Doing Philanthropy eBay-style: GlobalGiving

Have you ever written a check for a charity and wondered, "Where is this money going? Is it really doing anything? " GlobalGiving takes the mystery out of international philanthropy by connecting donors with high-impact projects all around the world. Donors visit GlobalGiving’s website and choose from among a variety of pre-screened charity projects. The leaders of the projects submit updates, so donors can see how their money is making a difference. As an online marketplace for legitimate charity projects, GlobalGiving has been dubbed the "eBay of international philanthropy." One of the people who helps keep this marketplace operating is Saima Zaman, 29, a Program Officer at GlobalGiving. [+]

May 19, 2008 | The DesiConnect

Tasty Music, Hold the Instruments: About Penn Masala

Penn Masala, the world's first Hindi a cappella group, was formed in 1996 by a group of students at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, the group has performed throughout the USA, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC (at the Kennedy Center with A.R. Rahman). Internationally, the group has performed in Toronto, London, Mumbai, and Kolkata. [+]

May 18, 2008 | The DesiConnect

Funding the "Revolution": Boston Women's Fund

Many community-based organizations strive arduously to promote social and economic justice and empower disadvantaged groups such as the poor and the disabled. At the end of the day, though, creating a social-change revolution takes money. And in the Boston region, one nonprofit organization, the Boston Women’s Fund, is in the business of doling out dollars to "fund the revolution." BWF raises money from donors and awards grants to area organizations that work with women and girls to promote social change. It also has a few programs of its own, including Young Sisters for Justice in Philanthropy, which teaches young women about. [+]

March 9, 2008 | The AsiaConnect

Turning Dreams Into Reality: Chief Inspiration Officer Suparna Bhasin

Sometimes it's difficult to figure out what to do with your life. Or, if you do know what your life's passion is, you don't know what concrete steps to take to turn your dreams into reality. That's where Chief Inspiration Officer Suparna Bhasin, 35, of Passion Into Practice comes to the rescue. She and the company provide clients with coaching services that follow a proven methodology to help people transform their lives and align their careers with their passions. In addition to delivering services to clients, Suparna also makes strategic decisions about how to expand the company. [+]

March 9, 2008 | The DesiConnect

Ending Domestic Violence: Sakhi for South Asian Women

Domestic violence against women is an unfortunate reality in South Asian immigrant communities. Often, it can be a taboo subject shrouded in silence. Since 1989, however, the organization Sakhi for South Asian Women has been working to end violence against women of South Asian heritage, particularly those who reside in the New York metropolitan area. It offers a safe place for support and provides women with culturally sensitive information, services, and advocacy in multiple languages. The organization also strives to inform and mobilize South Asian immigrant communities to change attitudes that fuel violence against women. All this important work occurs under the leadership of Executive Director Purvi Shah, 34, who juggles responsibilities ranging from fundraising to strategic planning to staff supervision. To learn more about Sakhi and Purvi, check out this week's Nonprofit Spotlight.. [+]

March 9, 2008 | The DesiConnect

An Eye for Style and a Mind for Business: Phnewfula and The Red Lemon Store

A company merger isn't exactly an inspiration point for most, but for Phnewfula it was the perfect opportunity. She was working at MCA records when it went through a merger, which provided her with about a month of downtime. She decided to utilize the time and pursue her plan of opening a clothing store. Instead of going out and looking for real estate for her store, Phnewfula started a website. Her innovative approach is what made her business a success. The Red Lemon Store is a one stop shopping destination with. [+]

February 9, 2008 | The AfricanaConnect

Business Boy Wonder & Advisor William Choi

During his time as an entrepreneur, William Choi learned from experience that even people with a high degree of business acumen still need a "right-hand man" to give them trusted advice that will take their companies to the next level. With that realization, William, 32, founded CB Williams Business Advisors Group, which provides firms with the wise counsel they need to be successful. He assists businesses that include start-ups, companies in distress, and firms that want to expand. [+]

February 9, 2008 | The AsiaConnect