Today we’d like to introduce you to Raj Asava.
Hi Raj, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our story is one of gratitude, purpose, and community. After spending over four decades in corporate leadership, my wife, Aradhana (Anna), and I felt a deep desire to give back to the country that had given us so much. When we learned about the magnitude of hunger in the United States — one of the richest nations on earth — we were moved to act.
In 2017, we co-founded HungerMitao (which means wipe out hunger) with the simple yet powerful vision of mobilizing the Indian diaspora to fight hunger in the U.S. by supporting the Feeding America network of food banks. What began as a local initiative at the North Texas Food Bank has now grown into a nationwide movement — active in Houston, Detroit, New York, Seattle, and beyond — enabling over 80 million nutritious meals across the United States.
For us, HungerMitao is the natural expression of our life mantra — Learn, Earn, and Return. It’s our way of giving back to the country that gave us so much, while inspiring others to do the same.
At its heart, HungerMitao is not just about feeding the hungry — it’s about awakening the humanity within each of us, ensuring that no one goes hungry in the land of plenty.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any meaningful journey, it hasn’t always been smooth — but every challenge has made the movement stronger. When we first started HungerMitao, the concept of giving back locally within the Indian diaspora was relatively new. Many in our community were already generous donors — but often their giving was directed abroad. Helping people facing hunger right here in America required a mindset shift.
Another challenge was logistical — understanding how the Feeding America network operated and how best to align community passion with the food banks’ real needs. We had to learn how to translate goodwill into measurable impact.
Then came the pandemic, which brought unprecedented demand on food banks but also inspired extraordinary generosity and volunteerism from the community. Through it all, we stayed guided by our belief in collaboration — with food banks, community leaders, and passionate volunteers — and our mantra of Learn, Earn, and Return.
Most recently, we’ve seen another wave of hardship — the government shutdown, rising inflation, and delayed or reduced SNAP benefits have pushed record numbers of families to food banks for help. Lines are longer than ever, and the strain on resources is immense. Yet, once again, the community has rallied. HungerMitao has been right in the midst of this challenge, mobilizing support, raising funds, and spreading awareness. Several food banks across the Feeding America network now look to HungerMitao not just as a partner, but as a dependable force that can activate the Indian diaspora’s compassion and generosity when it’s needed most.
Each obstacle ultimately reinforced our conviction that the Indian American community has both the heart and the ability to make a lasting difference. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My professional journey has been guided by my Life Mantra: Learning, Earning, and Returning. I’ve always believed that each stage in life builds the foundation for the next — first we learn, then we earn, and finally, we return what we’ve gained to society.
In my corporate career, I spent decades in strategy and leadership roles across multiple industries, culminating in my tenure as Chief Strategy Officer at Perot Systems (later Dell Services). I was known for my ability to bring clarity and focus to complex business challenges — aligning strategy, execution, and people around a common purpose. What set me apart wasn’t just analytical thinking, but the ability to connect head and heart — to make strategy meaningful and actionable for everyone involved.
When I retired in 2010, I carried forward that same mindset — but this time, my “business plan” was for giving back. Over the years, I’ve been most proud of how my professional discipline and life philosophy have come together in HungerMitao, the movement my wife and I co-founded. It’s a testament to how structured thinking, collaboration, and compassion can drive large-scale social impact. Seeing the Indian diaspora unite to enable over 80 million meals for food-insecure individuals across the U.S. — that, to me, is the most fulfilling ROI: Return on Impact.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out would be simple: stay curious, stay grounded, and stay grateful. When you’re early in your career, focus on learning, building genuine relationships, and finding purpose in what you do — not just chasing titles or wealth. Success, in my experience, isn’t defined by how high you climb, but by how deeply you impact others along the way.
Lead with integrity, be consistent in your effort, and let your values guide your choices. Over time, you’ll discover that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving, but from giving back.
That’s really the heart of HungerMitao — using what we’ve been blessed with to uplift others. It’s a reminder that our greatest return on investment is the difference we make in people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HungerMitao.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hungermitaonorthtexas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hungermitao/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hungermitao2017
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/HungerMitaoUSA
