Our team
A Life of Purpose Born from Poverty
Our team
Elisha Chowtapalli
Founder/President
“I know what it’s like to have nothing. That’s why I want to give everything I can to those who need it most”
Elisha Chowtapalli is the Founder and Chief Visionary of LIGHT Society, where he provides overall vision and leadership to ensure the mission stays focused on empowering women, advancing faith-based social impact, and transforming lives through sustainable action.
As the Founder and CEO of Promise Bags, a leather bags manufacturing and exporting company, Elisha combines entrepreneurship with compassion. He started Promise Bags to create meaningful employment for women from poor and rural backgrounds — using business as a tool to make poverty history. A significant portion of the company’s profits directly supports the work of LIGHT Society, reinforcing the shared vision of hope, dignity, and empowerment in India.
A man of vision and faith, Elisha firmly believes that everything begins with a dream and a purpose. He often says, “I’m small, I have a big dream — but my God is bigger than my dream.” His life and leadership continue to inspire many to believe that with faith, hard work, and compassion, even the smallest dream can change the world.
William McKenna serves as Vice-President and Secretary of Light Society, where he brings decades of marketing experience and a deep personal commitment to serving others. His role bridges strategic leadership with hands-on support—helping expand awareness, guide donor engagement, and strengthen organizational infrastructure as Light Society grows its impact.
Bill is the founder of McKenna Marketing Network, a firm that helps credit unions, community banks, and faith-based nonprofits grow through smart marketing strategy and execution. His business background includes leading strategy, branding and executing campaigns for regional and national organizations. Bill is passionate about guiding and equipping nonprofits to thrive.
Through his work with Light Society, Bill plays a vital role in helping bring holistic care, education, and empowerment to vulnerable children and families in India—especially within the Dalit community.
William McKenna
Vice President/Secretary
“The work we do matters most when it reflects both excellence and compassion—when we use our gifts to serve others and multiply impact.”
Pameela Chowtapalli
Treasurer
“When we educate a child, we not only change their future—we strengthen a whole generation.
Prameela Chowtapalli, also known as Ruth, serves as Treasurer of Light Society and is the Principal of LIGHT English Medium High School. She brings both financial oversight and frontline leadership to the organization—ensuring integrity in its operations and excellence in its educational programs.
As sister to Founder Elisha Chowtapalli, Prameela has been part of the vision from the very beginning. Her deep commitment to empowering underprivileged children through quality education has made a lasting impact on the students, families, and communities served by Light Society.
With a calm leadership style and a heart for service, she plays a critical role in stewarding both the resources and the mission of the organization.