Planning Committee

Priyanka Prakash – Co-Chair

I was born in Mysore and lived in India till the age of seven, grew up in Maryland, went to Penn State (We are...), and then moved to NYC five years ago to work in the world of finance. I love everything about being a Kannadiga, and everything about India, the food, music, dance, culture, clothes, the weddings....so much so that I started my own event planning business, Fifth Avenue Events, specializing in South Asian Weddings and found my true calling as a wedding planner. I'm excited about this year's convention and singles meet and think we truly have a great committee in place. We have some really unique and fun ideas for the weekend, and I look forward to meeting everyone who attends!

Bhavana Dabir – Co- Chair

When I was asked to co-chair the singles meet, I was psyched that I could contribute to this awesome cultural experi When I was asked to co-chair the singles meet, I was psyched that I could contribute to this awesome cultural experience! Like other "ABCDs", I cherish opportunities to learn more about my culture. I was born in India, came to the U.S. when I was six and have spent the majority of my childhood all over the East Coast (big ups to FL, NY, and VA!). After spending a few weeks developing activities with the other organizers, however, I realized that this was going to be much more than just a cultural experience - it's gonna be FUN! This year's singles events are guaranteed to be the most fun you've ever participated in, so if you're thinking about it--stop thinking! Join! Come meet new people and make new friends! We all look forward to meeting you so see you there! :D

Rati Vaishya – Marketing & Programming
I moved to the States when I was 7, and grew up in the good ole Midwest - Michigan. Although my immediate family are all here in the States, I consider Bangalore to be my real home. I'm so proud of my Kannadiga heritage and Kannadigas as a community. Look around, we have some of the smartest and most gorgeous people in the world. But not many people, some even in India know about us! I recently was asked "what" Karnataka was by an Indian person!! LOL !
A bit about me? I'm 28, work as a Strategic Planner at an ad agency and recently got married. But not too long ago, I was single and attending AKKA with hopes of meeting that special someone. I remember what it feels like, the excitement mixed with anxiety. And I remember having a lot of thoughts on how to make those singles events even better. So that's why I'm here. I want to help make this year's Akka Singles events the best ever! I look forward to meeting all of you!

Ruchira Kannambille
Hi everyone! So I'm 26, I was born in NJ and grew up in upstate NY. After finishing my undergrad at Rutgers (RU Rah Rah!), I've settled here in NJ working in the pharmaceutical industry. I truly love everything about our Indian culture and am very proud to be a Kannadiga. Some of my most treasured memories are the times I have vacationed in Bangalore...strolling down MG Road...shopping in 4th block...eating at Adigas...and spending quality time with family hearing timeless stories about life in India. When I heard about the AKKA singles committee, I approached Priyanka to be a part of it since I think its a wonderful way to meet new people! I really believe that this year's AKKA Singles event will be incredibly fun and exciting, packed with many different ideas...so join now! I look forward to meeting you all soon!

When I heard about the AKKA singles committee, I approached Priyanka to be a part of it since I think its a wonderful way to meet new people! I really believe that this year's AKKA Singles event will be incredibly fun and exciting, packed with many different ideas...so join now! I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Rashmi Mohan

I am Rashmi 32 years old.. I was born in Bangalore and I came to New JErsey when I was 2 years old. I have been a Jersey gal from then on. I graduated from Monmouth university with a degree in Political Science. I currently work for the State of NJ labor department. My interests including Indian dance choreography, singing musical show tunes, photography and arts. I love to travel to India and speak Kannada and watch Kannada movies. ?? I wanted to join this committee to be apart of the fun and exciting ways to meet other Kannadigas. This is a great group of ladies working on this event. If you come you will not be bored.