Roshani Desai

Roshani Desai joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in 2007.  She manages day-to-day grantmaking operations for the Research-Evaluation-Learning unit and supports the Foundation’s vision in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

In her earlier role as executive assistant to the vice president and chief science officer and assistant to the vice president of Research-Evaluation-Learning, Roshani served as the primary point of contact for the unit. As an RWJF program administrative assistant and a Program Service Center administrative coordinator she helped improve operational efficiency by updating essential administrative procedures and guidelines; assisted in developing and standardizing workflow procedures; mentoring new program administrative assistants; and delegating back-up support to staff.

Roshani is a member of the RWJF Grants Operations Workgroup, a cross-departmental working group that helps implement and coordinate the Foundation’s efforts to improve its grantmaking projects. She also serves as co-chair of the PEAK Membership Committee for the Northeast Chapter. PEAK (Principles, Equity, Advocacy, and Knowledge) is a national community of grant professionals actively involved in improving grants management, advancing knowledge and skills of its members, and building networking opportunities.

Roshani earned a BA in Business Administration and an MBA from Georgian Court University. She is a Certified Project Management Practitioner (PMP) and Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Roshani loves nature and advocates for preserving and protecting the natural environment. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, and hiking.