Executive Committee Members

Dr. Daphne Pillai
Founder President

Dr. Daphne Pillai is the co-founder of the Pillai Group of Institutions and Chairperson, Management Board, Mahatma Education Society. She is also the President of the India National Chapter of the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI).

She holds a doctorate in English Literature from Mumbai University. She is well travelled and has a deep understanding of the socio-economic issues affecting women and girls. She has been a speaker at the United Nations ‘Commission on the Status of Women’ – CSW 62, CSW 65 and CSW 66. As a committed soroptimist, she has been instrumental in initiating and implementing several projects for the upliftment of women in need, including adult literacy and skill development drives.

Ms. Preeti Pawar
President

Preeti Pawar works as a Headmistress of a secondary school and junior college. She holds a postgraduate degree in English and Education. Her young and energetic persona and positive outlook to life has helped her face many challenges in life and overcome them. She is a strong believer in education for all and has been working towards this cause for many years. Her interest mainly lies in the education of the girl child.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things”.

Ms. Yvette Lee
Hon. Secretary

Yvette Lee works as a Counsellor and a professional Social Worker. She has a Masters degree in Social Work, a diploma in Psychotherapy & Counselling and has completed a course in Crisis Intervention Counselling. She is interested in community service which is aimed at bringing about social change in our present structure. She is a feminist by heart and her interest lies in women issues and equality of rights.

Dr. Celina Joy
Programme Action Co-ordinator

Celina Joy is a Chartered Accountant and has a Ph.D. in Business Policy and Administration from University of Mumbai. She has degrees in MBA and M.Com. from Bharathiar University and University of Mumbai respectively and a Certificate of Directorship from the Institute of Directors, India. She believes in the limitless possibilities for girls and women to make an affirmative change in society. Her beliefs and values strongly align with the Soroptimist mission of “Educate, Empower, Enable”, and is always looking out for opportunities to impact women’s lives through SIBC.

Ms. Namrata Saxena
Immediate Past President

Ms. Namrata Saxena has Masters in Chemistry & Masters in Education from Mumbai University. She is the Program Director for Early Years & Curriculum Head K-12 at MES, Mumbai and Assistant Professor at Pillai College of Education & Research, New Panvel. She is currently at the helm of growing a successful chain of Preschools in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the ‘edukidz INTERNATIONAL’.

Her involvement with SI Bombay Chembur has been as an active member in the areas of Adult Literacy Drive, International Day for Eradication of Poverty, World Environment Day and more. She has also served as the PAC at SIBC for two consecutive terms successfully.

Dr. Reni Francis
President- Elect

Dr. Reni Francis is the Principal of Pillai College of Education and Research, Mumbai. She holds a doctorate in Education (2012) and Business Economics (2022) from Mumbai University. She has authored 30 books, national and international. She believes women have the power to demonstrate that there are no barriers or limits that can prevent them from developing personally and professionally. She extends her services in empowering women and girls through education and being self-reliant. Her involvement with SI Bombay Chembur has been as an active member in the areas of Adult Literacy Drive, International Day for Eradication of Poverty, World Environment Day and more. She has also served as the PAC at SIBC for two consecutive terms successfully.

Ms. Mamta Patil
Hon. Treasurer

Ms. Mamta Patil is a Post Graduate in Commerce and Education and works as an In-Charge Principal of MES’s Pillai HOC College of Education and Research, Rasayani.

She has a qualitative experience in teaching and administration inclusive of teacher training. Well versed with modern pedagogy and educational practices, she believes in developing inclusive environment, geared towards maximizing learning experiences. Making a difference in the community is something that drives her every day.

Dr. Betty Sibil
Club Extension & Membership Officer

Betty Sibil is an Associate Professor who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Mumbai. She is a faculty member at Pillai Institute of Management Studies and Research. She believes in the transformative power of education to shape minds and build futures, viewing it as a cornerstone for building equitable and fair societies. She sees Soroptimism as an opportunity to bridge socio-economic disparities and foster positive change in society.

Dr. Smita Dalvi
Communication & Publicity Officer

Smita Dalvi is an Architect and holds a PhD from the IDC School of Design, IIT-Bombay. She is a professor of architecture at Pillai College of Architecture, Panvel.

Smita Dalvi believes in the ideals of feminism and humanism. She stands by the principles of inclusivity for all sections of society in public spaces and public discourse. She believes in education as a means for emancipation of women, their social and financial freedom. Introduction to the world of Soroptimism has been for her an opportunity to learn from strong and kind women and to be of service to the society in small ways.