Our story
Asha Foundation, founded in 2017 and officially registered as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in 2018, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities and their families. The name Asha is derived from the Sanskrit word for "hope" or "faith," embodying the foundation’s core belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves a future filled with opportunity, empowerment, and community.
Asha Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization, relying on the dedication and passion of its volunteers to carry out its mission. The foundation provides a range of services and programs designed to enrich the lives of individuals with diverse abilities, offering resources, advocacy, and support for families navigating the challenges of disability.
With its focus on inclusion, empowerment, and growth, Asha Foundation works tirelessly to create environments where individuals with diverse abilities are not only supported but celebrated. The foundation’s impact continues to grow, thanks to the commitment of its volunteers and supporters who believe in its mission and the power of faith in every individual’s potential.
EIN: 83-0937947
Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3)
Board of Directors
Anjali Shroff, Founder & President
Anjali Shroff is a compassionate and dedicated leader, known for her work with Asha Foundation, where she serves as the president. In her role, she oversees the organization's management, ensuring that its mission and policies, set forth by the Board, are carried out with passion and precision. Anjali is deeply committed to the empowerment and enrichment of individuals with diverse abilities, and her leadership reflects a belief that everyone has the potential to grow and succeed, provided they are loved, heard, and accepted for who they are.
Anjali lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her supportive husband, two children, and a beautiful dog. Her personal life is also enriched by her 23-year-old son, who has autism and exemplifies the values of compassion and community by always being ready to help his fellow friends.
Abhinaya Panneer Selvam, Vice President
I am Abhinayaa Panneer Selvam, brought up in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Studied and worked at Chennai before moving to the US. A happy mom, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law who is elated to travel, exploring different cultures, cuisines, and loves photography and painting. My husband Sai & I are the proud parents of Aadhav, and he is the wind beneath our wings! He also happens to have Down Syndrome.
"I am thrilled to be a part of Asha Foundation, as this gives me an opportunity to work with families and bring them together as a community for nurturing inclusion and fostering acceptance in society. Together, we can promote inclusion, raise awareness and acceptance
Mohammad Anwar, Treasurer
Anwar Mohammed has been a resident of the Triangle area for nearly 25 years. He currently works in Research Triangle PARK (RTP) as a Director for an nonprofit research institute, which is dedicated to improving the human conditions. He resides in Cary with his family, including his son, who was diagnosed with autism. Anwar is deeply committed to supporting individuals with diverse abilities and serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Asha Foundation. In his role at Asha Foundation, Anwar brings valuable financial expertise and a strong dedication to the mission of promoting inclusion and empowerment for individuals with diverse abilities. Outside of his professional and volunteer roles, Anwar enjoys exploring his creative side through music, art, and painting. He also treasures spending quality time with his family, embracing the joy of togetherness and the beauty of life's simple moments.
Swathi Voora
Swathi Voora is an IT professional working for a non-profit organization. She has been involved with Asha since the inception of the organization. Swathi is a proud mother of 2 children. Aarthi, who is very social with everyone has an Intellectual Disability. She believes that working with special abilities children and adults is an opportunity to learn and break free from stereotypes. Swathi truly enjoys spending time with the talented and loving children and families of ASHA and has forged lifelong friendships with them. She feels that the loving and nurturing environment has helped her in making her a happier person. Swathi is looking forward to more involvement so that she can add value to Asha to the best of her abilities