Indian American Community of Newton
We are a group of volunteers of Indian Origin in the Newton community.
Our purpose is to bring the diverse communities of Newton, MA & surrounding towns together and celebrate Indian culture & heritage through various events, community outreach, wellness programs, and community support services.
We have a thriving group for the people of Indian Subcontinent origin living in our neighborhood where we share these events. Our work is entirely volunteer-driven and we primarily use the Facebook page, Patch Events Calendar, Mayor’s newsletter, Fig City News along with our website to share information with people across Newton and neighboring communities.
Follow our Facebook page Indian American Community of Newton or join our group Newton Desi Corner if you are local to Newton.
The Team
The IAC Newton leadership team.
Heena Bhatt
Heena is the Co-Founder and President of the Indian American Community of Newton (IACNewton), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering cultural connections and strengthening community engagement. Passionate about children’s education, she actively champions initiatives that empower children and create lasting social impact. Born and raised in India, Heena’s professional journey in the technology industry led her to the United States, where she pursued her academic aspirations. She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, equipping her with a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership. In her professional role, Heena leads Cyber Security Exposure Management at Tenable, driving innovative solutions to enhance digital security in an evolving threat landscape. Beyond IAC of Newton, Heena serves as the National Director of Media and Communication for Vibha USA, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming children’s education. She plays a pivotal role in shaping impactful communication strategies that drive awareness, engagement, and action. Based in Newton, MA Heena finds joy in balancing her dynamic career, community service, and family life with her husband and two children.
Sumana Hatwar
Sumana Hatwar is a product manager, community builder, and dedicated volunteer with over 20 years of experience in product management. She currently serves as a Lead Product Manager at Sun Life, where she focuses on solving complex challenges and driving innovative solutions. Originally from Mumbai, Sumana now calls Boston home, where she balances her career, volunteer work, and life as a mom of two
Beyond her professional career, Sumana is passionate about giving back to the community. She is the Executive Director of Vibha Boston, working to raise funds for the education of underprivileged children, and a co-founder of IAC Newton, an organization dedicated to celebrating Indian culture and fostering a sense of community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and planning her next adventure, always embracing the belief that we have one life—and should make the most of it.
Arundhati Biswas
Arundhati Biswas is an accomplished technology executive with over 20 years of experience in driving digital transformation, business strategy, and operational efficiency across Fortune 100 companies. Holding an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Arundhati has led multi-million-dollar projects, optimizing technology to deliver business value globally.
Beyond the boardroom, Arundhati has a deep passion for music and community-building. Whether through collaborative cultural events, workshops, or community-driven initiatives, Arundhati is dedicated to creating spaces where diverse voices can connect, learn, and grow. This passion drove her commitment to use her leadership and expertise to start IACON along with likeminded friends to create an inclusive environment that celebrates cultural diversity.
Ketki Tipnis
Shanu Mehta
Shanu Mehta is a researcher in cancer biology in the Boston area. Having grown up in a large, close-knit family she wants to recreate similar experiences for her family and friends. Her goal is for IACON to conduct events where Indian American families in the Newton area can strengthen the connections with their culture.