Women to Women Leader Luncheon Recognizes Bradley Family

Bradley University Controller Pratima Gandhi and Bradley University Board of Trustees member Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat were recognized for their leadership and public service at the 2018 Women to Women Leader Luncheon. 

More than 250 women gathered in celebration of the Women to Women Leader Luncheon hosted by the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois.  The Luncheon was started by the YWCA of Peoria more than 39 years ago to recognize local women who best exemplify excellence in their chosen profession and are committed to the success of other women.  The Women’s Fund assumed ownership of the Leader Luncheon in 2013 and has remained committed to its growth, success, and excellence over the years.

Pratima Gandhi received the Business / Professions Award.  She has served as Controller of Bradley since 1997.  Ms. Gandhi supervises more than 30 people and provides leadership and operational management for all aspects of the accounting functions at the university.  She is responsible for all administrative and operational activities associated with financial transactions.  Upon the retirement of the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Treasurer, Gary Anna, this summer, she will be named Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Bradley University.

Ms. Gandhi's volunteer efforts include currently serving, or having previously served, on the Peoria Civic Center Board of Directors (serves as treasurer), Human Service Center Board of Directors (serves as treasurer), Human Service Foundation Board of Directors, Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Board of Directors (served on Finance and Audit Committee), and Tazewell County Resource Center Board of Directors among many other regional organizations.  

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat received the Education / Arts Award.  She earned her bachelor and master's degrees at Bradley University and later her doctorate from Illinois State University.  She has worn many educational hats -- working for the Tri-County Urban League, as a middle school teacher, the principal of the U.S. Department Blue Ribbon Award winning Whittier Primary School, assistant principal of Roosevelt Magnet School, and principal of Manual Academy -- all before becoming the Transformation Officer for Springfield Public Schools, then the Danville Associate Superintendent and currently the Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools. 

Dr. Kherat is involved in the Peoria community and was recently named to the Board of Trustees at Bradley University.