Americares, a leading global health-focused relief and development organization, has welcomed philanthropist Shweta Rawat to its Board of Directors. With a track record in advancing disability inclusion, women’s leadership, and economic empowerment, Rawat is set to play a key role in shaping the organization’s future.
Rawat, a committed supporter of Americares for over ten years, currently serves as the founder and chairperson of The Hans Foundation — one of India’s top philanthropic institutions known for supporting transformative projects for marginalized communities. Her leadership has guided the foundation toward building long-term solutions for underserved populations across India.
She is also the managing director of the Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST), an organisation she co-established in 2009. RIST has partnered with Americares for over a decade, collaborating on initiatives to improve health services in Mumbai and beyond.
“I’m honoured to join Americares in their mission to deliver accessible health care where it’s needed most,” said Rawat. “Having witnessed their global disaster response and health initiatives over the years, I look forward to advancing their impactful work.”
Her appointment strengthens Americares’ leadership as it expands its reach, supporting more than 4,000 underfunded health facilities globally. The board plays a crucial oversight role across the organization’s many programs, including emergency medical relief efforts.
Now based in New York, Rawat holds degrees in international relations and human rights from American University and City University (UK), respectively. She also sits on the U.S. Advisory Board of the Museum of Art & Photography and the board of the Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health.
Americares continues to rank among the top humanitarian charities, recently listed at No. 8 on Forbes’ Top 100 Charities and holding a top 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
