Ramdass brings extensive experience in defense acquisition and systems engineering, having previously held various leadership positions within the Department of Defense.

He is known for his expertise in optimizing supply chain management and enhancing operational efficiency, significantly contributing to the Department’s mission readiness. With a commitment to innovation and technological advancement, Dr. Ramdass actively promotes initiatives that enhance the United States’ defense capabilities, ensuring that military forces are well-equipped and prepared for future challenges. Indiaspora is proud to have Dr. Vic S. Ramdass on our Government Leaders list.

Asad Ramzanali serves as the Chief of Staff at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). In this influential role, he plays a pivotal part in shaping national science and technology policies that drive innovation and address critical challenges facing the nation.

With a background in public policy and technology management, Ramzanali has previously held various leadership positions in both government and private sectors, where he focused on fostering collaboration between scientific communities and policymakers. His expertise lies in leveraging science and technology to inform decision-making and improve public welfare.

A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, he is dedicated to promoting equitable access to scientific education and resources across the United States. Indiaspora is proud to have Asad Ramzanali on our Government Leaders list.

Arun Rao serves as the Director of the Consumer Protection Branch in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he plays a pivotal role in safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices. In this capacity, he leads initiatives to investigate and prosecute cases involving deceptive marketing, product safety violations, and antitrust issues.

Rao’s career has been marked by his commitment to enhancing consumer rights and promoting fair competition, contributing to a safer marketplace for all Americans. He has also been involved in various outreach efforts, educating consumers about their rights and the importance of reporting fraudulent activities. With a strong legal background and a focus on consumer advocacy, Rao continues to make a significant impact in his field. Indiaspora is proud to have Arun Rao on our Government Leaders list.

Rahul Rao serves as the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In this role, he oversees the enforcement of antitrust laws, ensuring fair competition in the marketplace and protecting consumers from anti-competitive practices. Rao’s career is marked by significant contributions to shaping policy and regulatory frameworks that promote competition and innovation across various industries.

Prior to his appointment, he held key positions in both the public and private sectors, where he gained expertise in antitrust litigation and economic analysis. His commitment to maintaining a competitive marketplace has been instrumental in advancing the FTC’s mission of promoting consumer welfare and fostering a dynamic economy. Indiaspora is proud to have Rahul Rao on our Government Leaders list.

Nagesh Rao serves as the Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In this role, he is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers by providing access to resources, expertise, and innovative solutions.

Rao has played a significant role in expanding the MEP’s outreach, helping small and medium-sized enterprises improve productivity, adopt new technologies, and navigate challenges in the evolving manufacturing landscape. With a background in engineering and extensive experience in federal service, he has been instrumental in promoting advanced manufacturing initiatives and fostering collaboration between industry and government.

Rao’s leadership is vital in driving economic growth and strengthening the manufacturing sector in the United States. Indiaspora is proud to have Nagesh Rao on our Government Leaders list.

Sai Rao serves as the Trading and Markets Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this role, he provides critical legal guidance on regulatory matters related to trading practices and market structure. Rao’s expertise includes overseeing compliance with securities laws, evaluating proposed regulations, and addressing emerging issues in the financial markets.

His career is distinguished by a commitment to enhancing market integrity and protecting investors, fostering a fair and efficient marketplace. Prior to his position at the SEC, Rao held various roles in both government and private sectors, where he gained extensive experience in securities regulation and financial law.

His contributions have been instrumental in shaping effective policies within the trading and markets division. Indiaspora is proud to have Sai Rao on our Government Leaders list.

Devesh Raval serves as the Deputy Director for Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Known for his dedication to safeguarding consumer rights, Raval plays a pivotal role in leading the FTC’s enforcement efforts against deceptive practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.

With a background in economics and regulatory policy, he brings deep expertise to the commission, guiding initiatives that address issues ranging from data privacy to fraud prevention. Raval’s efforts have significantly impacted consumer protection policies, focusing on emerging digital challenges and enhancing transparency for consumers.

His contributions underscore his commitment to advancing a fair, competitive, and consumer-friendly marketplace. Indiaspora is proud to have Devesh Raval on our Government Leaders list.