By Mabel Pais
The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) will hold its annual gala honoring Jyoti Menon and Deepak Raj in its Historic First on October 26, 2025.
JYOTI MENON, Vice President at Bread Financial and Trustee of Barnard College, and DEEPAK RAJ, Chairman of the India Philanthropy Alliance, are honorees at the 2025 IAAC Gala in a historic first for the organization. These two trailblazers will be celebrated together for their extraordinary contributions to finance, philanthropy, and the Indian-American community. The gala will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM onwards at the Union League Club, New York City.
The IAAC Gala is the organization’s premier annual fundraiser, bringing together leaders, philanthropists, artists, and community members to celebrate creativity, connection, and cultural excellence. Proceeds directly support IAAC’s year-round programming across film, dance, literature, and music, empowering artists and showcasing the rich diversity of Indian arts and culture.
Honoring Two Inspiring Leaders
JYOTI MENON
Jyoti Menon is a distinguished strategy leader with more than two decades of experience delivering transformative financial services products. She is currently Vice President at Bread Financial, where she oversees product strategy and delivery. Previously, she held senior leadership positions at Citi and American Express. Beyond her professional achievements, Jyoti is a Trustee on Barnard College’s Board of Trustees and serves on the Board of Shanti Bhavan, a school in India dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through world-class education.
 “Jyoti Menon exemplifies the perfect blend of professional excellence and community commitment,” said Vice Chairman Rakesh Kaul. “Her remarkable achievements in financial services and her dedication to education through her work with Barnard College and Shanti Bhavan demonstrate the values we celebrate at IAAC. Following in the distinguished footsteps of her visionary parents, Sreedhar and Saroj Menon, she continues a legacy of service and leadership that inspires our entire community.” DEEPAK RAJ Deepak Raj is a trailblazer in both finance and philanthropy. After a distinguished 24-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he served as Director of Global Equity Research, he founded the Raj Family Foundation to advance causes impacting India and Indian-Americans. A well-known philanthropist, he has served in leadership roles with organizations including Pratham USA and is the co-Founder of Indian-American Impact. In 2015, he and his wife Neera established the Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University. He is also Managing Director of Raj Associates, Chairman of the New Jersey State Investment Council, and a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kanpur. “Deepak Raj represents the very best of what it means to give back to one’s community,” said Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo. “His transition from Wall Street success to philanthropic leadership demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to lifting others and strengthening the bonds between India and America. Through his work with the India Philanthropy Alliance and countless other organizations, he has created pathways for future generations to thrive.”
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