OUR TEAM
Shivani Pandit
FOUNDER-CEO
Meet Shivani Pandit, a Special Educator with a heart as expansive as her two-decade-long journey in the field. With a master's and doctorate degree in Special Education from Rutgers University, New Jersey, and a bachelor's degree from the heart of India, Shivani's story is a symphony of dedication, compassion, and expertise. Her narrative unfolds with a profound commitment to the delicate minds of children on the Autism Spectrum and those with Intellectual Disabilities. Trained meticulously in Special Education and early intervention strategies, Shivani has emerged as a guardian of hope for families navigating the complexities of neurodevelopmental challenges, particularly for children aged birth to five.
Shivani Pandit's story is not just one of academic accomplishments; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a story woven with threads of empathy, a dedication to breaking down barriers, and an unyielding belief in the potential of every child. In the narrative of Shivani, each chapter resonates with the echoes of children whose lives have been touched, and futures illuminated, by her transformative presence.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vivian Milroy Martin
Vivian Milroy Martin spent 35 years at General Mills, focused on Consumer Insights and Marketing Research. She worked in a cross-functional HR role as Corporate Director of Diversity from 1999-2002, where she was responsible for programs to support and advance an inclusive organization. At the time of Vivian's retirement in 2014, she served as Vice President of Consumer Insights, International. Since her retirement, Vivian has taught Marketing and Buyer Behavior at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
Vivian's passion for the arts and commitment to her community drives her involvement as a board member and former board president of Illusion Theater and current volunteer and former chair of the Minnesota Stroke Association and Brain Injury Alliance board of directors. Vivian's service over the years has also included the American Cancer Society, Big Sisters, Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, Open Arms, and Second Harvest, to name a few.
Family is a priority in Vivian's life, and she and her husband, Jeff, share a blended family that includes four children and nine grandchildren, all in the Twin Cities. Travel and the arts are additional priorities.
Shiv Nath Tandon
Shiv Nath Tandon has worked with a multinational cosmetic company, Aveda, for 45 years during his stay in the twin cities. The first employee of the company, he started the Research and Development, Marketing, and Procurement, among other departments, and most recently provided his guidance as a company elder. Assisting the education team with the Company story, education marketing, and more. Shiv Nath, a founding member of TheNeedINDeed, shares his wisdom and knowledge about living life Consciously with a lifelong practice of yoga and a passion for gardening, including organic tomato farming.
Andy Cwik
As a three-time founder and the current Co-founder and CEO of Hubub, Andy brings extensive entrepreneurial expertise to the Saamarthya Foundation, enhancing our efforts to support children with autism through educational resources. His leadership in the digital concierge industry at Hubub, which simplifies high-quality experience planning, parallels his dedication to improving lives through technology and community engagement.
Additionally, his active role in the Chicago entrepreneur and startup ecosystem will enhance his contribution to the Foundation. Outside of his professional life, he is a father to five children and enjoys boating in the summer and ice skating and skiing during the winter months.
Tammy Pierce
Tammy has been in the nonprofit industry since 2000 with Meritan and its sister charity Apelah, Inc., currently serving as the Associate Vice President of Development and Corporate Outreach. In this position, she oversees all marketing and fundraising aspects, including event management, grant writing, and donor relations. She is a 1995 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration, a 2013 graduate of the National Hispanic Professional Organization's Memphis Leadership Institute, and a 2022 graduate of New Memphis Institute's Leadership Development Intensive. Tammy is dedicated to mentoring children and served many years as a volunteer grade/middle school basketball and volleyball coach (with a proud 78-13 record). In 2022, she received the prestigious Mississippi Governer's GIVE Award for Outstanding Youth Mentorship. The GIVE Awards celebrate the exemplary service of Mississippi’s most dedicated citizens. In partnership with the Governor’s Office, this award program presented by Volunteer Mississippi recognizes and honors the valuable contributions of some of Mississippi’s extraordinary citizens while inspiring others to follow their example.
She was a founding member of the Ole Miss Alumni Band Association and the Mississippi Charitable Gaming Association. She has served on the Hernando, Mississippi Excel by 5 Board of Directors, the Tennessee Association of Community Organizations as the Board PR Chair, and Sacred Heart School (Southaven, MS) Parent Advisory Board.
Vidyotham Reddi
Vidyotham Reddi, is a qualitative and quantitative data and analytics expert and influencer with 25+ years of experience in market research. Renowned for developing top talent and a toolkit that includes predictive modeling, strategic analytics, and technology application development, Vidyotham specializes in building leader and organization quick-to-insight capabilities across enterprise segments and markets. He has held global leadership roles for Mars, Inc., General Mills, Inc., A.C. Nielsen, and AT&T. He has served and advised on Boards for the Domestic Abuse Project & Gender Justice and A.C. Nielsen Center for Marketing Research at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Vidyotham received an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Fordham University in New York and an M.A. in Economics from the University of Mumbai, India. Vidyotham is Vice President at The Rejuvi Venture Inc. and is one of its two founders. He is also the Innovation, Technology, and Quality Director for R&D and Data Science at General Mills Inc. Immediately before these roles, Vidyotham served as Director of Growth Analytics at Mars, Inc.
Dr. Prriyam Gunjal
Dr. Prriyam Gunjal, an education luminary with a focus on special needs, holds a Ph.D. in Autism, shaping inclusive education through strategic curriculum development and safety enhancements. As the former Principal of The Shiishyaa School, Pune, her innovative approach to special needs education was evident. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology Conversion at the University of Surrey, UK, her ongoing studies reflect a commitment to integrating psychology with education. Dr. Gunjal's accolades, including the Best Principal Award and The Dedication Award, underscore her transformative leadership in education. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge positions her at the forefront of educational innovation and psychological research. Recently became a board member of The Blessed Ones School, in Pune.