Rita served on the MW Steering Committee of Matiya World and as a Board of Director for Term 2011-2012 and was nominated by MW Board to serve as President term 2012-2015.

She has experience with planning of MW Convention 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013. She was an MC at convention 2007, lead for coordinating/AV for all 4 conventions, and a Local Host committee lead for convention 2013. She has also played a major role in MW website/communications setups.

Rita immigrated to the United States in 1978 at the age of 12 from India; she is a daughter of Jashwantiben & Kantilal Naranjibhai Patel of Singod, India. Rita studied Computer Science and Business Management at Northern Kentucky University but then after having her eldest daughter in 1989 decided to go back to school for Graphics/Fashion Designing.

Rita did consulting work from home as a graphics/web designer. After taking consulting work to the next level by accepting a position as Director of Graphics Design, she currently holds the Director of Operations/Marketing position at iFiber Optix Inc.

Rita’s 1st priority & pride has always been her family and raising her four daughters: Shaina (24), Jasmine (21), Surya (17), & Ashana (14). Rita believes everyone should live life to its fullest, along with a good balance of family & work.

Rita takes joy in community service. She has served/worked with organizations such as Chinmaya Mission, HMPS, SAHARA, and International Harmony at local and Board levels. She is the current president of HMPS Inc. Working with these organizations has given Rita vast experience in Planning, Coordination of events, and Project Management. She believes in the vision and mission of Matiya World and would like to contribute to taking it to the next level.