Los Angeles, California, USA:  Vandana Tilak, an American of Indian origin, is a visionary social entrepreneur known for blending business acumen with humanitarian service. With a diverse career spanning filmmaking, Ayurveda, real estate, aerospace technology, and philanthropy, she has built a reputation for innovation and impact.

She played a key leadership role in Almex USA, Inc., her family’s engineering firm specialising in aerospace-grade aluminium alloys, and also founded Bombay Pictures, exploring her passion for storytelling.

Tilak’s most significant contribution came as CEO and Director of The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA, the world’s largest secular school lunch program. From 2018, she mobilised global donors and volunteers to fight classroom hunger in India, helping the organisation achieve milestones like serving its 3 billionth meal, celebrated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Highlighting the scale of the issue, she noted that 120 million Indian schoolchildren live on just $1.20 a day, and for many, the foundation’s meal is their only source of daily nutrition.

Beyond her organisational roles, Tilak has led youth programs, encouraged volunteering, and inspired communities in both the U.S. and India. Her passion for photography, travel, music, and Ayurveda reflects her holistic approach to life and leadership.