Anita Keestra, JP
Anita is committed to building strong relationships and supporting diversity for more than two decades. She is passionate about collaborative partnerships, life-long learning and optimising people potential. Anita is currently working as Business Development Manager at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT). She is Director of a training consultancy business and a Real Estate Salesperson with Remax Revolution. Anita holds a MBA, Graduate Diploma in Economic Development and Bachelor of Education (Adult Ed.) and was on the Auckland Council Advisory Panel for 6 years. Anita also lectures in business management, business growth, personal financial management, employment and soft skills. She was awarded the Sir James Fletcher Award for Outstanding Contribution to Enterprise, Adult Community Education – Educator of the Year Award in 2008 and Indian Newslink Excellence in Services to Communities Award in 2019.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela
Nitika Chand
Nitika Chand is the director of ABC Business Solutions Limited, an accounting practise which specialises in providing the highest quality accounting, business advisory and taxation service with individual attention that larger firms cannot provide. She has been successfully running the accounting practise with her husband Raj Chand for well over 15 years with offices in Papatoetoe and Botany.
Nitika migrated to NZ in 1986, and has grown up and educated in NZ, graduating with a bachelor of commerce from the University of Auckland. She has been the recipient of Business Woman of the year award.
On the volunteer front she has been involved in various fundraising efforts for community. She is proud Rotarian and has done many service projects with her club. She has served as secretary and treasurer roles in her club. She has also served as treasurer for Ormiston Scouts Group.
Kashika Singh
Sales Promotions Manager at Humm FM since 2011 August
Following her Father’s dream who set up many Radio Stations in India, Kashika has been working with Humm FM since she arrived in NZ ie 10 years as a Radio Host for Mid Morning show and also is the Sales & Promotions Manager there turning her passion as her profession. A Diploma holder in Travel & Tourism and Diploma in Hotel Management. Kashika’s background is with 5 Star Hotel Chains in Delhi, Mumbai and Dubai where she headed Sales and Marketing later managed Hotel/ Serviced Apartments as the General Manage. Her last assignment with a 5 Star Hotel Chain as the Project’s Marketing Head with their Pre-Opening Team. Hotels has successful Hotels now operating in Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mumbai. Kashika has been a freelancer with many Media Houses in Mumbai and Dubai and worked as Voice Over for Radio, dubbing artist for Hollywood movies & serials, hosted Television shows and as MC for many Bollywood and Corporate Events. Leading a Woman oriented FB page Naaree, Kashika wants all woman to get a platform to remove their inhibition
Asoka Basnayeke
Asoka is a Sri Lankan born Kiwi who calls Auckland home.
She was a trained research scientist who was educated in the USSR, UK, Canada and Sri Lanka. She created a new career for herself in the public and not for profit sectors in migrant resettlement, communications and project management.
After a long career in the public and not for profit sectors, she now writes freelance and is self-employed. She volunteers on several boards and committees, dabbles in gourmet cooking, arts and crafts and enjoys spending time with her family and two grandchildren.
Nilima Venkat
Nilima Venkat is the General Manager of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust, An organisation that provides social services to elderly and disabled people and their families of Indian and South Asian descent. She is qualified and registered Social worker and has been associated with providing Social/ Community support for the last 2 decades addressing inequalities affecting our communities and strengthening wellbeing and social cohesion of migrants.
In the voluntary sector, Nilima is the founder member and trustee of The Asian Network Inc., a member of the Counties Manukau Police South East Asian advisory board, Trustee of the Sahayata Trust, member of consumer advisory group of Health and Disability Commission etc. Nilima has vast experience and understanding of issues of the South Asian community sector specialising in work with elderly, women and the community. Her commendable service to the community has empowered many seniors and their families in the community to become more resilient, increase capability and self-determination, settlement and integration into the country
