Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 14 COVER STORY December 12, 2025 SKN Foundation Hosts NJ Gala, Honors “Disability Champions” T he SKN Foundation, led by found- er Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, success- fully hosted its International Day for Persons with Disabilities event at The Imperia Hillsborough, NJ, December 3, 2025, bringing together families, community leaders, educa- tors, health professionals, and disability advocates for an evening focused on inclusion, empowerment, and commu- nity support. The evening, hosted by Award- winning Producer and TV Host Nisha Mathur, highlighted the growing impact of SKN’s SCOPE (South Asian Commu- nity Outreach Program for Empower- ment) initiative—an effort dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities through culturally sensitive resources, workshops, and community engagement. Dr. Mehrotra, in his speech, noted that the day was a celebration and observa- tion of the landmark United Nations’ declarion of 1992, of Persons with Dis- abilities. The event featured five distinguished awardees, each recognized for their ex- ceptional work advancing inclusion and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Awardees included: • Disability Champion For Employment and Career Development-Céline Guil- lemot & Eric Guillemot of The Blue Bears Special Meals Disability Champion For Research and Innova- tion-Diana Robins, PhD -Director A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. • Disability Champion For Community Support-Venus Majeski Director of Devel- opment & Community Re- lations New Jersey Institute For Disabilities (NJID) • Disability Champion For Advocacy and Rights -Sarah M. Adel- man Commissioner of the New Jer- sey Department of Human Services • Disability Champion For Medical Excellence- Matthew McDonald, MD. President and CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital, RWJ Barnabas. Each of the Awardees spoke to ITV Gold and described their mandate to help children with disabilities. Guests were welcomed with messages of unity and purpose, followed by an evening of recognition, community networking and performances by SCOPE kids. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, who at- tended as a special guest, congratulated the awardees. “I have know Dr. Naveen Mehrotra since he started this SKN Foun- dation several years ago. It’s a great NGO and they are doing such great work with disabled, challenged, and children with autism,” he said. Representatives from various partner organizations reaffirmed their commit- ment to collaborative efforts to expand resources and strengthen advocacy across New Jersey. SKN Foundation leadership said “We are proud of the momentum SCOPE has created and tonight’s event aligns with our mission to create spaces where every individual, regardless of ability, feels re- spected, supported, and seen.” Organizers noted however, that the celebration also serves as a reminder of the work ahead and that the Founda- tion remains committed to expanding programming that promotes disability awareness, early intervention, culturally mindful education, and family empowerment. The SKN Foundation is dedi- cated to promoting the health and well-being of underserved communities through educa- tion, prevention, and culturally tailored programs. By a StaffWriter Naveen Mehrotra, founder of SKN Foundation which helps children with disabilities, speaking at the Gala in New Jersey Dec. 3, 2025. PHOTO:COURTESY SKN FOUNDATION PHOTO:COURTESY SKN FOUNDATION PHOTO:COURTESY SKN FOUNDATION PHOTO:COURTESY SKN FOUNDATION PHOTO:SCREENGRAB FROM ITV GOLDVIDEO PHOTO:SCREENGRAB FROM ITV GOLDVIDEO Awardees recognized as ‘Disability Champions’ at the Dec. 3, 2025 SKN Foundation gala in New Jersey. From left, Moti Mehrotra- Trustee SKN Foundation; Diana Robins, PhD -Director A.J. Drexel Autism Institute; Sarah M. Adelman Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services; Céline Guillemot & Eric Guillemot of The Blue Bears Special Meals; Matthew McDonald, MD. President and CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital, RWJ Barnabas; Venus Majeski Director of Development & Community Relations New Jersey Institute For Disabilities, Dr. Naveen Mehrotra Founder and Executive Director SKN Foundation. Members of the SCOPE team in SKN Foundation. From left, Parul Khemka Parent Advocacy Specialist; Rabia Suleman Parent Support Specialist; Kshitija Yalgi Parent Support Specialist; Sneha Yalgi Marketing Designer;Sabuha Qureshi-Din SKN Administrative Director, and at podium, Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, founder of SKN. Members of the SKN Foundation with awardees of “Disability Champions” recognition, at the Dec. 3, 2025, gala in New Jersey. From left, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/’ITV Gold, Diana Robins, PhD -Director A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, and Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, discussing the work of SKN Foundation. Emcee for the gala Nisha Mathur.