Meet the 2021 Judges
Jatinder-Bir Sandu
Mr. Jatinder-Bir Sandhu serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of NYX, Inc. Mr. Sandhu is a senior executive with over 30 years in the automotive supplier sector. Mr. Sandhu started his career at NYX in 1989, as a production manager followed by a stint as plant manager of NYX - Schoolcraft. Mr. Sandhu manages the operations of 15 facilities and 4300 employees. Mr. Sandhu served as Chief Financial Officer of NYX for 12 years. During his tenure as Chief Financial Officer, NYX successfully completed and integrated eight acquisitions. He has played a key role in developing and implementing NYX’s product strategy, operating systems, and management culture during its growth from a $2 million business in 1989 to a $650 million enterprise (2019). Mr. Sandhu graduated with honors in Physics and Biology from Butler University in 1987 and an M.B.A. from the University of Detroit in 1990. Currently Mr. Sandhu serves as Chairman of the Board for the Butler University Board of Trustees.
Chaula Thacker
Chaula is a lifelong student of the classical and folk dances of India. Her Gurus include Shri Shrinivasan Shenoy, a disciple of Acharya Parvatikumar; Shri K. Ramaiah and Padmashri late Shreemati Bala Saraswati, “Queen of Abhinaya or Expression ''.
Chaula is the artistic director of Nadanta as well as the founder of the Chauladevi Institute of Dance and Yoga where for over 42 years she has been teaching Classical, Creative and Folk dances as well as Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda. She currently has over 100 students in southeastern Michigan. She works as a visiting and teaching artist at UMS University of Musical Society. She has been a faculty member at CCS and has also taught dance courses/master classes at Wayne State University, Oakland University and Marygrove College. She has worked with many different Public and Private schools for their multicultural activities. She has been involved with coaching Olympic ice dancing teams for their various competitions since 1995. She also works as a dance and movement therapist for special needs people. She is a recipient of Project Grant for Nadanta, Inc. from Michigan Council for the Arts and cultural affairs -MCACA and National Endowment of the Arts NEA for the last 34 years.
Chaula Thacker is an accomplished choreographer and dancer; having performed for audiences in India, United States, Canada, Former Soviet Union, Denmark, Spain, (Bali) Indonesia, and Australia. Her cultural contributions have been recognized by numerous Indian communities and other organizations including Michigan Legislature, IRS (Internal Revenue Service), INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), Army Corps of Engineers and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She has well over 100 awards for choreography, costume design, direction and performance from many of the most prestigious folk dance competitions on three continents. Her choreography and direction were instrumental in making Nadanta- Foga & Fogana National Champions for several years. She has presented her dances to television audiences in India and the United States. She was an advisor to All India Radio for youth programs. In 2006, Chaula directed the Super Bowl XL multicultural show “Nations in Rhythm Detroit!”
Other than rigorous training and degree in Bharat Natyam, Chaula has studied North Indian and Carnatic style of South Indian classical music. She has studied Ballet for 12 years. Chaula is a Certified Instructor of Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation. She has conducted numerous Yoga and Silent Retreats, in the US and India. She is a Reiki Master and offers Reiki treatments.
Chaula is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enhancement of Indian dance traditions in all of their many forms. She has created, choreographed and presented over 100 unique Dance Productions, and is also an author of a book – Sold over 2000 copies - “An Introduction to Bharat Natyam”.
RakSha D’Ave
Director of Nartan Dance Academy
Raksha D’ave is a classically trained teacher in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri and a wide variety of Folk dances. She started Nartan Dance Academy in 1986, where a wide variety of dances are incorporated and taught. Here she nurtures her passion for creating fusion dances and dance dramas. Apart from her rich dance background she is a skilled writer and poet. She has written over 15 dance dramas and many timeless songs for her dance productions. She has judged countless dance competitions worldwide. Since her conception of Nartan Dance academy, Raksha has trained thousands in varieties of Indian dances. She helped create a traditional graduation program known as “Manglacharan” which is a student's debut solo performance. “Manglacharan” incorporates Manipuri, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and traditional Indian folk dances. Raksha’s relentless focus and drive for perfection and commitment has nurtured many young adults to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Her drive has created a legacy and a cultural bridge between India and America. Her choreography has won countless titles across interstate, national, and worldwide competitions; she continues to be the leading light for Indian culture in Detroit Michigan.
Lauren M. Sanders
Native Detroiter Lauren Campbell-Sanders grew up in the historic African American neighborhood of Conant Gardens. She’s a graduate of Detroit Public School, Renaissance High and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She attended Wayne State’s Law School yet she is perhaps best known locally as the weekend morning news anchor for Detroit’s NBC affiliate, WDIV Local 4 News. Never afraid to dive in and learn, Lauren started as a newsroom intern and wrote her way into a hired position as an evening news writer. After a short period she was
offered the opportunity to move from behind the scenes to her first on camera roll as a segment reporter. She was successful and produced and reported this segment until she was hired as the weekend morning solo, anchor.. She gained wide viewership and accolades and is noted for her relatable interviews and engaging anchoring style.
Lauren has hosted hundreds of corporate training films and live corporate webcasts and has perfected the use of the ear prompter, making her a favorite presenter among producers. When General Motors celebrated its downtown Detroit headquarters grand opening, Lauren hosted the multicultural, million dollar affair and when Morgan Stanley created its intimate client inspiration series, it was Lauren who interviewed their book authors in a fireside chat reception. Then, after more than 15 years with Local 4 News, Lauren decided to leave the newsroom for more balance in her work and family life at which time she launched a boutique marketing and consulting firm, The Elevate Project Inc.
The Elevate Project Inc., develops and delivers marketing messages for corporate, small businesses and individual clients taking their message from obscurity, to being beautifully and effectively packaged and shared. It’s Lauren’s passion to tell important stories that help elevate the client and the community. The Elevate Project’s scope of offerings puts Lauren back in front of audiences at live events as host and moderator but now, her years of work experience drives her leadership of her team in creating marketing content and strategies that includes complete video productions from concept to media postings. In addition, The Elevate Project Inc., provides business consulting services that range from client interface management to community liaison services. Lauren is also the co-founder of both True Balance Transport LLC and Enreish LLC.
Lauren is the proud mother of three high-achieving boys. She realizes the unique challenges that boys face and has launched a non-profit for the purpose of uplifting boys’ with creative exposure to STEAM, life skills training and community support. She is an active member of the Detroit Chapter of The Links, Inc., where she serves as chair/manager of social media. She is dedicated to a healthy and organic lifestyle that includes clean, conscious eating, a variety of intense workouts, to include boxing, while balancing this with enriching, surprise activities that she shares with her boys.
Vatsala Upadhyay
Vatsala Upadhyay is the Enterprise Lead IT Solutions Architect at Seco Tools.
She is the Secretary of the National Board of ASEI (American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin) and an active volunteer of Mai Family Services.
Vatsala is extremely passionate about life and enjoys every moment that has been gifted by the Almighty.
She has also been a national level volleyball player in India and is a techno-geek, who believes that there is a solution for every problem, just that we need to look deep enough.
Nicole Samuel
Nicole Samuel is a proud native of Detroit and was educated in the Detroit Public School System graduating from Cass Technical High School. She went on to further her education at Eastern Michigan University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine and a Master of Science in Health Education. Nicole has been employed with the Ascension Providence Health System for the past 17 years as an Exercise Physiologist, she also is a Patients Service Representative for Zoll's LifeVest division. She loves patient care and being able to put a smile on her patients face.
Nicole believes in the power of God and has faith that through Him all things are possible. She is a faithful member of New Life Family Church under the leadership of Pastor Welton Smith IV. She is an active member of the Ministerial Alliance and the First Impressions Ministry.
Being a confident and proud full-figured woman helped Nicole to begin her journey as a plus size model. She has been modeling for many years and has done shows locally and out of state.
In 2018, Nicole stepped out on faith and began her journey in pageantry. She has held the titles of 2018 Ms Michigan Plus America, 2019 Ms Michigan American Beauties Plus, and 2020 Ms Michigan American Beauties Plus. In April 2021 Nicole won her first national title and is the current Ms American Beauties Plus 2021/2022! Nicole is also State Director for the Miss Pure Sparkle Michigan Pageant, a pageant for girls ages 0-18!
Nicole's passion is for all women whether young or old to embrace and understand their beauty regardless of their shape, size, or color. Her goal and purpose is to encourage every woman from little girls to adults to walk boldly, be fearless, to stand tall, and to love and believe in themselves. Nicole's hope is to dispel those societal perceptions and standards that women are challenged with daily, and say "Yes, I Am Beautiful" and "I Am Enough"!
Perry Mehta
Mr. Perry Mehta is a dynamic and serial entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist. Accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience has demonstrated a track record of success in implementing and executing infrastructure solutions projects in the technology, security, and construction industries. Mr. Mehta has a BS in Civil Engineering from SV National Institute of Technology Surat, India, and an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of New Haven, CT.
The mission of the business is to harness values for its team, shareholders, customers, and partners. The main objective is to enhance service levels and client satisfaction and spearhead the industry to diversify.
He has taken FutureNet Group and other organizations to major heights and grown financially as well as creating employment for hundreds of people nationwide. One of his successful acquisitions of Smith & Wesson Security Solutions, FutureNet Group became a pioneer in providing high-class perimeter security worldwide.
As co-founder of alerteerTM (www.alerteer.com), he is providing breakthrough technology in the electronics and CCTV industry by providing Real-Time Alert Notifications. alerteerTM converts reactive CCTV into a smart surveillance system utilizing Artificial intelligence and advanced video analytics software and mobile app.
With his technical and leadership abilities, Mr. Mehta has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and recognitions for his consistent contribution towards the socio-economic growth of the USA. Some of the Notable Recognition and Awards:
• US SBA Best Minority Small Business of the Year By President Obama
• Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young
• Fast 50 Asian American Business for seven years
• Fastest Growing Inner City Business by Fortune Magazine and ICIC (Harvard Business School) for six years
• World CEO of the Year from Financial Monthly, London
• LifeTime Achievement Award from American Society of Engineers of Indian Engineers
• Glorious Gujarat Award – NJ by FICCI
Mehta’s community involvements and philanthropic activities are well recognized. Mr. Mehta has served in several leadership positions in several communities, cultural, professional, and religious organizations. He has always been a catalyst for change and a spokesman for creating a better community. Mehta is the Past Chairman of VYO USA (Vallabh Youth Organization), a nonprofit program that creates positive and constructive youth development.
Tel Ganesan
Tel K. Ganesan is a serial entrepreneur, movie producer & distributor, motivational speaker, investor and philanthropist. He is the President & CEO of Kyyba Films, a global film production and distribution company
based in Michigan. The company focuses on the production of original feature films, documentaries and music videos.
Tel is the producer of three feature films, including Devil’s Night: Dawn of Nain Rouge (2020), Celebrity Crush (2019) and Christmas Coupon (2019). He is currently in post-production for two more movies: the hip hop, urban drama Trap City and 18 ½, a 1970s-era Watergate conspiracy thriller/dark comedy. Also distributed the Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson starrer, “The Marksman”; (previously known as “The Minuteman”), action-thriller from director Robert Lorenz in about 8 countries in Asia including India. Tel has also produced two motion picture soundtrack albums, five music videos and a social consciousness Documentary.
Tel is also the Founder & Executive Chairman, Kyyba Inc., a Michigan based company which focuses on IT and Engineering Services. Today Kyyba’s portfolio includes Staffing, Emerging Technologies, R&D to advance innovation, Health & Wellness and Entertainment (Film Production & Distribution). Through his different ventures, Tel has supported startups and entrepreneurs in healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, financial services and has gone an extra mile to empower women and make education accessible to the less privileged through the Kyyba Kidz Foundation.
Tel has appeared on several TV and radio interviews such as FOX 2 News, Detroit Public TV, NPR, WWJ News Radio, and Indian and Middle Eastern TV Channels. In addition, Tel has been featured in numerous digital and print media such as Financial Times, Detroit News, Oakland Press, Dbusiness Magazine, Corp Magazine, Japan’s NIKKEI, BBC and Times of India. Tel has received several awards of excellence & honor such as Filmmaker of the year Award from MEAF’s 9th Annual Congressional Awards Gala in 2019 in Chicago, U.S. PINOYS Hall of Fame Award in 2019, Chicago MAFS’s Mahatma Gandhi Medallion of Excellence for Top 20 Global Icons, , Global Detroit’s Corporate Leadership Award, D-Business’s The Detroit 500 (three years in a row), The Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit, Corp Magazine’s
Diversity Business Leader, D-Business's 2019 Champions of the New Economy, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year finalist - 2014, 2013, 2012, Outstanding Young Asian American of Michigan, Special Tribute for Excellence - Michigan State Senate, Outstanding Service & Contribution Award, Leader & Innovator Award. In addition, Tel is a public speaker and has spoken at several conferences and seminars worldwide. Tel is a member of the Producers Guild of America and sits on several public and private boards.
Radhika Shukla
Personal:
Born in India, live in South Lyon, Michigan
Dancing, modeling, yoga, love for music, biking
Married 19 years to Manoj Singh, CSA at MSFT APAC region; 2 kids (Maahgika, 13; Reyaansh, 4)
Mrs. Michigan USA, Ms Michigan North American 2020, Mrs Entrepreneur 2019; Mrs. Inda 2018
Won People’s Choice, Ms. Congeniality and made it to Tap 5 at the Nationals Ms. North America 2020.
Professional:
Over 18 years in Sales, Business strategy planning
Customer Relationship Management and Business Development
Microsoft - Global Strategic Account Director
Previously Strategic AE at IBM
Education: MBA, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business (Strategy and Marketing)
Recognized as No. 1 in Top 10 Women in Manufacturing by Manufacturing Global Magazine
Community:
GIVE Campaign lead @Microsoft
Executive Board, Pioneer Medical Research/PALAV
Executive Board/PR lead-Indian American Community Services for relief crisis
Passion for D&I: Women @ MSFT ERG Lead 2019
Volunteer: Detroit Educational Society, DigiGirlz
Member: Michigan Council of Women in Technology
Vice Chair: Michigan Indo American Democratic Caucus
Board Member: MAI Family Services
People Leader
Coach/Thought leader for customers and sellers
Continue a Learn-It-All mindset: 8 technical certifications in MSFT solution stack, Diversity & Inclusion and Industry 4.0
Continue Growth Mindset with keen Partner focus and Customer Success obsession
Challenger at my core
People Champions Committee at Microsoft
Richa Langella
Richa Langella (Gangopadhyay) was the winner of the Miss India Michigan 2007 and Miss India USA 2007 titles and a Top 10 Finalist in the Miss India Worldwide pageant in 2008 in South Africa. She also won the titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Beautiful Smile as well as Miss Congeniality.
As a national pageant title holder, Richa embarked on and established a robust, 5-year career as a pan-Indian actress in the Telugu, Tamil and Bengali film industries, working as the lead opposite A-list actors such as Rana Daggubati and Prabhas (of Baahubali fame) and winning 6 Best Actress awards for her role opposite Dhanush in Mayakkam Enna. Inspired by her newfound love for marketing and brand management, she strategically left her acting career during her peak in 2013, returning to the US to complete her undergraduate in Communications and MBA degree at Washington University in St. Louis and making a career switch to management consulting. She and her husband, Joe, now reside in Portland, Oregon and are expecting their baby boy this summer!
As the last official winner of the Miss India Michigan title, Richa is honored and delighted to be a part of the 2021 pageant as a virtual judge.
Sharon Thomas
Sharon Thomas is a wife and mother of two adult sons. She began her career as a computer analyst and has recently graduated with a degree in Architecture and Design and is pursuing graduate studies in Urban Planning.
Sharon has been deeply committed to serving various under-served communities in her professional and charitable ventures over the years.
She was the Festival of India Queen 1986-1987, the Miss India Michigan title holder in 1986-1987 and went on to win the National title of Miss India America that year.
Prior to that Sharon was an accomplished Classical Indian dancer in Bharata Natyam and Mohiniattam and a senior student of Smt. Sudha Chandrasekhar.
Sharon has been an organizer of this pageant and a mentor to past winners as well, and continues to be an avid supporter.
Arshi Lalani
Arshi Lalani is the current Royal International Miss India 2021, was the Royal International Miss Georgia 2020, was miss teen India Georgia 2014 and was also in miss teen India USA back in 2014 at the age of 13 years old.
After studying abroad for three years in India at one of the best IB schools in the world.
Arshi had graduated , and had gotten into NYU pursuing her dream of journalism. However fate had other plans when early 2020 Arshi was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor, Regardless of those bad times she fought back. And became the new Royal International Miss India early 2021 after battling her brain tumor.
Now she has dedicated a lot of time towards serving her community locally and internationally She has worked with middle eastern refugees coming to the United States from Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria alongside New American Pathways. She is currently just a freshman in college at Mercer University in Georgia, pursuing Journalism and Political Science And is very excited about judging this pageant.
Leslie Ann Pilling
Pilling is honored tobe selected as one ofthe Judges for the Miss India Pageant. Previously, Pilling has been a judge for many Fashion platforms including CCS Center For Creative Studies inDetroit, and the entrepreneurial program at Northwood University in Midland Michigan.
Leslie Ann Pilling is a native Detroiter and life-longdesigner. Over the span of her career, she has ownedand operated Presence II Inc., parent company toPresence II Productions. Her firm consults on Design whether Interiors or Fashion. She is a ghost designerand business consultant for fashion brands.
In 2015 she is founded Metropolitan Museum ofDesign Detroit (MM-O-DD) a non-profit based inDetroit Michigan. The design museum is the only one in Detroit which is in the nation’s only Unesco City of Design. The mission is providing access to experiential educational enrichment opportunities through collaborative programming and exhibitions. The results to her vision is to attract and offer world-class opportunities to “students” of all ages through its “edutainment” model. Edutainment, or experiential learning, is the spark that uniquely defines MM-O-DD. Her determination is to inspire creativity and innovative thinking on how design impacts people and planet. Hergoal is to ignite interest in design and related fields ofstudy as a profession or passion. Part of MM-O-DD’s vision is to seed talent, mentor and support in the development of the next generation of designers. Today an essential component to success is to gain savvy insight to future opportunities including the Fashion Industry.
Sudha Chandrashekar
Sudha Chandra Sekhar is a world-renowned performer and "guru" of traditional Indian classical dance in the style called "Bharata Natyam". She began studying Bharata Natyam in 1945 in Mumbai, India. Sudha has shared her extensive knowledge of India’s culture, heritage, and arts with audiences throughout the USA, Canada and beyond - including the presentation of 116 dance graduation recitals. Sudha’s audiences have included many well-known public figures including Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minster Walter Nash of New Zealand, Presidents S,Radhakrishnan, and V.V. Giri, ‘Queen of Soul’ singer Aretha Franklin, civil rights heroine Rosa Parks, and actor Kirk Douglas. Sudha has conducted advanced dance camps and workshops both in the U.S. and Canada, where students have intensive training and research opportunities. She has also taught seasonal course sessions and independent study courses through University of Windsor, Wayne State University, Albion College and University of Michigan. Though a long-time professional, Sudha , and her daughters, as well as her devoted of Hindu Temple Rhythms, have always helped various charitable institutions, non-profit, as well as social organizations, and temples, to raise funds for worthy causes .
An active Commissioner in the Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission of the City of Oak Park, Sudha is a Charter President of the Optimist Club of Oak Park and Royal Oak Township, a Board Member of the Michigan Dance Council, a prominent cultural representative,and member of the CID Council of UNESCO, and a continuing supportive MiIndia, Sri Balaji Temple of Great Lakes, Hindu temple, Canton, Shirdi Sai Temples of Livonia, and Rochester Hills, life and member of Bharatiya Temple, Kerala Club, Michigan Tamil Sangam, Gujerathi Samaj.
Today at 80 years of age, she continues to teach and even perform regularly, sharing her art, life story, knowledge, commitment, and wisdom with hundreds of young and adult students, faculty, instructors,
and audiences in Michigan, Seattle, Orlando, Boston and more centers across the US and Canada. She instills values of life in her students, and prepares them for success, and fulfilment in life through strong beliefs, Hope, Faith , and Trust in God, facing and removing Fear, and setbacks, with courage and conviction, knowing that the Eternal Power is within you. and each one of us, to be respected, and thanked.