Nisha Mandani

With two Lifetime Achievement Awards from the President of the United States, the Point of Light Award from the White House, IWA Award, and many letters of support and recognition from US government officials for her remarkable achievements, Nisha Mandani’s journey is the essence of selflessness, empowerment, and consistent dedication to serving the most marginalized communities worldwide. From humble beginnings in India to becoming the driving force behind the Our Aim Foundation, Mandani’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and transformative impact.

Born and raised in a small village in India, Nisha Mandani witnessed empirically the harsh realities of poverty and inequality. Inspired by her mother’s tireless efforts to provide for their family, Mandani’s early experiences instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Her journey of service began at the tender age of 13 when she started volunteering in schools to help underprivileged children achieve academic success, aiming to break the cycle of poverty that ensnared generations. Recognizing the dire need for education among children living in slums, Mandani spearheaded initiatives to establish tutoring programs, bringing hope and opportunities to those who needed it most.

Upon moving to the United States, Mandani’s passion for serving others only intensified. Driven by a desire to empower marginalized communities, she pursued a master’s degree in special education and dedicated over a decade to supporting children with special needs in New York City. Her commitment to youth empowerment and inclusivity led her to volunteer in public schools and hospitals, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of intergenerational bonding. Motivated by her experiences, Mandani co-founded Our Aim Foundation in 2008 with a mission to alleviate poverty and empower communities globally. Under her visionary leadership, the foundation has expanded its reach across the United States, Africa, and South Asia, impacting over 5.7 million lives and contributing to more than 7 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Our AIM has a platinum status on GuideStar; 100% of the funds collected go directly toward the multiple projects in 8 countries. Mandani’s commitment to humanitarian work has led to international recognition. She has been invited several times to speak at Generations United in Washington, DC, advocating for intergenerational connections and inclusivity, and at the Arab Children Health Congress in Dubai, highlighting the importance of healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

At the heart of Mandani’s ethos is a profound belief in the power of education, women empowerment, healthcare, proactive disaster management and access to clean water as fundamental human rights. Through Our Aim Foundation, she has spearheaded initiatives to provide education to over 950,000 individuals, deliver healthcare services to 1.5 million people, and establish 2,900 water facilities, saving countless lives and offering hope to millions. Mandani’s steadfast commitment to serving humanity knows no bounds. From the remote villages of Malawi to the Rohingya refugee camps of Bangladesh, she continues to lead with compassion, empathy, and a relentless determination to create a more just and equitable world. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Nisha Mandani stands as a symbol of resilience, reminding us that through acts of kindness, empathy, and collective efforts, we have the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and build a brighter future for generations to come.