Grassroot Projects was formed as a result of multiple phone conversations between two friends as we tried to redefine our altruistic purpose in life.
As first-generation immigrants we realize how lucky we were to have had the social and financial support necessary for a successful transition to a new country . Unfortunately, there are many families that are either forced to flee their countries or have had to leave their country to look for opportunities for their families. Children continue to be most vulnerable population affected by such a move, and hence are the focus of our organization. We also extend our services to children who have not moved countries but have a genuine need for help based on their economic status.
We, at Grassroot Projects believe that providing support and investing in our children is crucial in securing a bright future for them. We help any deserving child in need irrespective of their origin, religion, color or creed, so long as they belong to a low income household and we see that there is a genuine need.
Every project we choose has a story attached to it and a promise given to a child that we care and that they are not alone. The needs are plenty and we are trying our best to fulfill as many needs as we can one project at a time!
Grassroot Projects is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organisation registered in the State of Washington and State of Indiana. It was established in May 2017 and continues to work hard to assist underprivileged as well as refugee children living in the US.
As first-generation immigrants we realize how lucky we were to have had the social and financial support necessary for a successful transition to a new country . Unfortunately, there are many families that are either forced to flee their countries or have had to leave their country to look for opportunities for their families. Children continue to be most vulnerable population affected by such a move, and hence are the focus of our organization. We also extend our services to children who have not moved countries but have a genuine need for help based on their economic status.
We, at Grassroot Projects believe that providing support and investing in our children is crucial in securing a bright future for them. We help any deserving child in need irrespective of their origin, religion, color or creed, so long as they belong to a low income household and we see that there is a genuine need.
Every project we choose has a story attached to it and a promise given to a child that we care and that they are not alone. The needs are plenty and we are trying our best to fulfill as many needs as we can one project at a time!
Grassroot Projects is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organisation registered in the State of Washington and State of Indiana. It was established in May 2017 and continues to work hard to assist underprivileged as well as refugee children living in the US.
CO-FOUNDERS
Priya Gangwani
Honorary Board Member/Executive Director (IN)
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Priya Gangwani moved to Indianapolis in 2003 as an international student from India to pursue her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated her time to volunteering and fundraising for organizations around the world, including CRY, the World Food Program, and Reach Out to Asia. In 2017, Priya co-founded Grassroot Projects, inspired by the gaps she witnessed in resources and support for immigrant and refugee children in her community. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering immigrant families have been recognized through several honors, including the Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good (2022), the Hoosier Lottery Community Impact Award (2023), and the IU Health Value Leadership Award (2023). As an immigrant herself, Priya’s journey deeply shapes her vision and fuels her belief that every child—regardless of background—deserves the dignity, tools, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
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Nimisha Goyal
Advisory Council Member
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Dr. Nimisha Goyal is the Co Founder and Board Advisor of Grassroot Projects. For over seven years, she led the organization’s growth into a trusted, community-centric partner advancing equity through basic needs support, youth enrichment, and food insecurity programs. Drawing on her own immigrant journey, she has been deeply focused on building partnerships that ensure families feel supported and empowered during their resettlement journeys. A licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nimisha brings more than 25 years of clinical experience, combining her healthcare background with a passion for equity and community well-being. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Community Advisory Board of Cascade PBS Public Media ( WA, OR and British Columbia), and serves on the Respect & Belonging committee at Overlake Hospital Medical Center. In her free time she loves to chill with friends, read, and dream of exploring the entire planet.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimisha-goyal/ |
Board of Directors
Sarah Jo Tharp
President
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Sarah Tharp has a variety of volunteer experience, ranging from advocacy, to outreach, to serving and chairing a non-profit board of young leaders in the greater Seattle area. Professionally, she is a real estate broker/analyst working in both residential and government properties.
Her passion for empowering folks with the support and resources needed through the organizations she serves, and enabling them to focus on things that matter most is the reason she joined Grassroot Projects. “If we can make each other’s journeys a little kinder, why wouldn’t we?” she believes. |
Radhika Jaisimha
Secretary
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Radhika Jaisimha a Nursing Program Coordinator at a community college in New Jersey, where she plays an essential role in overseeing and supporting the nursing program. With a deep passion for education and healthcare, she works tirelessly to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the nursing field.Originally from India, Radhika Jaisimha has built a life rooted in service and community involvement. She has a special interest in volunteering and has dedicated her time and efforts to supporting her local school community. As an active member of her daughter’s PTA and a volunteer board member at her child’s kindergarten, she has been an integral part of creating a positive and supportive environment for families and students alike.
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Angelo Fusaro
Treasurer
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Finance professional with almost 25 years of experience in financial, operational, technology, and change management. I've spent almost 20 years focused on the private equity-backed insurance brokerage industry.
My passion is driving value throughout an organization by connecting people, technology, and industry knowledge. During my career, I've been honored to lead a variety of teams and projects that help build solid foundations for growth and success. Specific areas of specialization include: financial organization and systems design and implementation; shared service center build and operations; corporate debt negotiation and management; M&A negotiation through integration; workflow procedure redesign and implementation; budgeting, forecasting, and analysis; technical accounting matters; vendor negotiations; and operational review and design improvements. |
Tasneem Sharma
Board Member
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Tasneem lives in Carmel, Indiana, and is a scientist by profession. She enjoys volunteering and is actively engaged within her community. She is a Cub Scout den leader, co-chairs events for her local elementary school, and regularly engages in social work outside her professional life. She has a global perspective due to her lived experiences in various regions of the world, her multicultural upbringing, and her personal interactions with people from various religious and racial backgrounds. She actively seeks to mentor, aid, and provide outreach to K-12 kids in her community through her expertise and influence within her professional realm.
Engagement with Grassroot Projects: Coming from immigrant parents, she values and understands the important mission of Grassroot Projects. Her commitment is to help every kid through resources, engagement, and outreach activities. She truly believes that today’s kids are tomorrow’s future. |
Fabiha Islam
Board Member
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Fabiha is a former early childhood educator and is currently working at a non-profit providing support and assistance to the early childhood education community in Central Indiana. She is passionate about uplifting the education community because she believes children will always grow up to do amazing things if teachers always feel amazing!
Joining the board is very dear to her heart because both of her parents are immigrants from Bangladesh. They moved to Indiana with little to no support in the 1980s and managed to give her the best life possible. She wants to give back to the families who may not have had the choice but to leave their homes and country behind. She hopes to help these families find peace and clarity as they navigate through the barriers of starting a new life. |
Swetha Mohan
Board Member
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Coming from an immigrant and as former high school math educator, Swetha is passionate about accessibility and student success. Her years teaching - often serving immigrant and refugee communities - shaped her belief in the power of opportunity and support to change a child’s life.
Now the Growth Marketing Director at DeltaMath Solutions, she brings eight years of experience in data-informed storytelling, growth, and brand strategy. Swetha is excited to support Grassroot Projects’ mission to empower children with the resources they need to be successful. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring new foods, and spending time with her husband, Sean, and dog, Inji. |
Eva Gonzalez
Board Member
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Eva Gonzalez is a multilingual journalist and humanitarian advocate dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee communities. She supports philanthropic initiatives that help women and children in vulnerable situations.
Through her work with nonprofits, her podcast, and collaborations with faith-based media, she amplifies voices of resilience and belonging. Trained in gender-violence mentorship, community health, and mental-health first aid, Eva combines storytelling, advocacy, and leadership to foster inclusion, healing, and hope across cultures. “Thanks to the support of Grassroot Projects, hope is no longer merely an idea for immigrants, but a lived reality”. |
Darcie Swike
Board Member
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Darcie is currently Executive Director of a nonprofit organization serving the underserved central Indiana. She brings a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, having previously worked with organizations focused on domestic violence, human trafficking, law, and healthcare administration.
A graduate of Purdue University, Darcie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. She is also a certified civil and domestic mediator, with additional certifications in urban agriculture and permaculture design, and degreed in plant-based culinary arts. Outside of her professional work, Darcie is a fine arts photographer and enjoys gardening, advocacy related projects, travel, and paddle boarding adventures. She lives in Carmel with her husband and rescue dogs, and has two children, ages 16 and 25. |
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Nimisha Goyal
READ BIO
Dr. Nimisha Goyal is the Co Founder and Board Advisor of Grassroot Projects. For over seven years, she led the organization’s growth into a trusted, community-centric partner advancing equity through basic needs support, youth enrichment, and food insecurity programs. Drawing on her own immigrant journey, she has been deeply focused on building partnerships that ensure families feel supported and empowered during their resettlement journeys. A licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, Nimisha brings more than 25 years of clinical experience, combining her healthcare background with a passion for equity and community well-being. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Community Advisory Board of Cascade PBS Public Media ( WA, OR and British Columbia), and serves on the Respect & Belonging committee at Overlake Hospital Medical Center. In her free time she loves to chill with friends, read, and dream of exploring the entire planet.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimisha-goyal/ |
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Priya Gangwani
Honorary Board Member/Executive Director (IN)
READ BIO
Priya Gangwani moved to Indianapolis in 2003 as an international student from India to pursue her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated her time to volunteering and fundraising for organizations around the world, including CRY, the World Food Program, and Reach Out to Asia. In 2017, Priya co-founded Grassroot Projects, inspired by the gaps she witnessed in resources and support for immigrant and refugee children in her community. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering immigrant families have been recognized through several honors, including the Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good (2022), the Hoosier Lottery Community Impact Award (2023), and the IU Health Value Leadership Award (2023). As an immigrant herself, Priya’s journey deeply shapes her vision and fuels her belief that every child—regardless of background—deserves the dignity, tools, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
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Elizabeth Berthe
Executive Director (WA)
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Elizabeth Berthe is a global professional with a strong track record of launching and scaling social businesses and programs in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the African continent focused on creating positive change for unserved and underserved populations. She holds a Masters in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.
With the upcoming changes in the US Administration, Elizabeth is looking forward to ensuring immigrant and refugee youth and their families continue to thrive in our communities and growing Grassroot Projects outreach and capacity to extend services. |
STAFF
Laura Glasgow
Programs & Dev Coordinator-WA
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Laura joined Grassroot Projects as a volunteer in December 2021 before joining the staff in August 2023. Laura holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and worked as Lab Technician at the University of Chicago before leaving the work force to raise a family. In addition to her work at Grassroot Projects Laura runs a small French language tutoring business out of her home. When not working you'll find her busy with family life, reading, traveling and making music.
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Rebecca Garcia
Program Coordinator (Care and Connect) - IN
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Rebecca joined Grassroot Projects in 2024 as a bilingual community navigator . She also works as an intake specialist at another nonprofit organization, while also pursuing her passion in beauty as a licensed Cosmetologist and Lash Tech. She is deeply committed to helping the community, and the mission behind Grassroot Projects is especially meaningful to her. Whether through her nonprofit work or her personal connections, she strives to uplift and support others. Outside her professional life, she truly cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends—they're her greatest source of joy and motivation.
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Sonya Hoshmand
Program Coordinator (Sponsor A Passion) - WA
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Sonya was born in Afghanistan and grew up in a close-knit family surrounded by love, traditions, and challenges. Life has not always been easy for her, but every step of the journey has shaped who she is today — a strong, hopeful woman, a loving mother of two beautiful children, and a student working hard toward a better future. With a bachelor’s degree in Literature, she is currently studying Administrative Management to improve her skills and create more opportunities for my family. After moving to the United States, she has faced many changes, but she never gave up. She continues to grow every day, learning how to balance motherhood, education, and her dreams. As an immigrant herself, knowing the journey, she wants to help other families and their children.
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Advisory Council
Becky Miller
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Becky retired from a long and successful career as an elementary school educator and believes in the power of public education. She has worked tirelessly on the front lines with many of Washington Township’s ESL learners and loves seeing the spark of achievement once kids begin to grasp language skills and proficiency. Becky is currently an executive board member of the JCC Indianapolis. She is also the proud “Gigi” or grandmother to two adorable grandchildren.
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Olanike Olaniyi
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Brittan Stockert
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Zarina Mustafazada
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Zarina is a mother of 3, and immigrated from Afghanistan with her husband in 2022. She is trained as a nurse and a birth+post partum doula, and is a strong advocate for women's health and well being. Zarina works at Healthpoint, and Ayan Maternity Healthcare to facilitate and coordinate services for refugee and immigrant women. She has been an active volunteer with Grassroot Projects, and represents the large Afghan community we serve.
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Pragya Madan
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Eddie Freeman
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Ed is an Indianapolis native and has lived in the city ever since graduating from Indiana University. Ed currently works for David Weekley Homes, the largest privately held single-family home builder in the US, and serves as its Land Acquisition Manager. Ed searches for and negotiates on all of David Weekley Homes new neighborhoods throughout the Indianapolis marketplace. Ed's been in real estate for most of his work life and really enjoys meeting landowners and working out mutually beneficial land transactions with them.
Ed is married to Laurie, also an Indianapolis native and currently a psychotherapist practicing on the north side of Indianapolis. Ed and Laurie have two children: Sarah, who is a third-grade elementary/special education teacher in Oak Park, IL (Chicago), and Maxwell, who is the Indianapolis Indians Senior Digital Marketing Manager. Ed loves to play tennis, hike, travel with family, and find new restaurants to dine in during his free time. Ed is looking forward to working as a Grassroot Projects Board Member. |