RANCHO CORDOVA, CA, February 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Meena N. Kalyanasundaram has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Kalyanasundaram is the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of WeEMBRACE, a grassroots volunteer driven nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are neuro-diverse and those with developmental disabilities. Since founding WeEMBRACE in 2018, she has been instrumental in building an inclusive platform that provides structured programs, community engagement, advocacy, and meaningful opportunities for families.

Under her leadership, WeEMBRACE expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning all programs to virtual platforms. This strategic pivot resulted in what became a transformative period for the organization. Approximately 3,000 children and families benefited from virtual classes and support services, powered by nearly 300 volunteers from Toronto, Vancouver, San Diego, Florida, New York, and other regions. Her ability to mobilize global volunteer engagement demonstrated both operational leadership and visionary thinking.

Today, WeEMBRACE hosts inclusive talent and fashion showcases such as EMBRACE STARS, adaptive Sports Day programming, Disability Resource Fairs, Buddy Match initiatives, vocational collaborations, and volunteer-led virtual classes. Each initiative reflects her belief that inclusion must be intentionally designed — not merely discussed. Through structured programming, individuals who are neuro-diverse are not simply accommodated; they are celebrated.

Before founding WeEMBRACE, Ms. Kalyanasundaram held several roles in education and therapeutic support. From 2011 to 2017, she served as a dance and music instructor at Nritya School of Dance and Music, where she introduced autism movement therapy in 2013. She also worked as an Individual Intensive Service Provider at Integrated Behavior Technologies Inc. from 2013 to 2014. Earlier in her career, she served as a consultant practicing Brain Gym International (2004–2010) and as an Information and Referral Officer at United Cerebral Palsy (2002–2005).

Her academic background is extensive and multidisciplinary. She earned a Master of Science in Special Education and Teaching from the University of North Dakota in 2012. She also holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Bharathidasan University (1995) and a Master of Commerce from Osmania University (1993). Her professional development includes certifications from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and the Florida Institute of Technology.

Ms. Kalyanasundaram began her professional journey in the banking sector as an Officer with the State Bank of India (1991–1997). Due to her exceptional performance, she was appointed to oversee one of the bank's branches in Germany (1994–1997). During her time abroad, she endured a severe medical crisis after contracting shingles and experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction to medication, resulting in second-degree burns and permanent central vision loss in her left eye. Her recovery marked a profound turning point in her life.

After relocating to the United States in 1997, she welcomed her son in 1998. Shortly after birth, her son required intensive medical care and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Despite medical projections that he would not function independently, Ms. Kalyanasundaram committed herself to advocacy, therapy exploration, and community-building — determined to challenge limiting expectations.

From 2000 to 2011, she was a key member of Physical Challenges-Bay Area support grpup for parents, helping create support networks for families of children with disabilities. During this period, she also explored integrative health approaches such as acupressure, and therapeutic bodywork to support her son and others.

Recognizing the need for global connectivity, she launched multiple Yahoo support groups in 2005, including India Development Disabilities, which grew to more than 5,000 members worldwide. She also moderated Jeena and founded the Bay Area Pediatric Specialists Yahoo Group in 2007. As digital platforms evolved, she transitioned these communities to Facebook and WhatsApp, where she continues to facilitate active parent and professional support networks.

The inspiration for WeEMBRACE emerged when she relocated to Sacramento and was unable to find a buddy-based inclusion program similar to one her son had participated in previously. Rather than accept the absence of such programming, she created it. That initiative evolved into WeEMBRACE — now a recognized nonprofit organization serving families locally and nationally.

Her dedication was formally recognized in 2022 with the Tim Haley Community Recognition Award from the City of Sacramento Disability Advisory Commission, honoring her contributions to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Kalyanasundaram's leadership is defined by resilience, innovation, fiscal responsibility, and hands-on execution. She has invested extraordinary personal time, energy, and resources into building sustainable programming infrastructure. Her philosophy remains steadfast: every day presents an opportunity to build inclusion, create visibility, and empower potential.

Looking ahead, she remains committed to expanding structured inclusion initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for dignified representation of individuals who are neuro-diverse.

Check WeEMBRACE at https://www.weembracefamilies.org/

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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