About Us

Blossom Projects

Small Team. Big Impact. Shared Purpose.

Blossom Projects began with a simple belief: that opportunity can transform a life. What started as a small, committed effort has grown into a passionate community of board members and volunteers working across continents—united by purpose, not proximity.

Our story

In 2007, Dr. Dayamudra Ann Dennehy, an American ESL educator and founder of Jai Bhim International, visited India and led her first English-language workshop near Nagpur, forming deep connections with Scheduled Caste and tribal youth. inspired by the power of grassroots education, she partnered in 2009 with Arun Boudh, a Kerala-born social activist, to launch “Jai Bhim Kerala.” Their first communicative English retreat welcomed 15 students from marginalized communities.

Over the years, the retreats grew in scale and impact. In 2014, Dr. Dennehy and Arun co-founded Lokuttara Leadership Academy, offering year-round training in English, technology, math, arts, life skills, and humane education. A boys’ residential program followed in 2015, and a girls’ program in 2017.

The residential learning initiative became known as Blossom Projects, supporting Scheduled Caste and tribal youth failed by the mainstream school system–helping them with literacy, high school, college admission, and technical training. Students live on campus for 10 months to two years, receiving academic support, career guidance, and technical training.

Dr. Dennehy retired in 2021, transitioning leadership of the U.S.-based nonprofit to its Board of Directors. That same year, Jai Bhim International was renamed Blossom Projects, carrying forward her vision to nurture marginalized youth toward academic success, confidence, and social change.

Today, the U.S. board raises funds to support the educational and economic empowerment of marginalized youth in India.

The board

Chithra Rajagopalan

Board President

Chithra Rajagopalan is a finance leader and philanthropist in the Bay Area. Apart from her day job as the head of finance at a cybersecurity company, Chithra is involved in nonprofits that strive towards causes such as equality, women’s rights, and mental health. She strongly believes in investing more towards enhancing the quality of life at a young age, which would empower them to build a wonderful future.

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Dipankar Ghosh

Board Member

Dipankar Ghosh (PhD) is a life sciences executive, with a deep passion for social justice and advancing health sciences. In his day job, he serves as the head of Operations for a biotechnology company. Dipankar is an advocate for child welfare, particularly for those from underprivileged communities- which align well with the mission of Blossom Projects. He has lived and worked in India, Europe and the US. He currently resides in California.

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Eric Lopez

Board member

Eric Lopez is an experienced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champion with experience collecting and analyzing DEI data to understand current trends in the advancement of inclusion. Through his work, Eric supports efforts to ensure the voices of diverse stakeholders are heard.

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Pushpinder Pelia Lubana

PhD, Board Member

Pushpinder Pelia Lubana, PhD, is an anthropologist passionate about social justice and education. She leads customer research at a tech company and is dedicated to breaking gender, social, and class barriers for youth. Guided by the mantra, “Ordinary actions can lead to radical change,” she remains focused on driving social transformation.

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Vaishnavi Vinod Kumar

Director, Strategy and Operations

As the Director of Strategy and Operations, Vaishnavi brings extensive global experience in engineering and project management to Blossom Projects. She channels her skills into helping the team create impactful programs for marginalized communities. She believes in the power of education and skill development as tools for social change and is committed to creating opportunities that uplift and inspire.

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Uday Chenna

Director of Program Management

Uday joined Blossom Projects as the Director of the Project Management Office. With a background in operations and project management, he enjoys bringing structure to ideas, connecting people, and turning strategy into action. Uday believes that lasting impact begins when people are trusted, encouraged, and given the opportunity to grow. Guided by a passion for collaboration, continuous learning, and thoughtful execution, he is excited to be part of Blossom Projects and contribute to its next chapter.

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Jasleen Pelia-Lutzker

Director, Community Engagement

Jasleen Pelia-Lutzker began as a Blossom volunteer in 2023 and her passion for Blossom has led to her creation of a new role on the team. As the liaison between volunteers and the board Jasleen furthers our mission to create a cohesive, strong community to support our students. Outside of Blossom Jasleen is an aspiring lawyer passionate about human rights and the power of education.

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Board advisors

Abha Singhvi

Abha envisions a world where everyone lives with dignity. A leadership coach and business consultant, she founded two companies, selling one to Monster.com. She designs leadership workshops and coaches individuals and teams worldwide. Abha has worked with leaders from over 40 countries and actively supports nonprofits. She co-founded the Global Women Leadership Network and serves on the Maitri board, aiding South Asian women facing domestic violence. She has also served on boards for Aarti for Girls and Bay Area Video Coalition. Abha is passionate about empowering founders and executive teams globally.

Maryam Dickey

Maryam brings a wealth of experience in real estate and business management, specializing in Bay Area single-family homes, multi-units, probate, and 1031 exchanges. She founded MM Luxury Realty in 2020 and has led Rosemarie Property and O.T. Property since 1998. Maryam played a key role in acquiring 915 properties worth over $90 million at Housing Network. Recognized as the No. 1 Realtor in Santa Clara and San Mateo by the Wall Street Journal, her influence extends beyond Silicon Valley to Manhattan and Greenwich. Passionate about fitness, art, and philanthropy, she supports causes like PETA and shelters for abused women.

Sunitha Anand

Sunitha Anand leads AddsVal CPAs & Advisory as CEO, where her work is rooted in a belief that financial clarity can transform lives, open doors, and strengthen communities. Over her 20+ year career in tax strategy and advisory, she has acquired and integrated two CPA firms, expanding her ability to serve growing businesses and empower families with confidence and knowledge. Sunitha is an active member of DSR Rotary and serves on the Community Infrastructure Grant Committee, advancing projects that support local impact and connection. A trained classical vocalist and dancer, she brings both discipline and heart to her leadership—reflecting the spirit of service and uplift that Blossom Projects stands for.

Sonya Pelia

Sonya Pelia is co-founder and COO at Blue Oak Neutraceuticals, Inc. She is a successful C-Level marketing executive with a passion for driving revenue at B2B SaaS startups. At her last bootstrapped startup, she doubled revenue in 12 months, without a sales team. A Founding LP at the VC fund How Women Invest, Sonya mentors tech startup founders at Tech for Good Alley and Alchemist Accelerator. She is Advisor to startups OneTap and Doctors Under the Radar. Sonya runs a dual career in nonprofit leadership with a vision of ending gender-based violence. She is a board member at the award-winning nonprofit Maitri and advises non-profit founders and boards.

Jennifer Picardo

Jennifer Pichardo is a creative and entrepreneurial fundraising executive working in the arts and education nonprofit space. Her work focuses on advancing organizational missions, board governance, and strategic planning. She has over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience helping organizations grow and nurture relationships through transformative storytelling that empowers diverse, underserved communities. In addition, she volunteers for various social justice and equity initiatives and believes that radical acts of empathy and kindness lead to a more inclusive world.

India Partners

Arun Boudh

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Anju Gopinath

Executive Administrator

Mrs. Archana Jomon

English Program Chair

Anju Usha

Computer Teacher

India Team

Gayathri TP

English and Political Science Teacher

Sobha L.

Sociology Teacher

Ratheesh Kumar M.

History Teacher

Nandhu D.

Accounting Teacher

Annual reports

In 2024, Blossom Projects empowered 26 caste-oppressed youth in India through residential education, leadership training, and emotional healing. With a 100% 12th grade pass rate and 81% continuing into college or jobs, students like Ajith and Aswani achieved life-changing milestones. U.S. fundraising events, including a gala with State Treasurer Fiona Ma, helped expand support and awareness.

2024 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

In 2023, Blossom Projects achieved gender parity in enrollment and positively impacted over 1500 Dalit teens since 2012. We saw 85% of students either continue their education or find full-time work!

2022 Annual Report

Read about the impact our team has had on caste-oppressed youth through an immersion in literacy and skill building. Also enjoy the incredible success story of Vishakh who graduated our program and is now employed in a big city!

2021 Annual Report

In 2021, our students continued to suffer from the digital divide due to the pandemic. We continued to offer the advanced program for the 10+2 students who stayed with us and took their state exams. Read about the success we saw with this batch of students!

2021

2022

2023

2024

News and events

Coming Soon

Our next event is being planned! Stay tuned — details about the date, venue, and how you can be part of it will be announced here shortly.

Want to stay in the loop? Reach out to us at info@blossomprojects.org

No scheduled events at this time. Gala date for 2026 to be released in April 2026. A “Save the Date” email will be sent. Sign up for email updates to stay informed.

The 2026 Gala is on Sept 19 at Green Hills Country Club, Milbrae, CA. Tickets and more info coming soon!

Interested in being a sponsor for the gala, reach out to Chithra at chithra@blossomprojects.org

5-Year Board Strategy Offsite, July 19, 2026

The Blossom Projects Board, key donors, and advisors gathered for a day-long offsite in Menlo Park on July 19 to brainstorm, strategize, and formulate a 5-year plan for growth and expansion.

Exciting progress was made, with attendees aligning on a 5-year path forward. Breakout groups on Board Expansion and Governance, India Expansion, and Fundraising were extremely impactful in shaping the goals for the next five years. Other key initiatives discussed were trauma counseling and digitization of learning. Stay tuned for updates on these plans!

Donor Appreciation Evening, Palo Alto, April 18, 2026

Our fundraising gala is an annual event but our appreciation for our donors is year long! We invited key donors to a special appreciation evening in Palo Alto on April 18 to share progress from our programs and services in India and to share our heartfelt gratitude for their support.

The evening was held in a stunning, private backyard, with food from Kerala, paired with exceptional wine and music. The guests listened to inspirational stories of student success, and enjoyed meaningful conversations and networking.

Board Member Dipankar Ghosh visits students in India, Feb 2026

Board member Dipankar Ghosh visited our students and programs in India in Feb 2026. In his words, it was a transformative experience to hear the stories behind the students. This was his first visit to the program and he was moved by the time he spent getting to know the students, the teachers, and the core leadership team of Arun Boudh and Anju Gopinath. The students were inspired and moved by Dipankar’s words of advice. It was also an opportunity for Dipankar to collect local evidence based data, which he used to help develop our 5-year strategic roadmap.

Thrive, Sept 20, 2025

Blossom Projects Annual Gala titled Thrive was a huge success. The event brought together philanthropists, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs in a gorgeous golf club setting at the Green Hills Country Club in Milbrae, CA.

The event raised over $100,000—funds that will directly fuel Blossom Projects’ programs, providing education, mentorship, and safe spaces for marginalized youth in India.

Ray of Hope Soiree, Sept 14, 2024

The 2024 Ray of Hope Gala was an unforgettable evening of networking, dhol, and dance, highlighted by a fireside chat with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, moderated by longtime Blossom Projects supporter and philanthropist Sonya Pelia.

The event raised critical funds to launch three new pilot programs—vocational training, pathways to college, and job placement—reenergizing our mission through the incredible support of our community.

Magazine Launch Featuring Board President Chithra Rajgopalan, Aug 2024

Red Hot Monde Magazine featured Board President Chithra Rajgopalan as its cover story, spotlighting her leadership and contributions to the mission of Blossom Projects.

The story launch was celebrated with an evening reception at a downtown Palo Alto art gallery, where guests from across the community came together to enjoy wine, music, and art in a vibrant, inspiring setting.

Sirjana Singh Jewelry Show, April 2024

For the second year in a row, acclaimed fine jewelry designer Sirjana Singh hosted a highly successful trunk show at a private home in Menlo Park, CA, generously donating a portion of the proceeds to Blossom Projects.

The event showcased exquisite jewelry and ancient Indian jewelry-making techniques. Blossom Projects volunteers helped organize the event while enjoying an evening of stunning craftsmanship and meaningful community connection.

Keep up with the amazing progress of our students and programs through these newsletters. See all newsletters

Blossom Projects

Small Team. Big Impact. Shared Purpose.

Our story

The board

Chithra Rajagopalan

Dipankar Ghosh

Eric Lopez

Pushpinder Pelia Lubana

Vaishnavi Vinod Kumar

Uday Chenna

Jasleen Pelia-Lutzker

Board advisors

Abha Singhvi

Maryam Dickey

Sunitha Anand

Sonya Pelia

Jennifer Picardo

India Partners

India Team

Annual reports

2024 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

2021

2022

2023

2024

News and events

Coming Soon

5-Year Board Strategy Offsite, July 19, 2026

Donor Appreciation Evening, Palo Alto, April 18, 2026

Board Member Dipankar Ghosh visits students in India, Feb 2026

Thrive, Sept 20, 2025

Ray of Hope Soiree, Sept 14, 2024

Magazine Launch Featuring Board President Chithra Rajgopalan, Aug 2024

Sirjana Singh Jewelry Show, April 2024

2025 NEWSLETTERS

2024 NEWSLETTERS

2023 NEWSLETTERS