Our Founder
In 1974, Ann Moideen was at a crossroads in her life. She had recently moved from her home country of India to New York City, and was still learning the ways of a new society. At the same time, she was looking for a greater purpose: a mission for her life.
Passionate about helping disadvantaged children, Ann decided to get involved in a number of charities. One of those nonprofit organizations was the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC). Working closely with the charity’s deaf-blind children, Ann observed firsthand how much progress could be made in their lives with just a little bit of encouragement. I realized, says Moideen, that when kids see themselves as deserving, capable, hardworking, focused, appreciated, and valued, they no longer see their disability, only their power and ability. What they need to shine is education that provides them an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and its limitations. Fueled by this discovery, she knew she had to do more to help less fortunate children.
Ann enrolled herself in the training program at the Center, and began to develop ideas on how to help underprivileged children in developing countries. She had read countless articles detailing the plight of young marginalized children who, thanks to their own government’s weak economic system and infrastructure, had never had the chance to develop into educated, independent adults. She knew in her heart that this needed to change, and she believed she could make the greatest impact through providing education and fostering personal development.
In November 2000, Ann moved forward with her plans. She established the Ann Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with the aim of bringing hope to children and young adults in developing countries who, until now, had been mostly ignored by society. Education and personal development were, and still are, at the center of this organization. The Foundation envisions a world where every disadvantaged child gets an equal opportunity to write their personal and professional story. Since its inception, Ann’s nonprofit organization has worked tirelessly in providing assistance to thousands of kids, providing them with educational aid, new learning centers, training, technology equipment and school furniture. Read more on the foundation’s guiding values and mission here, and how it helps to change lives every day here.
Ann received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology from Maharani’s College, Bangalore, India. She is actively involved with Rotary Club International.
