Mr. Jeroninio (Jerry) Almeida
Mr. Jeroninio (Jerry) Almeida believes there is a purpose to life, which is not just about creating wealth for oneself and our near and dear ones. Rather, it is to leave behind a legacy of a better world where there is social parity and equity for one an all. Right from college days Jerry has been involved as a volunteer to plan and implement ideas, projects and events for fundraising and sensitizing people through mainstream formats about their social responsibility and thus bridging the gap between people who have and communities who deserve attention and support. One of the pioneers to use entertainment formats like movies, music albums & videos, TV serials, events and out of the box ideas through cause related marketing to mainstream the cause he has consistently used the media effectively to sensitize people about social issues including the popular Page 3 campaign with The Times Foundation that caught people attention and made them aware of various issues and invisible communities. In 2002 at the age of 31 he became the youngest Director, International Fundraising and Chief Executive of ActionAid India Society after giving up a successful corporate career, which included founding a media and entertainment start-up "Lucky Star Entertainment Ltd". Jerry has also served with the British High Commission as the Director- Public Diplomacy. With over 14 years of experience as a marketing and business strategist in senior positions with top Indian and Multinational firms he has used his experience well to mainstream the cause and make people aware about social issues and the disparity that exists. Today at 36 years of age, he has completed a full circle working in the corporate, media, development and the government sector. He is the Founder and Chief Volunteer of ICONGO a not for profit start up, and also an honorary advisor & consultant personally to some organisations like War Wounded Foundation, Dalit Voluntary Association Foundation, and Catholic Bishop Convention of India, WOTR, Aman Biradiri and Population First. Through ICONGO with SNS Foundation (CSR initiative of the Anand automotive group) and funding from USAID he has also conceptualised and incubated ( ITEAM - Institutionalised training, employment and advancement of marginalised - virtual Institutes and hubs to train the youth based on the process and criteria of industry with assured employment and advancement with top companies.