Community connection with a clear purpose

Sheetal is a business owner, co-founder of Desi Divas and a natural connector who believes in the power of people, relationships and shared opportunities.

Positive, encouraging and highly sociable, particularly amongst the Gujarati community, Sheetal has an extensive network of contacts across a wide range of social and professional circles. She is passionate about bringing people together, sharing opportunities and creating connections that can have a positive impact.

Sheetal was integral to the formation of Desi Divas, helping turn an idea into a reality. Alongside her fellow co-founders, she has helped shape the organisation’s vision and bring people together around causes that matter.

Known for her warm personality and ability to encourage others, Sheetal brings positivity and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is actively involved in various social groups and enjoys building new relationships, exchanging ideas and introducing people who may otherwise never have crossed paths.

She believes that a strong network is built on genuine relationships, generosity and a willingness to support others.

Outside of Desi Divas, other community groups and her business, she loves socialising, travelling and embarking on new experiences.

Pauline is a proud Brookmans Park Punjabi local and co-founder of Desi Divas, bringing leadership, energy and a genuine commitment to making a difference. She began her career trading Eurobonds and US Treasury bonds across leading City investment banks, before retraining as a chiropodist to adapt to family life.

Passionate about health, fitness and personal development, Pauline enjoys strength training and high-intensity fitness, reflecting the determination, discipline and positive mindset she brings to everything she does.

Co-founding Desi Divas has been a particularly meaningful chapter for Pauline, combining her love of bringing people together with her passion for philanthropy and supporting causes close to her heart. She is committed to creating positive opportunities and memorable experiences through the organisation.

Today, she runs her own successful property business — a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. With two adult children and a close circle of friends, Pauline values the relationships and experiences that enrich her life.

Outside of Desi Divas and managing her property portfolio, Pauline enjoys travelling, discovering new places and food, and spending time with friends at London’s theatres, jazz venues and restaurants.

Dishita is a proud Sindhi woman, born in India and now settled in the UK. A mother to two confident daughters, she is passionate about education, empowerment and creating opportunities for others.

As a Managing Director and specialist in banking, finance and IT, Dishita brings strong technical expertise, commercial insight and a solutions-focused approach to everything she does. She is the technical brain behind Desi Divas, helping shape the technology and systems that turn ideas into action.

Dishita believes education is a powerful tool for empowerment and is passionate about helping people build confidence, knowledge and opportunities for the future.

Dishita combines expertise, innovation and purpose to help create opportunities and lasting positive change. Her daughters are a constant source of inspiration, reinforcing her commitment to encouraging women and girls to be confident, independent and ambitious.

Outside of work and Desi Divas, Dishita loves reading, cooking, the theatre and socialising.

Navi works within higher education with a corporate legal background and a strong commitment to community, equality and women’s empowerment. A proud British Punjabi woman with deep Sikh roots and a devoted mum to two determined daughters, Navi brings expertise, conviction and a fearless voice to everything she does.

Straight-talking, determined and never afraid to challenge the status quo, Navi is passionate about standing up for what she believes is right and using her voice and experience to create positive change. It was this spirit that led to her being approached by Desi Divas.

For Navi, being a Desi Diva is about more than giving her time — it is about bringing people together, shining a light on important issues and empowering women and girls to find their voice, believe in themselves and know their worth.

Her Punjabi and Sikh heritage are central to who she is, shaping her values of community, service, equality and supporting others. Navi loves meeting people, building meaningful connections and hearing different perspectives.

Outside of work and Desi Divas, she enjoys good food, music and travelling.

Surani is a proud member of the Sri Lankan community and the newest Desi Diva board member. Working internationally across science and technology, she specialises in diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions focused on preventing, stopping and curing disease.

A marketing and business expert, Surani brings fresh ideas, commercial insight and a creative approach to building opportunities and partnerships.

A proud single mum to two young children, a daughter and son, she embraces the challenge of balancing career, family and life with energy and resilience. Passionate about wellbeing, Surani believes in making time for both personal growth and the things that bring joy.

Outside of work and Desi Divas, she loves reading, socialising and dancing.