Director of Community Outreach

Esther Dhanraj, also known as Kamakshi, is a staunch upholder of Sanatana Dharma. With a Master’s degree in English Literature from Osmania University, India, and a research-focused Master’s degree in Christian Studies, specializing in Apologetics, from Luther Rice University, Georgia, she has delved deeply into Christian doctrines and practices. Initially a devout follower of dogmatic teachings, Esther liberated herself from superstitions by subjecting her faith to academic scrutiny. Recognizing the importance of academic inquiry in religious understanding and practice, she now focuses on raising awareness about it. Esther actively supports grassroots initiatives aimed at educating rural communities about Sanatana Dharma and mentors leadership teams of various organizations involved in similar efforts.

As the Director of Community Outreach at the Hindu University of America, she brings her rich experience working with volunteer groups, leveraging her rhetorical abilities for mobilizing funds for dharmic causes and her academic expertise in religious research and writing to advance her mission.

Donor Relations Director

Sudha Ashok is an experienced donor relations manager with excellent written communication skills, who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and has the ability to build strong relationships with diverse groups. She is passionate about our cause and is able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Sudha holds a degree in English and Political Science and has special qualifications in Computer Science and a certification from IIM, Bengaluru, in CRM.

Expert knowledge of donor management software. Previously, she worked as a systems analyst for a leading Swiss multinational inspection and quality control agency in India and as a marketing director for a leading European insurer in Dubai. She also worked for a short time at the Indian Embassy in Mauritius as a Visa Officer. She is also a founding member of the Dharma Civilization Foundation (established 2012) based in Los Angeles.

Director Digital Marketing

Malini Ratnam is a senior marketing professional with over 20 years of expertise in marketing and emerging media. She is a strategic thinker and brings innovation to complex marketing initiatives. Malini is passionate about digital marketing with a career that spans client, agency, retail, education and non-profit brands in the US and in Europe and Asia. 

She has a Master’s in Advertising and Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She has been a panel speaker at several digital conferences including SXSW and agency digital summits. She was also an adjunct faculty at the University of North Texas where she taught Digital Marketing And Digital Retailing Strategies. Malini currently is the Founder of MantraM Digital, a digital marketing consulting firm that specializes in integrated digital marketing and strategy including website user experience and design, search, social media, email and content marketing.  

Director of Advancement

Mr. Ankur Patel was born in Los Angeles in 1985 and is a graduate of the Los Angeles Unified School District, University of California, Los Angeles (B.S. 2007), and California State University, Northridge (M.S. 2014). Ankur has taught English in South Korea and China and is currently working as a public school teacher. He has sold solar panels, studied ants in the desert publishing a peer-reviewed scientific article, and worked for the National Union of Healthcare Workers representing hospital staff at Kaiser Permanente.

Ankur Patel ran for Los Angeles City Controller in 2013, LA School Board in 2015, and most recently for the California State Assembly in 2018. Combining his strong belief in the power of education and public service, he has found his way onto the dharmic path. He attended the World Hindu Congress in Chicago in September 2018 and is now serving as the Director of Advancement for Hindu University of America.