Leadership

Board of Directors

Dr. Saju Skaria is a vision-oriented leader, business executive, marathon runner, educator, speaker, and author renowned for expertise in international business, Information Technology, outsourcing, and cultural diversity. As a globally experienced professional, he is an expert in creating a unique ecosystem of customers, partners and service professionals to deliver value-based IT solutions for business benefits to Fortune and Global 1000 Corporations. Dr. Skaria holds a Doctorate in Business Administration. He also has an undergraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, and an MBA in Marketing. He is the member of several professional bodies including; TiE – Global Entrepreneurship Organization, IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and PMI- Project Management Institute. Dr. Skaria has been involved with multiple socio-cultural and charitable organizations from an early age and has significantly contributed to the cause of education and social upliftment.

Dr. Saju Skaria
Chairman and CEO

Shiny is an accomplished Senior IT Professional with over 29 years of experience, ranging from a Senior Scientist with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), India to her current role as a Senior IT professional in a multinational company in Arizona, USA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and two Master’s degrees in Computer Science. Shiny is very passionate about helping children and young adults. She firmly believes that positive experiences, such as loving attention, calm routines, and other sensory experiences that are varied but not over stimulating, can directly impact the growth of young people. She opines that if nurtured and guided to the right track at a young age, they are set up for a lifetime of achievement. Establishing a foundation to support young people was a longtime dream of Shiny, and she is committed to this cause.

Ms. Shiny Skaria

Vice Chair and CFO

Jim has earned a degree in Economics at the University of Oregon. He has worked as a Commodity broker for the last forty years. Previously Jim worked as a Cost Accountant at Tektronix and built homes for six years. As a dedicated father, he has raised three children, teaching them about life's principals and moral compass. As a volunteer, he has supported his community through Meals on Wheels, PTA school playground equipment, coaching our youth for twenty-five years and serving in his Church as a Deacon. Jim and his wife Linda share the common goal of improving life for all of us in Arizona and globally.

Mr. Jim Mercer
Board Member and Head of Community Relations

Mr. Christopher M. Rich, AES, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, CFP ®
Board Member and Head of Membership and Enrolment

Chris Rich is an Arizona native, born and raised in Mesa, Arizona; he graduated from Arizona State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He has been helping business owners accomplish everything that is important to them for over 25 years as the President of GoldenHawk Professional Associates, LLC. Chris and his wife of 21 years Jill live in the Phoenix area. They have two great kids Connor and Grace. Chris is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. He is involved in many community organizations through the years including; being President of the Shaw Butte Little League (3 years), Arizona Father of the Year in 2011, and currently sitting on the Boards of Directors for the Maricopa Mounted Posse and the Homeless ID Project. When not working Chris’ hobbies include team roping, horseback riding with his kids and fly-fishing with his dad.

Dr. Nick H Gidwani
Board Member and Head of Mentoring and Coaching

Dr. Nick Gidwani is a General Dentist Serving Phoenix area for over 34 years. He is an Oral Pathologist by training. Dr. Nick served the United States Armed forces reserves through an independent contractor for more than five years. He is also Board Examiner for the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners from 1988 to 1992 and currently a consultant with them. Dr. Nick was a member of the Investigative Interview panel with the state Board for over ten years. He is the Owner and President of Northside Academy of Dental Assisting PC, a school that trains dental assistants in Arizona. Dr. Nick is also a Faculty Member and Sim Lab Instructor at the Midwestern School of Dentistry. He serves on the Board of Advani Oerlikon division of dental Aligners, Mumbai, India. Dr. Nick enjoys global traveling and is a foodie. Dr. Nick is a classic mentor and has authored a book named “Dadfucius” (on Amazon books and Kindle), a must read for young adults and parents.