Advisory Committees

“Driving Impact Through Specialized Action”

The strength of SABCVA lies in the dedicated work of our specialized committees, each focused on a critical pillar of community and economic development. These committees are the engine of our organization, transforming our mission into tangible action and results. Comprised of passionate volunteers and experts, they delve into key areas such as Entrepreneurship, Youth Development, Women’s Empowerment, and Technology, designing and executing the programs that define our impact. From securing grants and advocating for policy to organizing mentorship and training, our committees ensure we address the full spectrum of our community’s needs. This collaborative, focused approach allows us to empower entrepreneurs, nurture future leaders, and build a more prosperous and innovative Virginia. Explore each committee to discover how you can engage and contribute to this transformative work.

Training & Internship Committee

Media, Communications & Events Committee

Technology & Cybersecurity Committee

Harsha Rao

Vice President, Capabilities and Technology – ManTech Chair, Technology & Cyber Security Committee, South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Harsha Rao is a seasoned technology executive with over 27 years of experience leading digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and modernization initiatives across the federal, defense, and commercial sectors. As Vice President of Capabilities and Technology at ManTech, he oversees programs that integrate AI, cloud, and advanced analytics to support mission-driven innovation.

Throughout his career, Harsha has held leadership roles at Maximus, Booz Allen Hamilton, Computer Sciences Corporation, and UniSys-CompuGain, where he successfully guided enterprise-level modernization and emerging technology efforts.

At SABCVA, Harsha leads the Chair, Technology & Cyber Security Committee, promoting innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship to strengthen the South Asian business community across Virginia.

Ranbir Bhutani

Principal Advisor – Technology & Cybersecurity Committee, South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Ranbir Bhutani serves as the Principal Advisor for the Technology & Cybersecurity Committee at the South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA). In this role, he provides strategic guidance on cybersecurity innovation, digital safety, and AI-driven risk management to strengthen Virginia’s business and community ecosystem.

Ranbir is the Founder & CEO of CyberCulture LLC and brings over 21 years of leadership experience across government, financial institutions, and the private sector. His firm delivers vCISO services, Governance & Risk Compliance (GRC), AI security, SOC-as-a-Service, and Managed Security Operations—empowering organizations to build strong digital resilience.

A respected industry voice, Ranbir is well-known for his LinkedIn series “Cyber Tips with Ranbir,” where he breaks down complex cybersecurity and AI concepts into simple, actionable insights for professionals and entrepreneurs.

At SABCVA, Ranbir’s expertise supports cybersecurity awareness, technological innovation, and workforce readiness—helping advance our mission to build a secure, future-ready, and empowered business environment across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech Committee

Sadiq Ahmed

Chair – Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech Committee South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Sadiq Ahmed serves as the Chair of the Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech Committee at the South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA), where he leads initiatives focused on advancing AI-driven innovation, education, and digital transformation across Virginia’s business community.

With over 24 years of experience in software architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Emerging Technologies, Sadiq has successfully guided enterprise-level modernization and technology adoption across both Microsoft and open-source ecosystems. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to integrating ethical AI and next-generation solutions.

At SABCVA, Sadiq drives collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs — empowering the next generation of innovators and strengthening Virginia’s position as a hub for AI leadership and technological excellence.

Vivek Rao

Principal Advisor, Artificial Intelligence Committee South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Vivek Rao brings deep expertise in data science, AI, and data engineering to SABCVA. He holds multiple degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and is completing graduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Currently serving as a Data Scientist at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Vivek focuses on building AI models that enhance national security. His professional experience spans Capital One, Startups, and About Objects.

At SABCVA, Vivek leads AI-based education programs, mentors interns, and drives innovation initiatives that prepare future leaders in emerging technologies such as Databricks, Cloud, and Large Language Models (LLMs).

Women’s Empowerment & Leadership Committee

Ritu Desai

Principal Advisor – Women Empowerment Committee South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Ritu Desai is a highly respected real estate leader with nearly 30 years of experience serving families, investors, and businesses across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. As an Associate Broker with Samson Properties, she has guided hundreds of clients toward homeownership and long-term wealth creation with integrity, professionalism, and deep community understanding. Recognized by Washingtonian Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and Real Producers as one of the region’s top Realtors, Ritu is widely admired for her leadership and mentorship.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ritu is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and financial empowerment. For years, she has mentored women entrepreneurs, first-time homebuyers, and community members seeking economic independence.

At SABCVA, Ritu serves as Principal Advisor to the Women Empowerment Committee, where she helps advance programs that support women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility across Virginia’s South Asian community.

Samreen R. Qureshi

Chair, Women’s Committee – South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Samreen R. Qureshi is a highly accomplished leader with over 14 years of experience in taxation, policy implementation, and organizational management. Known for her strategic thinking, integrity, and commitment to excellence, she has successfully led large teams, streamlined operations, and introduced innovative approaches to public service and compliance systems.

At the South Asian Business Council of Virginia, Samreen serves as Chair of the Women’s Committee, where she leads programs that empower women entrepreneurs, promote financial literacy, and expand professional opportunities for South Asian women across Virginia. Her leadership emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and community upliftment, reflecting SABCVA’s mission to foster inclusion, equity, and economic growth.

Samreen continues to inspire through her dedication to leadership development and her passion for building pathways that enable women to thrive in business and civic life.

Youth Development & Engagement Committee

Samara Mansoor

Principal Strategic Advisor – Youth Development & Engagement Committee South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Samara Mansoor serves as the Principal Strategic Advisor for Youth Development & Engagement at the South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA), where she leads initiatives that inspire, mentor, and empower the next generation of South Asian and minority youth across Virginia.

A driven technologist and leader, Samara is pursuing a degree in Applied Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence at George Mason University. She currently serves as the Professional Outreach Chair for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), where she connects students with industry professionals, promotes diversity in STEM, and fosters leadership among young women engineers.

Her experience includes hands-on work in AI engineering, Android app development, and digital innovation, having previously served as both an AI & Machine Learning Intern and Android Developer Intern at SABCVA.

Samara is passionate about bridging technology, education, and community service. Through her work, she continues to support SABCVA’s mission of empowering youth, advancing workforce development, and promoting inclusive innovation across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Legal Affairs & Compliance Committee

Rubina Wadhwa

Principal Advisor, Legal & Compliance Affairs

The South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA) is proud to welcome Rubina Wadhwa as our Principal Advisor for Legal and Compliance Affairs.

Rubina is a highly accomplished immigration attorney with over 30 years of experience in legal practice, regulatory compliance, and community advocacy. Beyond her distinguished legal career, she is a respected entrepreneur and community leader, known for her steadfast commitment to supporting and uplifting the South Asian community.

In her new role, Rubina will work closely with SABCVA to provide guidance on legal strategy, compliance, and community-focused initiatives, ensuring our programs and operations continue to serve our mission effectively and responsibly.

We are honored to have her expertise, leadership, and passion on our Advisory Committee as we continue to expand SABCVA’s impact across Virginia.

Sunila Bali

Principal Advisor – Legal & Compliance Committee South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA)

Sunila Bali is a strategic, client-centered attorney licensed in Virginia and New Jersey, with a comprehensive practice spanning Estate Planning, Business Law, Immigration, Employment, Tax Resolution, and Family Law. At Seva Law, she delivers clear, actionable legal guidance to individuals, families, and businesses, strengthened by her diverse experience across private practice, in-house counsel roles, and tax advisory work.

Her career includes serving at multi-practice law firms, advising as corporate counsel for an IT company, and working in tax resolution at a leading CPA firm. Sunila has successfully navigated complex immigration cases, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, IRS audits, and sensitive family legal matters. She is widely respected for her calm leadership, thoughtful legal strategy, and dedication to service.

A graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, Sunila gained hands-on training through extensive clinical work. She is also deeply committed to community advancement and serves on the board of the Women Empowerment Foundation. Sunila is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and Bengali.

As SABCVA’s Principal Advisor for the Legal & Compliance Committee, Sunila leads legal education, compliance guidance, and community advocacy initiatives that support South Asian professionals and strengthen equitable access across the Commonwealth.

Government Relations & Advocacy Committee

Leadership & Mentorship Committee

Donations, Grants & Fundraising Committee

Dipti Rach

Principal Advisor – Donations, Grants & Fundraising Committee

We are thrilled to welcome Dipti Rach as the Principal Advisor for the Donations, Grants & Fundraising Committee at SABCVA. With over 35 years of professional experience, Dipti is a nationally recognized leader in event planning, sponsorship development, and strategic fundraising.

Dipti’s remarkable career includes over a decade at Canada’s largest HR association in Toronto, where she led the Sponsorship Department and organized the country’s premier HR conference for more than 1,200 attendees. She has hosted over 30 world-renowned speakers, including Tony Robbins, Stephen Covey, Gloria Steinem, and John Gray.

Later, Dipti joined a major hospital foundation and created the Trillium Diwali Gala, raising over $14 million in sponsorships and $7 million through annual events. She also developed the hospital’s South Asian individual giving pipeline and built partnerships with eight immigrant communities.

Her expertise will be invaluable as we expand SABCVA’s mission and impact across Virginia and beyond.

Civic Engagement Committee

Mazhar Ahson

Principal Advisor, Civic Engagement Committee

Mazhar Ahson is an accomplished finance and accounting leader with over 30 years of experience managing global financial operations, grants, audits, and fiscal strategy across U.S. government and international organizations. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in senior leadership roles with the U.S. Department of State, INL, OPIC, and multiple U.S. embassies worldwide, where he oversaw complex financial programs and advanced high-impact initiatives supporting diplomatic missions.

A Certified Public Accountant with top-level security clearance, Mazhar is recognized for his expertise in financial analysis, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and organizational governance. His global service includes leadership roles such as Board Director for international schools in Beijing and Islamabad, Chairman of the U.S. Employee Association of Pakistan, and Vice President of the United Way of Latah County.

At SABCVA, Mazhar serves as the Principal Advisor, Civic Engagement Committee, guiding efforts to strengthen civic participation, community leadership, and engagement across Virginia’s South Asian community.

Mansoor Qureshi

Chair of the Advisory Committees, South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA) Advisory Board Member

Mansoor Qureshi serves as the Chair of the Advisory Committees for the South Asian Business Council of Virginia (SABCVA) and is a member of its Advisory Board. With nearly two decades of experience in Virginia, his work focuses on strengthening civic engagement, expanding opportunities, and building bridges across diverse communities.

He represents the South Asian community on the Virginia Asian American Advisory Board, where he advises the Governor on policies that promote economic growth, inclusion, and civic participation.

As the Managing Partner of Capital Films, Mansoor leads a media organization dedicated to producing impactful films, documentaries, and community-driven content. His professional career also includes serving as a Senior Talent Partner, supporting professionals across both the commercial sector and the Federal government.

Through his programs Capital Corner and Mani ka America, Mansoor highlights leadership stories, amplifies community voices, and brings important civic, cultural, and social issues to the forefront. With a digital audience of more than 400,000 followers, he has become a trusted voice for South Asian and multicultural communities.

For over 15 years, Mansoor has organized civic and educational initiatives that empower South Asians across Virginia to participate in the democratic process and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive future.