Executive Committee Members

Dr. Daphne Pillai
Founder President

Dr. Daphne Pillai is the Founder President of Soroptimist International of Bombay–Chembur, established in 1997. She holds a doctorate in Feminist Literature from the University of Mumbai and has dedicated her work to advancing women’s empowerment through the core Soroptimist pillars of education, empowerment, and enablement.

In 1998, she initiated the flagship project “The Power of a Second Chance,” aimed at providing women who missed formal education an opportunity to rebuild their lives through adult literacy and skill development programs. Over time, this initiative has evolved to include digital and financial literacy, reflecting the changing needs of women in a rapidly transforming world.

Since 2017, Dr. Pillai has also served as President of the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI), India National Chapter, where she supports and promotes women’s entrepreneurship on a global platform.

Dr. Pillai has been an active voice on international platforms. She has spoken at multiple sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), including:

• CSW 62 (in person): “Challenges Faced by Women in India” organised by Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI)
• CSW 65 (online): “Leadership: A Faith Perspective” organised by the National Board of Catholic Women, London (NBCW)
• CSW 66 (online): “Water, Climate Change, and Life Chances for Girls and Women” organised by the National Board of Catholic Women, London (NBCW)
• CSW 70 (in person): “Dignity in Every Drop: Water, Hygiene, and Girls’ Right to Learn (Commonwealth Union and SI)
• CSW 70 (in person): “Education Pathways for Gender Justice and Dignity” (Taiwan Coalition Against Violence/New Taipei City Government)

Beyond her Soroptimist work, Dr. Pillai serves as Chairperson of the Management Board of Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai Group of Institutions, which encompasses 48 educational institutions across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Rasayani. She is also the Executive President of Pillai University.

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious ASSOCHAM Women Achiever of the Year Award, presented by Smt. Smriti Irani the Hon. Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of India.

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.