Gurudas (Roger Siegel), Aradhana devi dasi (Ana Lucia Alves) and Russell Simmons

Gurudas (Roger Siegel) – Founder & Trustee Following his heart, Roger protested injustice by joining the civil rights struggle, becoming a staff member of the Northern Student Movement’s Harlem education project. He was beaten and arrested many times for his beliefs. He was also on the staff of The Henry Street Settlement, and other community centers. He also worked with visually impaired, mentally challenged and homeless populations. After meeting Swami Bhaktivedanta and becoming his disciple in April, 1967 (now Gurudas) he was appointed president of the London Temple; and later put in charge of the Krishna Balaram Temple project in Vrindavan. Gurudas then befriended the American ambassador, Kenneth Keating, and procured two tons of food for distribution in the Bangladesh refugee camps. This was the start of “Food for Life.” Gurudas is also a professional counselor and certified Hypnotherapist. Many people have expressed their gratitude for how Gurudas has cared for them, and now we are facilitating the Vedic Care Charitable Trust for more structured and stable care. www.Gurudas108.com Aradhana devi dasi (Ana Lucia Alves) – Trustee & CEO Ana left Brazil at nineteen to explore the world and seek spiritual enlightenment. As the great granddaughter of a native Brazilian Shaman, she never could accept mainstream spiritual paths that were so limiting to her sensibilities. She worked for many years as a top model, actress and documentary filmmaker, learned four languages and achieved great material success. While based in Paris, she married and gave birth to a baby boy. Ana first saw the ‘Hare Krishnas’ in Munich in 1988 and years later she was introduced to the yogic philosophy of Krishna consciousness. She finally joined the movement in Manhattan after receiving Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita in 2002. She accepted a Guru and became Aradhana devi dasi. Today, Aradhana runs a film production company with her devotee husband. She is grateful for this opportunity to serve the spiritual community, helping to bring devotees together to create a health system for assisting all Vaishnavas and spiritual seekers in need. www.ofindigo.comwww.chantingyoga.com And  Russell Simmons - Yogi & Entrepreneur Born in New York City on October 4, 1957, Russell Simmons began promoting New York City musicians in his early 20s. He partnered with Rick Rubin to create Def Jam Records, and signed artists like the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Run-D.M.C. He later sold his stake in Def Jam to Universal Music Group for $100 million. In addition to his music career, Simmons is an enormously successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Lately Russell founded Trantis Yoga with its first location in Los Angeles. www.tantris.com