Dr. Malini Saba (www.malinisaba.group) is a self-made businesswoman, a philanthropist, psychologist a single mother, a fitness enthusiast, an author, a passionate cook, a human and social rights activist, and a global advocate for women and girls. Dr. Saba has an extensive business background in international, multi-cultural environments and broad experience with highly engineered systems, which require a deep understanding of critical business drivers in multiple markets.

Dr. Saba has helped millions of underserved women and children in South and Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the U.S. gain access to life-saving medical and educational services and achieve economic stability. Dr. Malini Saba is an advocate for the marginalized, and established the “Anannke Foundation” to serve as the umbrella organisation for all of her philanthropic efforts and activities with the goal of helping “one billion” people.  Its mission is to ensure access to nutrition, basic healthcare, education, art, and culture, as well as to provide people with opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and eliminate illiteracy about human rights issues. There are numerous foundation partners, including Bill Clinton, Stanford Medical Center, CRY, the Women Refugee Commission, Concern Worldwide, the Latin America Association, Concern Worldwide, the LAC + USC Medical Center, and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).

Following her accomplishments in the corporate world, the Founder & Former Chairman of “Saba Group” is now focusing on her philanthropic activities and issues close to her heart under the aegis of the Anannke Foundation. Dr Saba feels that philanthropy will only make an impact if the founder of an established corporate brand gets associated with it in-depth, with an emphasis on augmenting the quantum of activities and expanding the number of people benefitting from them, highlighting their significance instead of the corporate brand’s participation.

Dr. Malini Saba was born into a family of modest means, which instilled in her a very strong work ethic that helped her rise to success through sheer perseverance and belief in herself. Her parents also emphasised compassion for those less fortunate, and as a child, she would bring clothing, food, and books to shelters and spend time there.

Dr. Saba was awarded the Kalpana Chawla Award for “Outstanding Woman Of The Year” in 2005, the Mother Teresa Award in 2004, the Federation of Peace Award in 2007, the 2001 Entrepreneur Of The Year-Business Women’s Network Washington, D.C., the 2005 Philanthropist Of The Year award by Pratham, an NGO promoting education, and the 2017 Genty Hall of Fame Award-Philanthropist Of The Year award.

An avid writer, successful businesswoman, and brilliant researcher, she wants to work relentlessly to ensure access to women and children throughout their lives, not just for preventive health but also for social and economic advancement. She continues to speak in global forums and intends to have an impact on policies globally across governments. Dr. Saba is a humane person and prefers solitude, making intense efforts to shun the arch lights that she finds sometimes intrusive and instead focusing on simple activities that resonate in her heart.

Dr. Saba also devoted her time to writing a book, “The Abbreviated Cook,” which is a compilation of quick and easy recipes that offer a twist on traditional South and Southeast Asian dishes. You may also find her recipes on Instagram (@serendipspice).

Dr. Saba also operates a social media community called “TheWorkingMothers” to empower and support working women in all types of jobs, careers, and work arrangements, as well as those interested in learning more about the challenges of being a working mom – or in re-entering the workforce.

As part of her research, Dr. Malini Saba is still looking into areas where leadership-driven intervention is needed as well as new opportunities at all levels.