YJA Convention 2016 07 Los Angeles CA

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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SPEAKERS
Diyaanka Jhaveri Diyaanka Jhaveri, originally from Plano, Texas, is a rising sophomore studying International Relations at the University of Texas (Hook em). This is her second convention and first year serving on the board, and she can't wait to experience all the fun that YJA is. While she is not fighting dragons, she is busy reading Harry Potter for the 30th time or trying to pretend she is Deepika Padukone. She is beyond excited to be a part of the Adult Volunteer Committee and is ready for a great 2016 Convention.
Fulchand Shastri Fulchand is the founder of Adhyatmik Sadhana Kendra in India, a non-profit organization involved in charitable, medical, educational, religious, and social activities for the under-privileged. He has written a collection of more than 35 books on spirituality, vegetarianism and nonviolence. He is fluent in 18 National and International languages. At the age of 19, he memorized 1500 religious shastras, and has given over 28000 lectures. Currently, he is on a mission to preserve and establish the Atma Siddhi Shastra. He has been an ardent devotee of Shrimad Rajchandra.
Hema Pokharna Dr. Pokharna is a scientist, writer, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience coaching towards wholeness, collaborative communication, and resilient leadership. Born and raised in India, Dr. Pokharna immigrated to the US where she worked for many years as a medical researcher while studying and training others worldwide in the practices of Mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication, and Appreciative Inquiry. She uses these practices to help clients stay connected to what inspires them and work under pressured and uncertain conditions - responding compassionately and effectively.
Hersh Jhaveri Dynamic Cousin Duo, Tanya and Hersh have conquered the Southern California Engagement Ring and Wedding Jewelry arena. Taking over their parents' business of 5 generations, they have added the American flavor and contemporary feel to all their trendy jewelry pieces. Tanya and Hersh are both graduates from the Gemological Institute of America in the field of Gemology; Hersh - the Diamond Specialist and Tanya - the Designer. Hersh sits on boards as Director of both the GIA Alumni LA Chapter as well as the Indian Diamond and Color Stone Association. Tanya and Hersh are also Junior Consultants/Ambassadors to the Diamond Club West Coast.
Houston Kraft Houston Kraft is a professional speaker, leadership consultant, and kindness advocate. He has spoken to nearly half a million students, staff, and parents across the country through nearly 400 events sharing his message of compassion, character, leadership, and love. He is the creator of the Choose Love Movement and CharacterStrong - an app and curriculum that focuses on habit development for your heart. When he isn't speaking, he is traveling the world with his wife, Harley, or playing a fierce game of lazertag.
GOOS
Jen Lee Jen is the Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a non-profit performing arts organization. She is currently pursuing a Project Management Certificate at UCI and PMP Certification. Jen holds a B.A. in Business Administration with dual concentrations in Accounting and Information Systems from CSU Fullerton. In college, Jen joined Delta Sigma Pi (a co-ed business fraternity) and has continued to serve on the national leadership team since graduation. Jen enjoys visiting friends across the country, exploring bookstores, and drinking coffee, lots of it.
Juhi Hegde Juhi is a rising senior at Notre Dame of Maryland University pursuing a biology degree on a pre-pharmacy track. She is very excited to be a part of hosting this year's convention as Public Relations co-lead and is looking forward to sunny California! She loves to sing, dance, read, and explore new places. She is also very active at the derasar and is very excited to be leading sessions for the first time!
Julie Mehta Julie is a third year student at the University of Maryland studying Neurobiology and Physiology, along with a minor in entrepreneurship. When Julie is not going to the derasar, you can find her playing tennis, planning new ideas for the next Maryland Masti, watching the newest Disney movies, or dancing (and singing) along to all the latest songs. This will be Julie's second YJA and she is very excited to build new friendships this year!
AGENTS OF CHANGE
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