Planting Seeds of Change in Paradise
From Island Dreams to Global Impact: The ECD Global Foundation Story
The ECD Global Foundation emerged from a profound recognition of the transformative power of early childhood education in breaking cycles of poverty. Our journey began with a collective vision to address the critical need for quality early learning opportunities in underserved communities across the globe. Inspired by successful models like Habitat for Humanity, we set out to create an innovative approach that would not only educate children but also empower entire communities.
Our founders, drawing from diverse backgrounds in international development, education, and sustainable community building, saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the South Pacific region. Fiji, with its unique blend of pressing needs and receptive institutions, became the perfect starting point for our ambitious mission. We envisioned creating a model village that would serve as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for change, demonstrating how targeted investments in early childhood education can uplift not just individuals, but entire societies.
Assembling Our Dream Team
Like any great adventure, ours began with gathering an extraordinary crew:
-
Passionate educators who could see beyond traditional classroom walls
-
Sharp-minded business experts ready to make our vision sustainable
-
Innovative engineers dreaming up eco-friendly school designs
-
Creative architects blending modern function with Fijian flair
-
And our invaluable local partners and alliances in Fiji, bridging cultures and communities
The Next Chapter Begins
This April, our team will embark on a pivotal journey to Fiji to turn vision into reality. We’ll scout locations, collaborate with village leaders, and lay the groundwork for sustainable classroom; all while keeping Dr. Patel’s reminder close to heart: “We’re not just building schools; we’re building sandcastles in the sky; foundations for dreams that will outlast us all.”
Stay tuned as we break ground on this adventure! The next chapter promises to be one of growth, community, and boundless potential. Who knows? Your story might intertwine with ours as we write this bright future together! Remember: We Need You!
Mission and Values
Driving Change Together
Mission
To deliver innovative, high-quality early childhood education by:
1. Leveraging Advanced State of the Art Technology and Resources: Utilizing cutting-edge tools and materials to enhance learning experiences. We expect to use Starlink and AI driven Khanmigo with research based customized curricula for each chapter.
2. Fostering Community Involvement: Engaging women and families to actively participate in the educational process.​
3. Creating Sustainable Economic Opportunities: Developing adjacent ventures that provide long-term economic benefits.​
4. Building a Global Network: Connecting dedicated volunteers and experts to share knowledge and best practices.
Values
Shaping Our Culture, Driving Our Success
1. Excellence: Committing to the highest standards in education and operational practices.
2. Innovation: Embracing creativity and new technologies to maximize our impact.
3. Ethics and Integrity: Upholding transparency and ethical practices in all our activities.
4. Empowerment: Enabling communities to take charge of their own development, delivered through culture sensitive delivery
5. Sustainability: Ensuring our initiatives have a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve.
Our Team
Meet Our Management Team
Our team is composed of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in early childhood education. Get to know the faces behind our mission:
Dr. Vijay Patel - Chairman and CEO
Dr. Vijay Patel brings a wealth of experience in investment banking, entrepreneurship, and academia to ECD Global. With a background that includes heading Toronto Dominion Bank's Mergers and Acquisitions division and building multiple multi-million-dollar businesses and venture capital firms, Dr. Patel's expertise spans strategy, international business, and entrepreneurial leadership. His research has been published in numerous journals, and he has developed extensive knowledge in cross-cultural management, making him uniquely qualified to lead ECD Global's global initiatives.
Nehaal Patel – Executive Director and COO
Nehaal Patel is an entrepreneurial leader with a strong background in data analytics, AI implementation, and strategic management. His experience at Wells Fargo and as a co-founder of Avance Integrated Systems (AIS) has honed his skills in driving business value through innovation. As COO of ECD Global, Nehaal leverages innovative technologies to empower disadvantaged communities worldwide, combining his technical expertise with a passion for global innovation. Currently pursuing an Executive MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Nehaal combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial passion to foster global innovation and create impactful ventures.
Alex Toback - Managing Director of Operations
Alex Toback brings a dynamic international business perspective to ECD Global, with a strong academic foundation and diverse experience in leadership, education, and entrepreneurship. His multilingual skills and global perspective gained through multiple study abroad experiences make him an invaluable asset to our team. As DOO, Alex has developed a compelling brand identity, increased audience engagement, and established strategic partnerships, significantly boosting stakeholder buy-in and donor contributions.
Nimit Patel - Chief Technology Officer
As Chief Technology Officer, Nimit Patel brings a unique blend of technical expertise and community-driven leadership to ECD Global's advisory board. With experience as an Automation Engineer at Novo Nordisk, Nimit specializes in process optimization, systems validation, and leveraging technology for operational excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Nimit has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact through his leadership with The Helping Hand Project, where he designed and assembled 3D-printed prosthetics for children with upper limb deficiencies. His passion for innovation, problem-solving, and community service aligns seamlessly with ECD Global’s mission to create sustainable and impactful early childhood development programs.
Josh Patel – Manager Fiji Operations
Josh Patel spearheads our operations in Fiji, bringing valuable local expertise and an extensive network in the country’s education landscape. Josh hails from the Fiji Islands, where he spent 18 years of his life in the town of Ba. He is currently working as a PreSales Solution Consultant, specializing in analyses and consulting for companies in the aerospace and defense industries. Josh was hired by Siemens Digital Industries Software after attending the University of South Carolina, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering. His connections with the University of the South Pacific and government education departments are instrumental in implementing and scaling our programs in Fiji.
Crystal Wright – Head of Education Curriculum Development and Board Advisor
Crystal Wright is a seasoned HR professional with a background in public education, talent development, and employee engagement. A UNC Chapel Hill graduate, she began her career as a middle school teacher and instructional coach in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before transitioning to HR in 2016. Crystal excels in strategic initiatives, fostering inclusive workplaces, and driving organizational growth. Currently pursuing her MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School, she brings expertise in team culture, leadership, and innovative recruitment. Crystal lives in Mint Hill, NC, with her husband, son, and daughter.
Board Of Directors
Guiding Our Vision
Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse group of accomplished leaders with extensive experience across industries. These visionaries provide strategic guidance and oversight to drive our company's long-term success. With their wealth of knowledge in areas such as finance, technology, and operations, our board members play a crucial role in shaping our corporate strategy and ensuring sound governance practices.
Dr. Vijay Patel - Chairman of the Board - Professor UNC Charlotte - Investment banker
Dr. Patel brings over 30 years of experience in investment banking, venture capital, and business strategy to ECD Global. His unique blend of business acumen and educational expertise guides our strategic vision.
William Putsis - CEO, Knapp Capital Management | Professor, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Dr. William Putsis, Professor of Marketing, Economics, and Business Strategy at UNC Kenan-Flagler, brings decades of expertise in competitive strategy and global business to ECD Global’s advisory board. A trusted consultant to leading corporations like Boeing and BASF, Dr. Putsis has also taught at top universities worldwide. His book, Compete Smarter, Not Harder, reflects his strategic approach, which will help ECD Global drive sustainable and impactful early childhood programs globally. https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/faculty/directory/William-Putsis/
Darrius Barnes - President, Crown Legacy FC
Darrius Barnes is the award-winning President of Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte FC's MLS NEXT Pro team. Named the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Executive of the Year and Black Enterprise 40 under 40, nationally. Darrius has established Crown Legacy FC as one of the premier clubs in the league, both on and off the field. His expertise in talent development aligns perfectly with ECD Global's mission to nurture young minds. Darrius brings a strong network for fundraising activities https://www.linkedin.com/in/darriusbarnes/
David Nelson - Vice President - Premium Partnerships Sales & Services
David Nelson, named to the Sports Business Journal's 40 Under 40, brings over 12 years of experience in sports and entertainment in the Carolinas. As Head of Premium Partnerships Sales & Services at Tepper Sports & Entertainment, he leads premium strategy for the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium, driving record-breaking revenues and overseeing over $100 million in renovations. David's expertise brings invaluable knowledge to ECD Global's fundraising and outreach initiatives. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-nelson-849823128/
Kisha Smith - Chief People Officer for Tepper Sports & Entertainment
Kisha Smith is a senior executive with extensive experience in community engagement and strategic leadership. As Vice President of Community Affairs for Tepper Sports & Entertainment. Tepper Sports and Entertainment is the largest sports and entertainment organization in the Carolinas. She leads impactful initiatives, fostering partnerships that benefit local communities. A Charlotte native, Kisha is deeply committed to driving meaningful change and creating opportunities that uplift the region. https://www.panthers.com/team/ownership_business/kisha-smith
Nehaal Patel - Executive Board Member
With over 7 years of experience in data analytics and AI implementation, Nehaal drives our innovative technological initiatives, ensuring we leverage cutting-edge solutions in our programs.
Advisory Board
Expertise That Propels Us Forward
Our esteemed group of advisors comprises industry experts, thought leaders, and seasoned professionals who offer invaluable counsel to our organization. These individuals bring specialized knowledge and fresh perspectives that complement our internal capabilities.
Wendell Gilland - Associate Professor of Operations and Associate Dean of the Evening Executive MBA, Weekend Executive MBA and Charlotte Executive MBA Programs Dr. Wendell Gilland, Professor of Operations and Associate Dean at UNC Kenan-Flagler, brings deep expertise in operations management and business education to ECD Global’s advisory board. With over 20 years at UNC, his research in supply chain, pricing, and revenue management aligns with ECD Global’s holistic approach. A leader in curriculum development and experiential learning, Dr. Gilland’s insights will help shape efficient, impactful, and sustainable early childhood education programs. https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/faculty/directory/Wendell-Gilland/
Brad Staats - UNC Kenan-Flagler Professor, Senior Associate Dean of Strategy and Academics, Faculty Director UNC Center for the Business of Health Dr. Bradley Staats, Ellison Distinguished Professor of Operations at UNC Kenan-Flagler, brings expertise in organizational learning and improvement to ECD Global’s advisory board. As Senior Associate Dean for Strategy and Faculty Director of the Center for the Business of Health, his research on continuous learning aligns with ECD Global’s mission. Author of *Never Stop Learning*, Dr. Staats applies his award-winning insights and global experience to help shape innovative and impactful early childhood programs. https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/faculty/directory/bradley-staats/
Cindy Gilson- UNC Charlotte Associate Dean, Honors College Dr. Cindy M. Gilson is the Associate Dean of the Honors College at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she supports the daily operations of the University Honors Program. She is an Associate Professor of Gifted Education and affiliated with the Cato College of Education. Her professional and research interests include differentiated curriculum and instruction for gifted students, enhancing rigorous classroom discourse, teachers’ listening orientations, differentiated professional learning, and qualitative research methods. She has published research in prestigious gifted education journals, including Gifted Child Quarterly, Journal of Advanced Academics, Roeper Review, and Gifted Child Today. Dr. Gilson was the recipient of the 2020 NAGC Early Leader Award. Dr. Gilson enjoys teaching honors courses on topics related to creativity and creative problem solving, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students on their inquiry projects. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading books, cooking, and going for walks. https://spcd.charlotte.edu/people/cindy-gilson/
Lan Kolano – UNC Charlotte Professor & Department Chair for The Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education Dr. Lan Kolano brings extensive expertise in multicultural education and English language learning to ECD Global’s advisory board. As a professor and leader at UNC Charlotte, she has dedicated her career to supporting diverse learners and preparing educators to meet the needs of multilingual and multicultural communities. With a strong focus on equity and inclusion, Dr. Kolano’s insights will be instrumental in shaping ECD Global’s programs to foster accessible and impactful early childhood education initiatives worldwide. https://mdsk.charlotte.edu/lan-kolano/
Juniel Miller - Construction and Project Management Leader, Duke Energy Juniel Miller brings extensive expertise in construction, project management, and renewable energy to ECD Global. As a leader at Duke Energy, he develops renewable projects supporting grid modernization and clean energy goals. With nearly 20 years in commercial and industrial real estate development, his experience spans capital planning, construction execution, and engineering leadership.His technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to sustainability align seamlessly with ECD Global's mission to build innovative, lasting early childhood development programs worldwide. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juniel-miller-pmp-491b792/
Melinda Meyers - Executive Leader at Amazon Mindy Myers brings over a decade of operational leadership from Amazon to ECD Global’s advisory board. As Director of Regional Operations, she has driven efficiency, innovation, and cost savings across large-scale networks through strategic initiatives and process optimization. Known for her empathetic, data-driven approach, Mindy is committed to building empowered teams and fostering trust and integrity. Her expertise aligns seamlessly with ECD Global’s mission to develop sustainable and impactful early childhood programs worldwide. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-myers/
Krishan Patel - Founder, Entrepreneur, CEO, Karma Advisory Krishan Patel is an experienced business strategist and operations leader, brings valuable expertise to ECD Global's advisory board. With experience spanning management consulting, healthcare, and corporate strategy, Krishan has a proven track record of driving organizational growth and operational excellence. His technical expertise, innovative solutions, and strategic problem-solving aligns seamlessly with ECD Global's mission to create impactful and sustainable early childhood development programs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishanvpatel/
Mason Pixley - Strategy and Operations Analyst, AB InBev Mason Pixely, a results-oriented professional, brings a wealth of expertise in data-driven decision-making and strategic problem-solving to ECD Global's advisory board. Known for analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and developing effective strategies, Mason has a proven track record of driving growth and achieving business objectives. With a strong commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, Mason’s strategic mindset and focus on measurable results align seamlessly with ECD Global’s mission to create lasting impact through innovative early childhood development programs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mason-pixley/
Colton Shoup - Portfolio Business Manager, Deriva Energy Colton Shoup brings a rich background in community service and youth educational leadership to ECD Global. An Eagle Scout and former Americorps Program Coordinator, Colton has extensive experience in developing educational tools and outreach initiatives. His work with Go Conscious Earth in the Democratic Republic of Congo has given him valuable insights into supporting underserved communities globally. Currently a Portfolio Business Manager at Deriva Energy, Colton's expertise in renewable energy systems adds a crucial sustainability perspective to our advisory board. https://www.linkedin.com/in/colton-shoup-12047994/
Legal & Financial Partners
At ECD Global, we recognize the importance of strong legal and financial oversight for nonprofit organizations. While we are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with legal and auditing professionals, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of compliance and transparency in our operations.
Future Legal Support
We are actively seeking experienced nonprofit attorneys to provide guidance on:
-
Regulatory compliance
-
Governance best practices
-
Contract review and negotiation
-
Intellectual property protection
-
International operations
Planned Audit Services
To maintain financial integrity and accountability, we intend to engage independent auditors who specialize in nonprofit organizations. Our future audit partners will assist with:
-
Annual financial audits
-
Compliance with international accounting standards
-
Grant-specific audits
-
Internal control assessments
Commitment to Best Practices
While we build our network of legal and financial partners, ECD Global is dedicated to:
-
Implementing robust internal controls
-
Maintaining transparent financial reporting
-
Adhering to all applicable laws and regulations
-
Regularly reviewing and updating our governance policies
We look forward to announcing our partnerships with qualified legal and auditing professionals in the near future. These relationships will further strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission and maintain the trust of our supporters and beneficiaries.