Board Members

I am excited to be the vice president of ICAM. At this moment in America, it is extremely important for us to appreciate all the ways we contribute to this country. We should simultaneously celebrate our cultural heritage even as we connect with friends and neighbors from various other backgrounds. ICAM was created to facilitate these celebrations and these connections. I am thankful to be a part of this endeavor. I am a Genomics Researcher at Mayo Clinic, and I stay active in the community (volunteering at the People’s Food Co-op; helping out with my home owners association). I am a vegetarian who enjoys cooking and entertaining. I love classic cars and can be seen driving my 1966 Pontiac LeMans around town. I also regularly do Pilates, Yoga, Middle Eastern dance, and Classical Indian dance.

Connect with Verna at vicepresident@icamn.org

I am honored to serve as treasurer of ICAM and bring a strong commitment to the community service and responsible financial stewardship. Rochester has been my home for more than two decades and I value the sense of community outdoor life and Midwestern sprit that make it special. I have managed a federally funded, an industry, supported projects, ensuring careful, allocation of resources, regulatory compliance, and a fiscal accountability. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I remain deeply invested in community and engagement and mentorship, supporting educational initiatives and helping and profession develop leadership skills. As treasurer, I focus on maintaining financial transparency, strengthening internal processes and promoting sustainable growth, so ICAM can continue to serve its members and broader community effectively.

Connect with Ram at treasurer@icamn.org

My name is Rashmi Das. I moved to the United States in February 2005 and relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, in February 2006. I have resided in Rochester ever since and proudly consider it my hometown, as I have spent most of my adult life here.

I was raised in India, where I earned my bachelor's degree in accounting. After my marriage, I moved to the United States while my husband pursued his master’s degree. He later began his professional career here, and together we established our family life in Rochester.

We are blessed with two children. After dedicating several years as a stay-at-home mother, I chose to further my education. I attended the Mayo School of Health Sciences and earned certification as a Histology Technician. I have been employed at Mayo Clinic since 2014, where I continue to work with dedication and professionalism.

In addition to my professional career, I am deeply committed to preserving our cultural heritage. My involvement with Hindi School began as a parent when my daughter enrolled. Inspired by the meaningful connection it created for our family, I began teaching in 2023. As both a parent and educator, I understand the importance of heritage-language education and strive to make learning Hindi engaging, supportive, and enriching for students. I also value the strong sense of community built through our dedicated volunteers and families, and I remain committed to strengthening and supporting our programs.

As Director of Education, I hope to strengthen programs, empower teachers, and help every child stay connected to their cultural roots.

Connect with Rashmi at education@icamn.org

 I have been a proud resident of Rochester since 2015. With a passion for cultural exchange and community service, I'm excited to be part of the Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota (ICAM). Originally from India, I was raised with strong cultural values that emphasize giving back to the community. ICAM's mission resonates deeply with me, and I believe it offers a fantastic platform to make a positive impact. I have served as a board member in the past in different roles and I have joined the board again to contribute my skills and experience to ICAM's endeavors, promoting cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and harmony within our community.

Connect with Alka at atlarge@icamn.org