Meet Our Team
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Meet Our Team *
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Founder, Chairman of the Board, CEO
Kanwal Sra is a CPA and a graduate of New York University. Mr. Sra has been an investor and founding member of numerous successful startups. He is a successful businessman and an entrepreneur. He has extensive experience working on Wall Street and the Securities Industry, working for firms like Shearson Lehman. He has also worked as the Controller of Prudential Global Funding and Ernst & Young LLP CPAs as a Senior Manager. Mr. Sra served as Chief Executive Officer of WR Lazard, the largest minority owned investment banking and broker dealer firm.He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TaxOsphere, a New York Based tax company with 50 branches in over twenty-two states. In 2012 TaxOsphere merged its tax offices with Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, the # 2 tax Franchise Company in America with over 6000 offices across the nation. Mr. Sra is Managing partner of the Tax offices and its affiliate K SRA CPA PC A Certified Public Accounting and Financial services firm. The firm provides tax, financial, management consulting, accounting and auditing services to a diverse group of companies specializing in the Financial and construction industry as well as financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, Business Succession /Continuation Planning and Risk Management
In 2020 Mr. Sra Co-Founded and is Chief Executive Officer of Unicorn Media Partners a Health, Hygiene and Pharmaceutical company. In 2021, Mr. Sra Founded United International Baseball League (UIBL) to bring professional baseball to India, Pakistan and the Middle East. UIBL’s mission is to inspire two billion new fans to fall in love with baseball and help share the beauty and heritage of the game with a part of the world that has yet to fully embrace it.
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Sra is the President and Chairman of the Indo American Business Council USA and was Economic Advisor to Nassau County appointed by County Executive. Mr. Sra is on the Board of many Charities and an active contributor to many charitable causes in the USA and in India.
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Director – Talent Acquisition & Outreach
WORLD PEACE AMBASSADOR, GLOBAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR, AFRYDEF Partner of THE WAKE FOUNDATION; Director of Baseball Operations/ GM for USA Military WAR DOGS Baseball Org., Director of Baseball Operations and Player Development for WE #21 www.we21.org, Pres. USA All-Star Baseball Association, Baseball Without Borders and Global Instructional Baseball League, Commissioner of the Cuban Sports League, Mgr. Allegheny Avengers PBL, college Scout, rep for Baden Sports (AXE BATS),Dinger bats, Member MLBPA/SABRI enjoy being a Professional baseball coach at many levels. If you're not Giving you're not Living!!
Still an Athlete, love playing and coaching baseball; I have many connections in different fields. REMEMBER THIS: "The Bitterness of Poor Quality, Remains long after the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten! "
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Advisory Board Member
Todd is an American former professional baseball player. He played for 15 seasons in Major League Baseball as a starting pitcher from 1988 to 2002, most notably as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays with whom he won two World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. He also played for the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks .
Todd Stottlemyre is a high-performance business coach, bestselling author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, former World Championship pitcher, and father of five. Every day, he works to help his clients achieve unparalleled success in every dimension of their lives.
Every day, Todd relentlessly supports, uplifts, and unlocks his client’s potential to help them reach their highest and best selves. His empathy, lived experiences, unshakable mindset, and genuine humanity make him an unstoppable instrument of success. For both individuals and businesses, Todd has powerful messages to share through his coaching platform. As an owner, investor, and advisor himself, he understands how to walk in his clients’ shoes.
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Advisory Board Member
Osvaldo José Virgil Jr. (born December 7, 1956) is a Puerto Rican former Major League Baseball catcher who played with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays from 1980 to 1990. His father Ozzie Virgil Sr. was the first person from the Dominican Republic to play in Major League Baseball (MLB), appearing in 324 MLB games between 1956 and 1969 as a utility player for the New York / San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Virgil Jr. threw and batted right-handed, he was selected by the Phillies in the sixth round of the 1976 Major League Baseball Draft, and from 1984 to 1988 he was a regular catcher in the National League, being elected to the loop's All-Star team twice, in 1985 and in 1987. In 1987, Virgil hit a career high 27 home runs with the Braves. In that year's MLB All-Star Game, he was the first player to get a leadoff hit—in the 13th inning of a scoreless game—and scored the game's winning run.
All told, he played in 739 major league games and collected 549 hits, with 98 career home runs. Years after his playing career was over, Virgil Jr. became a manager, being named manager of the Arizona's Surprise Fightin' Falcons (Arizona) of the independent Golden Baseball League in 2005. Ozzie Jr. attended Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He set many state records and even forced a taller fence to be erected on the Moon Valley field due to his tendency to use nearby houses as target practice.
In 1978, Virgil was named the Carolina League MVP.
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Board Member & Chief Financial Officer
With over 30 years of extensive experience in accounting and finance Avneet has a proven track record of driving financial strategy and operational excellence. Born in India and residing in America, Avneet has always harbored a deep passion for giving back to her home country. Her commitment to fostering growth and opportunity in India is evident through her leadership at Diamond Dreams Academy, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. Avneet's expertise encompasses a wide range of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. Her unique blend of experience in both American and Indian financial landscapes allows her to navigate challenges with innovative solutions. As she strives to empower the next generation of Indian athletes.Avneet believes in the transformative power of sports and education. Her vision for Diamond Dreams Academy is not only to promote baseball but also to instill values of teamwork, perseverance, and community engagement among young players. Outside of her professional role, Avneet is an. Amazing, wife and mother. She also enjoys connecting with her roots, exploring cultural initiatives, and advocating for youth development in sports.
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MD Head of Brand & Development
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General Counsel (Voluntary Position)
Sahel Sra serves as an Advisor to Diamond Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the joy of baseball to India. With a passion for advocating for justice and equality, Sahel brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to empowering communities.
Currently, Sahel is an attorney at the Sikh Coalition, the largest Sikh American civil rights organization in the United States. In her role, she represents clients on a diverse range of civil rights issues, focusing on securing accommodations for Sikh articles of faith, advocating for victims of hate crimes and school bullying, and challenging discriminatory practices in both the public and private sectors. Sahel also supervises a team of attorneys, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective representation for clients facing civil rights challenges.
Before joining the Sikh Coalition, Sahel served as a Staff Attorney at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where she honed her legal acumen and gained invaluable insight into appellate advocacy. She began her legal career as an Associate at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, D.C., where she developed a strong foundation in litigation and investigation.
Sahel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from New York University and a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law. With her extensive background in civil rights law and her dedication to community empowerment, Sahel is excited to contribute to Diamond Dreams, helping to foster a love for baseball and create opportunities for youth in India.
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Chief Operating Office (Voluntary Position)
Neelam Sharma brings two decades of consulting experience, specializing in risk management and regulatory compliance, to her role as a Director on the Board in which she overseas all operations for Diamond Dreams Academy. Her extensive background in navigating complex regulatory environments is critical to the organization's mission of introducing baseball to India, ensuring that all operational strategies align with best practices and compliance standards.
With a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria over the past four years, Neelam has honed her ability to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into organizational frameworks. This expertise is invaluable as she leads the development of Diamond Dreams Academy, allowing her to incorporate ESG considerations into every aspect of the academy's operations. By prioritizing sustainable practices and community engagement, Neelam aims to create a positive impact not only on young athletes but also on the broader communities in which they live.
In addition to her leadership role at Diamond Dreams Academy, Neelam will continue to assist her financial services clients in meeting their regulatory requirements. Her ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance ensures that she remains at the forefront of the industry, bringing valuable insights and strategies to both her clients and the academy.
Having previously served as president of an ESG consulting business, Neelam understands the importance of aligning organizational goals with social and environmental values. Her vision for Diamond Dreams Academy extends beyond baseball; she seeks to foster a culture of inclusivity, teamwork, and community development among the youth in India.
Born and raised in New York to Indian parents, Neelam is deeply connected to her heritage and is driven by the desire to share the love of baseball with the 1.47 billion people in India. Her unique combination of operational expertise and commitment to ESG principles positions her as a pivotal leader in shaping the future of baseball in India through Diamond Dreams Academy.
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Former assistant Coach for the St. Louis Cardinals MILB team AA PEORJA Chiefs and ROOKIE FCL Complex team. Former Birddog or associate scout 2018 to present in south east region. Stars and Stripes baseball director and development coach in Columbia, SC. Training athletes according to development data and current technologies.
Former British National Team Coach. Recently won The Bronze medal at the 2017 European Gaines in Bollate, Italy. Qualifying for the 2018 World Games in Tokyo Japan. Team GB placed 11th in 2018 World Games. Promoted to coach Pitchers and catchers with 19u British team alongside women 's team summer of 2018. Teams will participate in The London Cup, European Games, World Games and Super Six qualifier in Holland.
The former (2016) Gamecock volunteer coach and two-time All-American for the Garnet and Black has been a head coach at the NCAA Division 11 level the past seven years, including three at Lander in Greenwood, S.C., and four at Le Moyne in Syracuse, N.Y. She led the Le Moyne Dolphins to the NCAA National Tournament in her first year at the school in 2009. helping Two Dolphins earn Northeast 10 Conference Player of the Year and attain NFCA All-America third• team accolades. In her four years, she saw 17 students claim All-Northeast 10 honors, including five on the league's first team.
Whitlock played four years at South Carolina, garnering All-America recognition in 1995 and 1997. She still holds LH the career record for at-bats (872), doubles (58) and sacrifice flies (16) for a Gamecock. She earned all-region accolades all four seasons and was recognized on the first All-Southeastern Conference team in 1997. A second-team All-American that year, she helped the Gamecocks make their third NCAA Women's College World Series appearance with a 63-5 record.
Whitlock continued her career on the diamond as a member of the US Women's National Team, playing on the team that qualified for the 1999 Pan- •Am Games. Whitlock also played with the Durham Dragons in the '"-'women’s Professional Softball League in 1999.
She started her coaching career at what is now USC Upstate as an assistant coach, moving to Chattanooga for the 2000 season where she helped the Mocs make the NCAA Tournament. She chose to coach in high schools for the next few years in Georgia before moving back into the college ranks as an assistant at Mercer in 2007, Head Coach LelMoyne College 2009-2013 leading the Dolphins to a NE-10 Conference Championship and National Championship appearance. whitlock also became Head Coach at Lander University prior to becoming The Volunteer Assistant at her Alma Mater the University of South Carolina.
A 1997 graduate of South Carolina in psychology, Whitlock earned her master’s in teaching at Converse in 2000. She has two sons, Aaron and Brian.
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Head Coach, Diamond Dreams Academy | Head of Grassroots and Youth Development
Mr. Sachin is a distinguished figure in Indian baseball, celebrated for his exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unparalleled coaching expertise. With over 13 years of comprehensive experience as a coach, he stands as a cornerstone of baseball development in India, bringing his expertise and passion to Diamond Dreams Academy.
Certified by the prestigious World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Mr. Sachin’s contributions to the sport have been transformative. His dedication and professionalism have not only elevated individual players but also the standing of Indian baseball on the national stage.
*Coaching Achievements*
- National School Team Coach: Led school teams to exceptional performances at the national level, fostering the growth of emerging talent.
College and Federation Teams: Played a key role in coaching successful teams for Arya College, Kurukshetra University, and the Federation, creating a legacy of excellence.
- Kurukshetra University Gold Medal Victory: Under his guidance, Kurukshetra University claimed the coveted Gold Medal in the All-India Inter-University Baseball Championship.
- State-Level Success:
- Coached the Haryana Boys' Team to a remarkable Silver Medal finish.
- Steered the Haryana Girls' Team to secure a commendable Bronze Medal.
*Playing Career*
Mr. Sachin’s deep understanding of the game stems from his illustrious playing career, having represented his state and university seven times at National, University, and State Championships, consistently earning medals and accolades.
*Vision and Leadership at Diamond Dreams Academy*
As Head Coach of Diamond Dreams Academy and Head of Grassroots and Youth Development, Mr. Sachin is instrumental in shaping the future of baseball in India. He leads a dedicated team of Indian coaches, nurturing talent from across the country and implementing world-class training programs. His role extends beyond coaching, encompassing the development of baseball infrastructure, overseeing grounds and event management, and ensuring the flawless execution of DDA’s initiatives.
With Mr. Sachin’s guidance, Diamond Dreams Academy is set to become a beacon of excellence, inspiring a new generation of players and coaches. His unwavering commitment to the sport, combined with his visionary leadership, will propel Indian baseball to unprecedented heights, leaving an indelible mark on the global baseball landscape.
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Administrative Director India
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Chief Operating Officer India
Sports Development Professional | Educator | Community Builder|
I am a passionate sports enthusiast with a diverse background in sports development, education, and community building. Here's a glimpse into my journey:
* CEO, American Football in India: I had the privilege of establishing American Football in India, transforming it from a lesser-known sport to a thriving and competitive discipline. Through strategic planning and collaboration, I successfully introduced American Football to universities across the country, making it a regular game for the National University Championships.
* Founder & Director, United Basketball Alliance (UBA): As the visionary behind UBA, India's first-ever professional basketball league, I led a team of dedicated professionals to revolutionize the basketball landscape in the country. UBA provided players with contracts, monetary compensation, and exposure, elevating Indian basketball to new heights on the Asian circuit.
* Real Character for Walt Disney movie, Million Dollar Arm: My expertise in sports scouting and talent identification led to a remarkable opportunity to be a real character in the Walt Disney movie "Million Dollar Arm."
* Online Platforms for Indian University Sports: Recognizing the need to expand the reach of university sports, I spearheaded efforts to bring Indian university sports to online platforms. By leveraging technology, we broadcasted various games, allowing fans and enthusiasts to enjoy the competitions remotely.
* Building Platforms for Esports under NSG: Embracing the dynamic world of esports, I am currently working under the banner of NSG to create platforms that support and empower potential gamers in India. Through innovative initiatives, we aim to bring Indian gamers onto the global stage.
* Recruiter for WWE : I had the incredible privilege of being involved in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) as a recruiter for the first-ever tryout in India. he tryout served as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of Indian wrestlers, offering them the chance to pursue their dreams on a global stage. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive knowledge of the relevance of sport and structured physical activity in the development of Athete and community integration.
My passion for connecting with people from all walks of life fuels my drive to create positive change through the transformative power of sports. Let's connect and collaborate to make a lasting impact in the sports industry and beyond