Pooja Ika, founder and chief executive officer of eternalHealth, will deliver the keynote address at Vidyabharati’s annual gala on July 12, 2026, at the Boston Marriott Burlington in Massachusetts, organizers have announced.
The event is expected to bring together educators, community leaders, philanthropists, and business executives to support educational initiatives and discuss ways to expand access to learning opportunities for underserved communities.
This year’s gala will focus on leadership, educational equity, and creating sustainable pathways for students who have historically faced barriers to quality education.
Ika, who founded eternalHealth at the age of 24, has gained recognition in the healthcare sector for building a Medicare Advantage health plan centered on transparency, technology-driven services, and accountability. As one of the youngest women of color to establish and lead a certified health insurance provider in the United States, she has become an advocate for healthcare accessibility, corporate transparency, and women’s leadership.
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Beyond her work in healthcare, Ika has used her platform to promote educational and economic opportunities for women and girls. During her keynote address, she is expected to discuss leadership lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of entering established industries, and the importance of investing in education, mentorship, and economic empowerment for young women.
According to organizers, her message aligns closely with Vidyabharati’s ongoing efforts to expand educational opportunities for girls across India.
“We are profoundly privileged to host Pooja Ika as our distinguished keynote speaker for this year’s gala framework. Her rapid ascent within a tightly legacy-bound sector is clear validation of what brave, values-driven leadership can execute. Crucially, Pooja’s explicit commitment to aligning her enterprise visibility with the advancement of quality education for girls in India mirrors the exact structural vision of Vidyabharati,” said Mona Chopra of the Executive Organizing Committee.
Organizers said Ika’s address will focus on how innovation, leadership, and social responsibility can work together to create long-term educational impact. The gala will also serve as a fundraising platform for programs aimed at improving access to quality education and supporting future generations of students.
Ika, a graduate of Babson College, is also known for advocating greater representation of women in STEM fields, leadership positions, and initiatives focused on girls’ education and literacy worldwide.
Vidyabharati is a global nonprofit focused on improving access to education for underserved communities while supporting cultural preservation and creating pathways for long-term social and economic advancement.