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Newsmakers of the Week JUNE 13, 2025 | The Indian Eye 34

NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

Selected stories about Indian diaspora from our website www.theindianeye.com

Faizan Zaki Claims Dr. Preetha Basaviah Joins

Spelling Bee Glory with Brown University Board of

Grit and Grace Trustees

rown University has welcomed
Dr. Preetha Basaviah to its
BBoard of Trustees, recognizing
her as a distinguished alumna and
leader in academic medicine. Elect-
ed during the Corporation’s annu-
al spring meeting in May, Basaviah
will formally assume her role at the
board’s fall session.
A 1991 graduate of Brown and
a 1995 alumna of the Warren Alpert
Medical School, Basaviah currently
serves as advising dean and clinical
professor of medicine at Stanford
University. Her medical journey in-
cludes prestigious roles at Harvard
and UCSF, where she helped pio-
neer academic hospitalist programs and earned accolades for her dedication
to teaching.
Basaviah’s background reflects a deep commitment to compassion in
healthcare. At Stanford, she directs CARE—Compassion, Advocacy, Re-
sponsibility, Empathy—a program that trains future physicians to engage pa-
n an electrifying finale at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, 13-year- tients with emotional intelligence and integrity.
old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, emerged as the undisputed champi-
Her accolades include the Society of General Internal Medicine’s Edu-
Ion. With unwavering poise, Zaki clinched the title in the 21st round by cator of the Year award and multiple honors for mentoring and scholarship.
correctly spelling the word “éclaircissement,” meaning “the clearing up of Beyond medicine, Basaviah is a passionate advocate of work-life balance, en-
something obscure.”
joying dance, tennis, travel, and family life.
Her appointment underscores Brown’s mission to integrate leadership,
This victory caps off Zaki’s fourth appearance at the prestigious scholarship, and service. With her cross-institutional experience and humanistic
Bee. A 7th grader at C.M. Rice Middle School, his journey from approach to education, Basaviah brings a vital voice to Brown’s strategic direction.
370th place in 2019 to runner-up in 2024, and finally to cham-
pion this year, is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Dipak Pandya Named

Only four others in Bee history have won after placing second the
previous year. CTO of iCIMS, Powering

“Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,” said AI-Driven Hiring
Adam Symson, CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, as he presented the tro-
phy during the centennial edition of the Bee. “His story reminds us why this alent acquisition software giant iCIMS has appointed Dipak Pandya as
competition continues to inspire generations.” Chief Technology Officer, signaling a bold move toward AI-powered in-
Zaki’s victory brings a host of accolades, including a $50,000 cash prize, Tnovation. With over two decades of experience leading global technolo-
the coveted Scripps Cup, and an array of educational awards from Merri- gy teams, Pandya steps into a key leadership role to drive the next generation
am-Webster, Encyclopædia Britannica, and Scholastic. His sponsor, the Dal- of smart hiring solutions.
las Sports Commission, celebrated the win as a proud moment for the region. “Dipak brings unmatched vision and energy,” said CEO Jason Edelboim.
Second place went to Sarvadnya Kadam of Visalia, California, who will “His expertise in building scalable, customer-focused products is exactly what
receive $25,000, while Sarv Dharavane of Georgia placed third with a $15,000 we need as we revolutionize how companies hire.”
prize. Pandya’s résumé includes top positions at eBay Enterprise, NuORDER,
The 97th edition of the Bee was held at the Gaylord National Resort in EagleView, and Lockheed Martin, as well as executive roles at Vista Equity
Maryland, drawing talented young minds from across the country. For Faizan, Partners. He also runs Saha Growth Partners, a tech advisory firm, and serves
the victory is not just a spelling triumph—it’s the culmination of years of pas- on the board of Ntirety.
sion, perseverance, and purpose. Continued on next page... >>

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