Sneha Merchant was born and raised in Mumbai, India, in a family and community deeply committed to the belief that giving of oneself – whether through time, resources or intellectual abilities – can alleviate hardships, ease suffering and combat ignorance. This philosophy, instilled by her mother, a beacon of charitable work, profoundly shaped Sneha’s early understanding of philanthropy. Her mother’s tireless efforts in volunteerism, fundraising and advocating for the less privileged planted the seeds of a lifelong passion in Sneha, who has always considered philanthropy to be the ultimate expression of luxury.

Over the years, Sneha has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including Neiman Marcus Best Dressed in both 2017 and 2023, as a 2019 Woman of Distinction, 2017 “50 Most Influential Women of Houston” and the 2016 Universal Smile Award, shared with her husband Naushir, from Operation Smile Houston for their ongoing support and efforts in raising awareness about cleft lip and palate surgeries for children in developing countries. In 2012, she received the Star Award from the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association and in 2011, she was named the Spirited Ambassador for the inaugural Luminary Award Campaign by Asian American Family Services.v