A distinguished expert in philanthropy and leadership of charitable foundations, Asha Jain has built a career spanning more than 25 years. For the past decade, she has focused her energy on her responsibilities as vice president of the Adish and Asha Jain Foundation, where she oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations. In this capacity, Ms. Jain manages and supports five major charities, coordinates educational, medical, and agricultural projects in impoverished villages, and supervises comprehensive village surveys and needs assessments. She is responsible for ensuring the effective use of charitable funds and is known for her personal engagement with beneficiaries and project sites.
Prior to her philanthropic efforts, Ms. Jain dedicated 25 years to a successful career as a mechanical engineer. Her expertise in this field was shaped by her adaptability and determination to secure stable employment internationally after relocating to Iowa from her home country of India. Before immigrating, Ms. Jain received advice that engineering would offer reliable opportunities around the world. With that in mind, she pursued her education and built a successful professional reputation before transitioning to philanthropy.
Among her professional accomplishments, Ms. Jain considers her most significant highlight to be her leadership in adopting and transforming 60 impoverished villages in India through her foundation. Under her guidance, initiatives in education, health, sanitation, and vocational training have significantly improved the lives of countless families. Ms. Jain is particularly proud of an upcoming kitchen inauguration in partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This new kitchen will provide daily meals for 100,000 children, marking a noteworthy milestone in her commitment to combating hunger and supporting child welfare.
The academic foundation set by Ms. Jain in India has proven instrumental in her achievements. Her educational path started with a diploma in interior design. Following that, Ms. Jain obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Before moving to the United States, she earned a master’s degree, providing a strong background in technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and project management abilities, all of which have proven invaluable in both her engineering and philanthropic work.
Among the many causes on which the Adish and Asha Jain Foundation focuses, Ms. Jain is particularly passionate about empowering women in underserved communities. In collaboration with nonprofit organizations like the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, she has assisted tens of thousands of villagers, including many women, in becoming self-reliant through vocational training and other programs. Teaming up with Project Why, Ms. Jain has played a pivotal role in enhancing the education of children in impoverished areas of South Delhi, India. Notably, this program has achieved a 100% graduation rate among participating students.
Ms. Jain gives credit for her success to a strong work ethic shared with her husband, emphasizing ongoing dedication, hard work beyond typical hours, and genuine involvement in charitable efforts. She believes that hands-on engagement — rather than simply providing funding — has been key to making a meaningful impact through her foundation.
Parallel to her professional commitments, Ms. Jain is active with civic-minded organizations, including The American National Red Cross, reflecting her broader dedication to humanitarian causes. In addition to the Adish and Asha Jain Foundation, she founded the Milan Group, a New Jersey-based community initiative that aims to provide Indian seniors with opportunities for social engagement and connection.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Jain finds balance through gardening, walking, conversations, singing, and knitting. She is devoted to her family, who include two children and four grandchildren. Ms. Jain’s son fills the role of chief executive officer for a company based in Houston. Her daughter holds a Master of Business Administration and assists in managing her husband’s private plastic surgery practice.
Optimistic about the future, Ms. Jain intends to continue supporting her charitable work through an ongoing commitment to the five main charities under her foundation. She also hopes to expand her efforts, considering new causes that the Adish and Asha Jain Foundation may be well-positioned to address. Through all her goals, Ms. Jain remains dedicated to furthering her impact on education, health care, and living conditions for those most in need.