Dr. Rita Taliwal is the founder of Metro Orthodontics in New York City and has been shaping smiles for more than 20 years. She also teaches at Columbia University’s Orthodontic Residency Program, where mentoring future orthodontists is one of her greatest joys. Her journey began at Rutgers University, where she met Neil and the Shastri family. Her dedication to education and mentorship aligns with the Neil G. Shastri Foundation’s mission to empower learners and expand access to academic opportunities.

Robert Gilmartin is an attorney and partner at Tanenbaum Keale LLP, focusing his practice on the defense of litigated product liability matters and analyzing and coordinating mass tort cases in the roles of local, regional or national counsel. A trustee of the NGS Foundation since 2021, Rob attended Midland Park High School with Neil Shastri and his brothers.

Seema is a proud board member of the Neil G. Shastri Foundation and is passionate about driving meaningful change as an homage to Neil’s legacy. Seema is a seasoned media executive in advertising, data, and technology, specializing in advanced advertising and multi-platform solutions. She navigated her career through TelevisaUnivision, ViacomCBS, and DIRECTV. Additionally, Patel co-founded TechBae, a networking organization focused on advancing equality and mentorship for women in ad tech and media. She lives in NJ with her husband and two daughters.

Suj is a dedicated board member of the Neil G. Shastri Foundation, contributing his expertise to support its mission of empowering communities through education and healthcare initiatives. Professionally, he is a seasoned executive serving as a Director in the Life Sciences Technology practice at Baker Tilly. Residing in Tampa, Florida Suj is a proud father to five daughters - Anjali, Malini, Sanaya, Karina, Jiyana and husband to his lovely wife Kalpana.

Umang, Neil’s older brother, serves as President of the NGS Foundation, where he is deeply committed to closing educational gaps and expanding opportunities for underserved communities. His passion lies in growing the Foundation’s impact and helping more children achieve their academic dreams in the years to come. Outside of the Foundation, Umang is an attorney at Ferring Pharmaceuticals. He lives in Westfield, NJ, with his wife, Shefali, and their three sons.

Jay is the twin brother of Neil, and one of the co-founders of the NGS Foundation. He serves as the foundation’s Vice-President, and has directed the annual scholarship to Midland Park High School since its inception in 2002. He is dedicated to the Foundation’s mission via community service and supporting a variety of educational programs. He is a nephrologist, and has been committed to medical education with a focus on teaching doctors in training throughout his career in private practice. Jay lives at the Jersey Shore, and his hobbies include playing several sports, traveling, reading/learning, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Shefali Shastri is Co-Founder and Secretary of the Neil G. Shastri Foundation, where she is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission of supporting families and promoting education and community well-being. A double board-certified physician in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr. Shastri also serves as Clinical Director and Managing Partner at RMA of New Jersey. She is passionate about women’s health and community service, and also serves as a Board Advisor for the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation. Dr. Shastri lives in Westfield, NJ with her husband, Umang, three sons- Neil, Jaden, & Dilan and their beloved dog, Chelsea.

Sam brings over 30 years of varied experience in the Life Sciences industry. In 2011, after 16 years in on the Pharma side, he tested his entrepreneur skills, when he founded Medical Marketing Solutions Group (MMSG), a boutique MECC. He was able to build an agency of 25 employees leading up to the acquisition of MMSG in February of 2022, by Red Nucleus the leader in the life sciences service industry. His newest venture (JSA Advisory Group) he provides strategic consulting services in the life sciences focused on the power of connections in the evolving pharma/biotech market. He currently resides in Clinton New Jersey with his wife Sonal and three children Jailen (18), Shivani (16) and Anaiya (12)