BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, February 5, 2025: The Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) USA Atlanta Ladies Wing hosted “My Inspiration,” featuring a high-energy and motivational keynote address and JITO leaders from the Washington, D.C., SFO, and Dallas chapters on January 25, 2025, at Maya Indian Fine Dining in Suwanee.
JITO Ladies’ Wing is a platform for women’s empowerment, financial independence, leadership, and community service. Members gain access to business opportunities, knowledge, personal growth, and a strong support system both professionally and personally.
“This was a vision of Mrs. Madhu Sheth for many years, which is now coming true. We are very grateful for the mentorship and support from all the Ladies Wing members as well as distinguished JITO leaders. JITO International Ladies Wing and JITO Apex Ladies Wing teams have also been instrumental in helping us form the Ladies Wing here in Atlanta,” Chairperson, JITO USA Atlanta Ladies Wing, Nikita Shah Kothari said.
The keynote address by Judge Neera Bahl highlighted her resilience, adaptability, and dedication as she traced her remarkable journey from her humble beginnings to the summit of success. She started as a Research Specialist at the University of Alabama and Emory University before transitioning to law in 2005. Rising through the ranks, she became a name partner at an immigration firm, founded Neera Bahl & Associates (later One Path Legal), and sold the firm in 2019. In 2020, she was appointed Appellate Judge and Director of the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation by Governor Brian Kemp, becoming the first woman of Indian descent in this role. She was reappointed for a second term in 2024. Married to her husband, Vijay, for 45 years, they are proud parents to Dr. Sumeet Bahl, an Interventional Radiologist at Brooklyn Hospital, and are delighted grandparents to 4½-year-old Satya Patel Bahl.
The Jain International Trade Organization (JITO), founded in India in 2007 as a global organization, is a multi-stakeholder community of successful Jain business entrepreneurs and professionals working together for growth, economic empowerment, and social service. JITO USA was founded in 2017 as an extension of the initiatives and services of the parent organization in the United States.
Swinging into action right from the get-go, the Atlanta chapter, which was incepted on December 7, 2024, has several interesting events lined up, including a visit from Prem Jain on March 2 to mentor Jain IT professionals in Atlanta, the JITO Ladies Wing Tech Team building websites for nonprofits for free starting in March, and businessman Manu Shah visiting Atlanta soon to mentor and speak with JITO members.
What sets JITO apart? Rooted in Jain values, JITO emphasizes ethical business practices, non-violence, and philanthropy. “Unlike other trade organizations that primarily focus on economic growth, JITO integrates business with values, fostering a community where success is achieved through ethical means,” Viral Shah, Chairman, JITO USA Atlanta chapter, said.
The organization also creates an exclusive, trusted network of Jain entrepreneurs, industrialists, and professionals. This community-driven approach ensures that members collaborate with like-minded individuals who share similar cultural and ethical perspectives. JITO operates worldwide, connecting Jain business leaders across various industries. Its presence in the U.S. (including Georgia) enables cross-border partnerships, but it also emphasizes localized networking, mentorship, and investment opportunities tailored to the Jain business community.
JITO’s mission, per organizers, is built on three pillars: Knowledge, Economic Empowerment, and Service (K.E.S.). JITO features initiatives such as JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation (JIIF), which actively invests in and mentors startups, especially those led by Jain entrepreneurs. JITO integrates seva (selfless service) into its operations, supporting causes such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief. JITO facilitates high-impact trade delegations, investment summits, and business networking events, connecting Jain entrepreneurs from India and the U.S. with opportunities that align with their values and interests.
How Does JITO Ladies’ Wing (JLW) Plan to Achieve Its Goals? JLW plans to organize exclusive business meetups, trade delegations, and industry-specific forums to help women entrepreneurs connect with potential partners, investors, and mentors. Women-led startups will receive funding, mentorship, market access opportunities, personal development, and knowledge sharing. JLW will host seminars, webinars, and masterclasses featuring successful women leaders, providing inspiration and guidance. Senior women entrepreneurs in the group will mentor younger members, helping them navigate their careers or business ventures.
JLW will focus on Philanthropy & Community Impact, Women Empowerment Programs, Healthcare & Wellness Initiatives, and Social Responsibility & Seva Projects. Business & Financial Growth through Exclusive Networking, Access to Funding & Investments, Trade & Business Delegations, Personal Development & Leadership nurturing through Mentorship by Industry Experts, Skill Development & Training, Confidence & Public Speaking Growth, Social & Community Engagement through Philanthropy & Seva Initiatives, Women-Centric Health & Wellness Programs, and Lifelong Sisterhood & Support.
