Our Board of Directors

Board members

Our Board routinely gives their time, money, and resources to organizations fighting to help strengthen the South Asian community here in Chicago. MAFS would be nothing if it were not for their talent, fundraising, goodwill, and donations.

Dr. Firdaus Jafri, DDS President

Dr. Jafri is an accomplished dentist with her own practice in Carol Stream, IL. She is currently the President of MAFS. She also serves as a member of the Research Committee of American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American Dental Association. Her passion for humanitarian efforts, especially for Indian Americans, is manifested through her dedication to multiple organizations in order to help them achieve their goals. Dr. Jafri has brought many active members to MAFS since she joined, which has enriched MAFS with great advocacy, leadership, and insight into the problems that face immigrants.

Mr. Nikunj Baxi Vice President

Mr. Baxi has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and currently holds a managerial position at a pharmaceutical company in Chicago. His passion is social work and helping the community. Nick is a young, energetic community activist. He served as the President of Gujarati Samaj of Chicago, one of the oldest and very reputable organizations to date. He has also served as the Director for FIA and the Ribbon Foundation. Nick remains connected with the Gujarati community and continues to serve the Indian American community in various ways.

Dr. Rakesh Asthana

Secretary General

Dr. Asthana is a veterinarian by education and a retired Major of the Indian army. After having practiced for eleven years with the Indian Army, he was seconded to the Kuwaiti Army. He migrated to the US in 1993, Dr. Asthana has worked as a Cardiovascular Specialist, with various pharmaceutical companies like Parke-Davis, Pfizer, Glaxo, Novartis, Alexion and Astra Zeneca. He sits on the Board of Directors of Black Feet Volunteer Medical Corps (BVMC), which is an NGO looking after the medical needs of the Native American Blackfeet Tribe in Montana. Rakesh also volunteers his time with “Young Hearts 4 Life”, an organization screening young high school children in the US to avoid “Sudden Cardiac Death” syndrome. Rakesh firmly believes that the elderly and senior citizens in the US need our help.

Dr. Sonal N Patel, MD

Board Member

Dr. Patel is a doctor of anesthesiology and has a fellowship in pain management. She graduated with honors in 1994. She has more than 23 years of experience in the medical field. She works at St Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates where she is also the clinical director of pain management. She strongly believes in giving back to society and preserving our heritage and culture. Along with supporting MAFS, she also supports VGS and AIA organizations. She joined the board in 2017.

Mr. Sagar Kumar Treasurer

Sagar Kumar has an Industrial Engineer degree from Purdue University and received his MBA with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Leadership from Arizona State University. He worked in Honeywell Aerospace as a New Product Development Program Manager for Honeywell’s top commercial jet engine. He worked for Honeywell for 7 years before moving back to Illinois. Sagar became an active board member in late 2016. He brings a very strategic and project-based mindset to MAFS as well a more technical approach on day to day operations.

Mr. James D’Mello Board Member

Mr. D’Mello has a Master’s degree in Education from Maharashtra Mumbai, India. He started his carrier as a Math teacher. He also worked as a Customer Service Manager for Whole Foods Market. At present, he works for Wintrust Bank as a Banking Specialist. He was born in Gujarat Rajkot, India. He was the State and National champion in Soccer & Field Hockey. Mr. D’Mello found that MAFS is one of the largest institutions that provide all kinds of services to all different Religions in Good Faith and that is what made him come and join the board to give some extra time in helping fund programs and different events. He wants to help our community with all respects to all Religions and stay United as one Citizen.

Ms. Vasanti Bhatt

Board Member

Vasanti was born in Mumbai and raised in Calcutta. As a teenager, Vasanti had the opportunity to volunteer alongside Mother Teresa. Through this experience, she learned about the importance of giving back to the community. She completed a Master’s in Accounting from Calcutta University. She immigrated to the US after getting married, started working, and raised 3 wonderful kids. She currently runs her real estate company, HOME 4 U Realty. Since she was young she was passionate about selfless service and giving back which inspired her to start her own nonprofit, Vasanti Pradip Bhatt Foundation, which helps underprivileged children with basic needs and educational resources. She enjoys art, meditation, and personal development.

Dr. Monali Desai

Board Member

Dr. Desai is a gynecologist oncologist and public health professional by education. After operating and helping women with cancers for several years, she transitioned to clinical research and leads development of new safer cancer medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against cancer. Monali has held various positions in different medical associations and non-profit organizations. Her passion lies in supporting those with lesser voice such as, children who are socio-economically or physically challenged and seniors living in their new adopted countries. She has initiated scholarships in community colleges to support education of south Asian girls and those visually challenged. Monali closely watched the benefits of MAFS program on her mom’s mental and physical health and is dedicated to help all seniors age with love, grace and respect.