Sowjanya started TN Job Skills Development Center, Tirunelveli, an initiative honoring her father and mentor, who dedicated his twilight years to helping youngsters improve language skills. Director JSDC, Co-Director of SkillsCommons (USA)-Tamil Nadu Program in India, Academic Consultant Tilak Vidyalaya, Visiting faculty at Sri Sarada College, Tirunelveli.

An eminent sociologist, social worker, and a counselor. She is a recipient of Fulbright Hayes award from US Department of Education. As Co-director of Cambodia Study Abroad program, at Northern Illinois University, Prof. Westman travels to Cambodia every year to teach. She played a key role in creating the MSW program at Sri Sarada College Tirunelveli.

Holds a PhD in Political Science from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in communications, USA. A recipient of several Fulbright awards, he has taught in several countries. Prof. Paul has extensive training in learning outcomes and assessment.

Professor Powers teaches History at Waubonsee Community College, USA. When she teaches World History she has a chance to share the rich cultural heritage of India with her students. She loves History and loves languages and is excited to help others learn English and some Tamil too!

Dr. Ortiz, Ed.D. (she/ella) serves as Dean for Faculty Development and Engagement (FDAE) at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois, United States of America. She is an equity-minded, bilingual (English/Spanish), comprehensive community college leader, educator and administrator, who is passionate about education, social justice, and holistic faculty and student success through inclusive teaching and learning excellence.

A software engineer turned entrepreneur in the travel industry. Hailing from a family of aviation enthusiasts, he started Globe Travels and Yatra in the USA. In 2019, he competed against 35,000 toastmasters around the world and was one of 12 semi-finalist in the 'World Championship of public speaking'. In addition to being a fine orator, he is a magician and volunteer musician at local hospitals.

A commerce graduate, who is well versed in the principles of accounting. She adds color to the classes, by providing fun filled sessions for students and the 'go to person' for all things JSDC. Gayathri is hands on in farming techniques and spends her spare time volunteering at her local community.

Gerry Hanley, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of MERLOT and SkillsCommons, a free and open online library for teaching and learning in higher education and workforce development. He is also the Professor Emeritus of Psychology at California State University, Long Beach.

Shalini is a graduate in English Literature from Valliyoor. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in English literature. As part of JSDC team, she is working as a Case Coordinator providing career guidance at Tilak Vidyalaya, Kalladaikuruchi. Shalini loves teaching English, and very popular among Kallani High School students, where she volunteers.

35 yrs in Information Technology Consulting, Transition, Transformation & Applications Development with leading IT Services companies like IBM, EDS & Cognizant Technology Solutions. Holds a postgraduate degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science.

Building an Analytics and Digital- Engagement, Execution, Education – strategy are some of the few key areas SKY has worked on. He teaches Business Context as part of our TARA IT team and has been instrumental in strengthening the program.

A marathon runner, a community volunteer, Lead mentor for TiE.

Tarun is a Senior Information Security Management Professional. With a strategic mind and a proactive approach, Tarun partners with organizations to craft a performance-based, customer-centric, and risk-driven Information Security Department.
Tarun’s educational journey includes a Master’s in Computer/Information/Network Security from DePaul University, a Master’s in Science with Geographic Information Systems from Northern Illinois University, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Franklin University.
His certifications include PMP®, CRISC®, CISSP®, CISA®, and CISM®.
Outside the office, Tarun’s hobbies keep him balanced and energized. He’s a runner, a yoga enthusiast, and an avid reader. Whether he’s negotiating contracts, forming strategic partnerships, or overseeing complex projects, Tarun brings insight and versatility to everything he does..

Subbu Lakshmi is a graduate in English Literature, currently pursuing her master’s in English. She got trained by our TIPP program and is now assisting as a bilingual translator and teacher with TIPP USA. In addition, she is serving as a Case Coordinator providing career guidance at Tilak Vidyalaya, Kalladaikuruchi, to middle and high school students.

Data Scientist from IIT Mumbai. Works in Credit Risk Analysis. She returned to India in 2021 from UK where she worked in the banking sector. She currently works at Kalediofin, a fintech providing financial solutions to people to underserved segments of community. Her interests are gardening, music and she is a cruciverbalist.

Mamata Kadimcherla, a teacher with 14 Years of experience in Indian School Muscat, Oman. She believes ‘Learning should be fun and simplified'. She creates a friendly and approachable environment for students to understand and develop reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. Mamata holds a degree in English and Education. She actively participates in Toastmasters Gavel club.

After securing his graduate degree in Physics at R K Mission Swami Vivekananda college, Chennai, Venkat Kalakkad completed his graduation in Computer Science and Engineering at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Venkat's stint in India includes being part of team AT CDAC, Bangalore that created the first parallel machine to enable self reliance in supercomputing. He was part of parallel debugger team. Post 1997, his stint in US includes engineering roles in wireless domain Motorola and now as senior data scientist at Optum. Venkat's current interests include learning and teaching about data science. With his experience he is keen to prepare next generation of data scientists.

Hema is an IT Project Manager in the USA, who also teaches yoga. She is passionate about giving back to the community and empowering women to become self-sufficient. She volunteers with Namaste Florida, and teaches English for JSDC in weekends.

Mariette started her career as a newscaster for All India Radio in the 1970s and then held several management positions in Walmart, Sears, Best Buy, and Canadian Tires before retiring last year. She now volunteer teaches for English for TIPP.

Kavita is a Software Engineer at Unique Force Technology Solutions, Chennai. She played a major role in the development of websites for Connemara library, Chennai and JSDC, Tirunelveli. She served in the Board of Studies (Dept. of Computer Applications), Sarada College, Tirunelveli in evaluating and accrediting college program. Currently Kavita is part of the TARA team, developing Innovations Project, focusing on imparting technology skills among rural graduates. She spends her spare time in reading, writing and learning new technology.

Executive Director (Mobile Business Group) Asia Pacific and managing Director (Motorola Mobility) India. Volunteers his time and efforts teaching Spoken English to our students from STEM fields on Sundays. He is a deep thinker, enjoys spending time with family.

Dani Fischer teaches Biology at Waubonsee Community College, Illinois, United States for the last eighteen years. With a master's in Entomology, she teaches Introduction to Biology, Environmental Biology, and Principles of Biology. She loves learning in general, but she likes to learn most about science, specifically invertebrate animals.
In her time outside of school, she spends time with her husband, and pets. She likes to knit, crochet, read, and make diamond paintings. Also enjoys traveling and have traveled India.

Anuradha is a university rank holder and gold medalist in literature. In addition, she has completed Leadership Development Certificate offered by Coursera (Northern University, USA), and is pursuing her Certificate Course in Professional Voice. Anuradha runs her own business and is a JSDC volunteer teacher.