Archana Nayar
President
Founder and President of Maya's Way; former global technology executive with experience in operations, strategy, program leadership, and organizational scaling.
Leadership & Governance
Our Leadership.
Our Community.
The people helping guide Maya's Way's mission, growth, and impact.
Maya's Way is supported by experienced leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community advocates who believe in empowering youth through kindness, leadership, and service.
Founded July 2025
Rooted in love. Driven by purpose.
Board Governed
Committed to integrity, oversight, and stewardship.
Community Focused
Creating opportunities. Strengthening lives.
Expert Advisory Council
Guiding with experience. Inspiring impact.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and stewardship of Maya's Way's mission and resources.
Abhishek Suthan
Treasurer
Co-Founder and CEO of Pulse Labs; background in AI, machine learning, financial technology, and enterprise leadership.
Sachin Nayar
Secretary
Global technical leader and scientist with 15+ years in product and process development across coatings, inkjet, and specialty chemicals.
Harihara Suthan
Director
Entrepreneur, management consultant, and maritime professional with 30+ years of engineering and management experience with international oil and gas transportation providers.
Rajeshwari Suthan
Director
Partner and co-owner of a real estate firm with assets across the United States and India; experience in real estate portfolio management, operations, vendor coordination, and growth planning.
Neel Nayar
Director
Georgia Tech computer science student focused on AI, civic innovation, technology-enabled community impact, and youth leadership; supports SCL strategy and technology systems.
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council provides mentorship, strategic insight, partnership development, and subject-matter expertise that helps Maya's Way and Student Civic Leaders grow responsibly and sustainably.
Erin Short
Former Principal, Solon High School
A dedicated lifelong educator, Erin spent 26 years as a high school administrator, including 16 years as Principal of Solon High School, one of Ohio’s top-ranked schools. Known for her strategic, student-centered leadership, she built an inclusive, welcoming environment while advancing academic excellence and ensuring students and staff had the support needed to thrive.
Dr. Lalitha Nayak
Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine
A hematologist, researcher, and educator passionate about improving health, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening communities. She is dedicated to mentoring students, supporting future leaders, and connecting healthcare, education, and community service. She brings healthcare, research, education, youth mentorship, service leadership, and community health perspective.
Dr. Umesh Yalavarthy
President, Cleveland Kidney and Hypertension Consultants
Umesh Yalavarthy, MD is a board-certified nephrologist and healthcare leader known for his patient-centered approach, clinical excellence, and deep compassion for the people he serves. He serves as Medical Director of CDC Beachwood and is a past president of the Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio. He brings expertise in healthcare leadership, physician practice management, community health, patient advocacy, and regional partnership building.
Syed Alam, MD, PhD
Medical Director, SafeMind Psychiatric Wellness Center
Syed Alam, MD, PhD is a psychiatrist, researcher, and educator with expertise in mental health, wellness, and culturally responsive care. He serves as Medical Director of SafeMind Psychiatric Wellness Center, where he supports adolescents and adults through evidence-based, individualized treatment. He brings expertise in psychiatry, mental health, clinical leadership, youth well-being, and community wellness.
Jennifer Whitlow, EdD
Head of Partnerships, Fusen; Lecturer, Georgia Tech
Jennifer brings 14+ years of Georgia Tech experience to her role as Head of Partnerships at Fusen, where she advances entrepreneurship education globally. She builds strategic partnerships across the U.S. and internationally to support student founders, university partners, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Her expertise spans education, university partnerships, venture ecosystems, innovation, workforce development, and student mentorship.
Teresa Slowey Whitham
Realtor and Team Lead, Whitham Homes Real Estate Group, Howard Hanna
Teresa Slowey Whitham is a top-performing real estate agent with extensive experience listing and selling residential homes across Northeast Ohio. Through Whitham Homes, she and her team represent both buyers and sellers and have earned numerous sales honors over the past 12 years. Teresa is also deeply active in her community, regularly volunteering with and supporting nonprofit and civic organizations.
Kyle Kaechele
SVP Global Sales, Centric Software
Kyle Kaechele is a global sales executive and technology leader with deep experience scaling enterprise growth across retail, consumer goods, AI, planning, pricing, and marketing intelligence. He serves as Global SVP Sales at Centric Software and previously held senior leadership roles at SymphonyAI and Oracle. He brings expertise in leadership, strategic partnerships, innovation, and helping young people build real-world skills to create impact.
Judith (Judy) I. Caine, CFS
Financial Advisor & Branch Manager, Cetera Financial Group
Judy has led her financial planning practice since 1996 with Cetera Financial Group. She is past president of the Rotary Club of Solon and advisor to the Solon High School Interact Club. A passionate advocate for youth leadership and community service, Judy supported her sons' journey from Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she has championed breast cancer awareness through 23 Susan G. Komen 3-Day events and other Komen initiatives, bringing expertise in financial planning, community engagement, and volunteer leadership.
Building for the Long Term
Maya's Way is intentionally investing in strong governance, expert guidance, and community partnerships to ensure every act of kindness creates lasting impact.
Our Board of Directors provides stewardship and accountability, while our Advisory Council brings expertise across healthcare, education, business, technology, mental health, and community leadership.
