Founder, Instructor: Bani Phul-Anand
Bani, a New York City native, has called Jersey City home since 2009, where she lovingly raises her 11-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son with her husband, a committed father. After earning her Master’s degree from Pratt Institute in Communications Design, her career has been full of diverse experiences, excelling as a product designer, a dedicated educator, and a skilled people manager.
Bani's career spans giants like Estee Lauder and Amazon.com, startups like MealPal.com, and mid-sized enterprises. Her adaptability shines through as she's led diverse product teams of over 19 contributors, showcasing her versatility in tech and design.
Additionally, she's a licensed instructor in 42 states, with roles as an adjunct professor at New York Tech and Lead Instructor/Faculty Manager at institutions including Flatiron School and General Assembly. Here, she's been a key stakeholder and product manager for 85+ client-facing student teams, sharing invaluable knowledge to nurture emerging professionals.
Meanwhile, at home, countless conversations with her determined, opinionated, and articulate daughter have fueled Bani's passion for a different path. They have led her to question the shortcomings of modern education, especially in preparation for a future centered around people rather than technology alone. These discussions, woven between school projects, student council speeches, and visual presentations, have revealed the importance not only of what children are learning but also what they are unlearning in traditional schooling. Driven by this insight, Bani has developed a deep interest in establishing equal and equitable opportunities from an early age.
For the past 2.5 years, she has devoted herself wholeheartedly to developing the curriculum for her passion project, 'Edge Up.' It is designed to teach essential soft and hard skills, along with boosting confidence, while integrating relevant technology into the formative years of young children. This initiative serves as her way of bridging the gaps and empowering the next generation with the skills and edge they need to succeed. 🚀
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Jersey City Lead: Aikanshi Mehta
Aikanshi Mehta isn't just a devoted mother of two; she's a fierce advocate for uplifting children as she embarks on her own parenting journey. She's a trusted source of advice and support for fellow parents, always ready to lend a helping hand and take a personal interest in their challenges and victories.
With an active involvement in school events and an impressive knack for organization, Aikanshi has earned recognition for her remarkable skills. Her degree in psychology adds a unique perspective to her community advocacy efforts, leaving a lasting impact on Jersey City.
Aikanshi also passionately supports female-led businesses within the community. Whether it's partnership opportunities, marketing strategies, or operational concerns, she's the one to turn to for guidance and solutions, as she approaches each situation with a personal touch. 👩👦👦
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