Dipti Desai, Business Analyst Manager for IT Services, is also the co-coordinator of the Chicago Chapter of Sewa International USA, a nonprofit humanitarian organization. In this role, Dipti has been raising donations to support India during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although Dipti has lived most of her life in the U.S., she still has parents, siblings, other relatives, and friends living in India, and she has stayed close to her Indian heritage.

“I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful impact for those who aren’t as fortunate and discovered Sewa International USA to serve not just in India, but also make a difference in the U.S.,” Dipti said.

Apart from the regular volunteer services Sewa International has offered for the last six years locally, Dipti and other volunteers nationwide have doubled down on their efforts to support India through this second phase of COVID, not only with monetary relief to send oxygen concentrators, CPAPs and other medical supplies to India, but also by providing services like setting up a help desk and organizing virtual doctor consultations. Dipti said she has been grateful for encouragement and support from her UChicago colleagues in her efforts.