The Business of Social Impact
From left to right- Santosh Govindaraju, Niki Patel, Ann Steensland, Yasmin Sayed, Ruchi Attal, Hanisha Patel, Sheldon Reddy, Smruthi Ravirekhala, Anitha Kancharla, Naresh Vissa, Jay Sehgal
The Indo-US Chamber of Commerce of Greater Tampa Bay hosted an inspiring “fireside chat” on August 19 called “The Business of Social Impact: How Business, Philanthropy and Community Leadership Create Lasting Change.” The evening offered the 70 attendees with a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, and explore how business, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, communities, and individuals can come together to advance social impact.
For the panel discussion and Q&A session, Jay Sehgal, the chair of S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) in India and executive vice president of Sehgal Foundation in the US, provided a broad social impact perspective to SMSF work being done in rural India. Ann Steensland, executive director of The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems and a long-time collaborator with SMSF in helping small farmers in India, provided a powerful on-the-ground rural development perspective. Philanthropist and community business leader Santosh Govindaragu provided an insightful community leadership perspective. Moderator, tax strategist, and CPA Ruchi Attal, brought thoughtful insight into purposeful, efficient, and strategic philanthropic giving that connects purpose with practice.
The panel explored how philanthropy can move beyond traditional giving toward meaningful, measurable, and lasting social impact. Jay highlighted the importance of placing communities at the center of any solution and building local ownership—and the belief that is central to Sehgal Foundation’s work—lasting change is built through partnership, trust, community ownership, and a shared commitment to creating solutions that endure.
Ann described how the evolution of corporate philanthropy toward long-term, strategic partnerships offers powerful opportunities to create lasting positive change in the world. Santosh emphasized the value of bringing business acumen and a spirit of everyday generosity to giving. Ruchi guided the conversation with insights on strategic and tax-efficient philanthropy.
Long-time advocate for supporting marginalized communities, Yasmin Sayed, serving as local Sehgal Foundation representative and event organizer, thanked the Indo US Chamber of Commerce and its role in bringing this type of meaningful conversations to the community. She also thanked the board, and all the attendees and supporters who partner with Sehgal Foundation to make a sustainable impact in the lives of so many in rural India.
Yasmin Sayed, Yasmin.sayed@sehgalfoundation.org
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