Meet the DGE

ROTARIAN GEETA MANEK, DG 2012-13

Name: MRS. GEETA K. MANEK

Date of Birth: 1957

Marital Status: Married to Kaushik

Children: Son (Shamil)

Geeta was born in Thompson’s Falls (Nyahururu), Kenya, and raised there until the age of 10 years. Later, went to Junior school and boarded at the Aga Khan Primary School in Nairobi. She completed her Secondary School at St. Joseph’s Convent Grammar School and St. Joan of Arc Convent Grammar School in England. Continuing her tertiary education in England, she attended a Business School in London, majoring in Business Studies with emphasis in Advertising and Marketing and minored in Tourism and Public Relations.

It was during her college days that she acquired the flavour and an aptitude for entrepreneurship having worked in boutiques in Oxford St, Regent St. and Bond St. during school holidays and as part of her internship also worked in an American Advertising Agency. She believes that learning is a perpetual experience, which never ceases. She recently also undertook a course in studying in a new field of Financial Management and preparing for examinations in Real- Estate Licence and Mortgage Lending.

Upon completing her studies in Business, Geeta returned to Kenya and joined her family business in Kenya, which ranges from retailing to property management, in 1978. Since then she contributed tremendously towards the growth of the business ventures; as well expanded the property and asset holding of the family concern. She continues to be actively involved with the business concerns.

SOCIAL INTERESTS:

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Appointed to serve as Country Chair (Kenya) 2010 – 2011.
Currently Serving as Country Chair (Kenya) 2009-2010.
Served as Rotary Assistant Governor 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
Served as District Annual Giving Officer 2007-2008.
Served as District GSE Officer for 2006-2007.
Served as Country GSE Officer for 2005-2006.
Served as Interact Officer for 2005-2006.
Served as Club President of Rotary Club Muthaiga 2003-2004, a small club then with big ambitions.
Very active Rotarian. Having risen gradually from early member to various directorships, she served in organizing and running Rotary district programs for Children with Special Needs to International Presidential Conferences and other project task forces in various capacities.
Served in the organising committees for several District and International Conferences.
Rotary Foundation - Major Donor.

COMMUNITITY SERVICE:

Geeta has served as member of Social and Religious committees of her community currently to the Managing Committee for three years (2002 – 2005).
Volunteer for assisting families of bereaved, and facilitate for funeral arrangements.
Jointly founded as Charter Member of Lohana Ladies Circle – A Women’s wing of professional and progressive ladies directed towards community service, social welfare and promotion of cultural heritage

OTHER SOCIAL ACHIEVEMENTS:

Active member of the Ladies Circle International – Nairobi Chapter 2001 – 2004. She has been one of the primary contributors in organising various national charity events such as: ‘Support Girl-Child Awareness’, ‘The International Women’s’ Aids Run’, and was instrumental in the behind-the-scenes support team for the Israeli Armed forces search and rescue mission during the 1998 U.S. Terrorist bomb attack.
Coordinated numerous medical camps, fund drives, food distribution, as well as relief efforts during the post-election crisis
Kick Polio Out of Africa (KPOA) Campaign – Kenya Coordinator and supporter of initiative

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Geeta is an avid reader, having created a most varied collection of literary compilations in a home library – from religion, autobiographies, fiction, health to cooking.
Travelling has taken her and her family to almost every corner of the world, as she always enjoys learning and understanding about others’ cultures and ways of life.
Member of the Muthaiga Country Club

LANGUAGE SKILLS: