Lata Krishnan and Ajay Shah: Indian-Origin Entrepreneurs Making a Difference Through Philanthropy

Nov 5 :
Indian-origin philanthropists Lata Krishnan and Ajay Shah, who live in the United States, are supporting education and economic empowerment through several charitable initiatives. Lata grew up in Kenya, while Ajay was raised in Uganda. After successful careers in finance and business, they co-founded Smart Modular Technologies.

Their Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship programme has supported more than 45 students from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to the official website of SVFC, recipients receive $10,000 annually for four years of college. The couple personally participates in scholarship interviews and draws inspiration from the students' experiences.

They also support Eastside Prep and Downtown College Prep, which help disadvantaged students prepare for four-year college programmes. Their contributions extend to scientific research and medicine through support for a professorship held by Dr. Nathanael Gray, whose work focuses on cancer therapeutics.

Lata serves on the board of the Accion Opportunity Fund, an organisation that helps women and small-business owners in low-income communities access financial services, educational resources and professional networks.

The couple also serve as founding architects, board leaders and major financial supporters of the American India Foundation (AIF). In 2021, they announced a $5 million contribution to AIF's Fellowship programme during its virtual 20th Annual Bay Area Spring Celebration, in a discussion with Ajay Banga, then Mastercard's executive chairman.

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