David Ponraj
Chief Executive Officer
|
David Ponraj is the founder
and owner of Rural Handicrafts Company. David was
inspired by the indomitable spirit he saw in the tribal people of Jharkhand who
in spite of their hardships and suffering, were willing to do whatever it took
to change their circumstances. Through RHC, David found a way to provide a
sustainable long lasting solution to the economic and social plight of the
people who live below the poverty line.
|
Cherisse Dorangrichia
Chief Marketing Officer |
Cherisse is passionate about helping women in second and third world countries
have a voice for themselves. She has channeled this passion into helping RHC
create earth friendly products that are handmade by tribal women. Cherisse works
with RHC designs and product development teams to create handmade products that
are practical for everyday use and also protect the environment. Cherisse
serves as an honorary member on the executive board. |
 George M. Greenlee
Executive Advisor
|
George M. Greenlee is an Associate Professor of economics at St. Petersburg College in Florida, where he has been on the faculty for twenty one years. Prior to becoming a faculty member at SPC, Professor Greenlee worked as an investment analyst and financial planner for ten years. George has also served in leadership positions in both professional and non-profit organizations. He provides guidance on market strategies to Rural Handicrafts Company and serves on the board as an honorary member..
|
 Sheila Ponraj
Executive Advisor
|
Sheila Ponraj has over 25 years of experience in working with tribal people in
India. Sheila has founded schools, primary care facilities, orphanages to
provide social solutions to economic problems among people who live below the
poverty line. Sheila provides guidance in the areas of fair trade, safe working
conditions and empowerment of the various stakeholders in the rural handicrafts
company ventures. Sheila serves as an honorary member on the executive board.
|
 Amit Singh
Chief Designer |
Amit Singh holds a graduate degree in Fine Arts and has extensive experience
working with various materials from terracotta to fabrics and bamboo. Amit is
also an accomplished artist and has his work displayed at Benares Hindu
University in India. Amit is responsible for all our new designs and also assists
with operations.
|
Melissa Pettograsso
Marketing Manager |
Melissa Pettograsso has experience working with Mary Kay and Southern Living.
Melissa was part of the team that went to India this spring where she got to see
our operations firsthand and met with our employees. The visit fueled her
passion to impact the lives of the women she met in rural India. Melissa joins
us an honorary member to provide us with insight into marketing our products.
|