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SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Parag Khandhar Parag is a community builder, lawyer, educator, writer, and father. He grew up in New Jersey and New York and has worked in and with non-profit arts, social service, advocacy, and organizing groups in NYC, D.C., and Baltimore. He currently teaches and works with local communities in Greater Baltimore and serves on the board of the Asian American Literary Review. Twitter: @ParagCED
Parag Mehta Parag currently directs communications for a civil rights agency at the U.S. Department of Labor. He served as a public liaison on President Obama's Transition Team and managed the Senate confirmation of former Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. As a Presidential Management Fellow, Parag was a speechwriter for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
Parag Parekh Parag was born and raised in New York City and is probably the only native NY'er that is a Red Sox fan. He graduated from law school with a JD and a LL.M. in Taxation, and is currently working as a corporate attorney in Manhattan. Parag has enjoyed his experiences with YJA, from being an Executive Board member, to hosting sessions at Conventions, and is honored to serve as a Co-Chair for the current year. Parag appreciates nerdy things, basketball, goes gaga for Lady GaGa, and loves cupcakes!
Parth Savla Parth is an entrepreneur and business strategist for non-profits and small business owners. He currently manages JAINA's daily activities, and is the manager of the SkyBird Group's Fremont, CA, office. With over 10 years of experience, he consults organizations in the development of performance measurement tools, sales strategy analysis, social media promotions, and network participation. In his free time, he enjoys life coaching, spending time with friends, vegan baking, and karaoke.
Paul Monteiro Paul was born in Columbia, MD. He attended The University of Maryland and The Howard University School of Law. Paul served as deputy director of religious affairs for the Obama for America campaign in 2007. Following the campaign, he worked on the Presidential Inauguration Committee before assuming his post as liaison to faith-based organizations, anti-poverty groups, and Arab Americans at the White House. Paul is currently the director of AmeriCorps VISTA.
Pratik Lakhani Originally from New York, Pratik is a rising junior at The University of Michigan, majoring in environmental engineering and sustainability. In addition to his interests in YJA, Pratik enjoys being a part of the Michigan Bhangra Team, as well as exploring professional development and community service interests through the Indian American Students Association.
Pravin Shah Pravin is a founding member of the Jain Study Center of North Carolina (Raleigh). He is the chairperson of the JAINA Education Committee. He is a retired electrical engineer from IBM and has published a complete set of Jaina Pathshala educational books, which more than 3,500 students across North America use today. He is also the author of several other books and established the Jain eLibrary website, which provides Jain religious information worldwide electronically and free of charge. He is also a vegan and activist against animal cruelty.
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2014 YJA CONVENTION WASHINGTON, D.C.
