Archana Philip-Joseph

Archana has been deeply connected to the Indian community since the age of six, fueled by her passion for dance and music. She began her journey by training in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam under Mrs. Chandrika and Lakshmi Kurup at the Noopura Institute of Classical Dance. Over the years, she has earned acclaim through numerous dance and music competition victories, including the honor of singing solo lead at the White House during the Clinton Administration. Archana continues to pursue her dance training, honoring the rich heritage of these ancient art forms and their preservation.

During college, Archana co-founded Yuva Dance Co., a team of professionally trained dancers that gained prominence in New York’s South Asian community. The group collaborated with renowned artists and choreographers from around the world, including Fatima Robinson and Rujutha Vaidya, and achieved a career milestone by performing alongside A.R. Rahman and John Legend at the 81st Academy Awards. That year, Rahman won the Oscar for "Jai Ho" from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Archana’s accomplishments also include performing on The Oprah Winfrey Show, opening for artists like Jay Sean, Juggy D, touring with UK artists RDB, and working in international commercials. She has performed for legendary actress Sridevi and worked on national and international projects with Incredible India Tourism for prestigious events such as the India Day Parade NYC, India Fest Texas, and international government conventions. Archana has excelled as a choreographer with BollyArts in Long Island, Naya Andaaz Dance Competition, and  judged for elite competitions such as Boogie Woogie USA. 

Apart from dance and music, her passion for pageantry began in childhood, inspired by Miss Universe Sushmita Sen and Miss World Aishwarya Rai's 1994 wins. She has served as a coordinator for the Miss FOKANA and Miss Knanaya Beauty Pageants and has coached contestants for Miss India NY, Miss India USA, Miss India Worldwide, Miss Staten Island, and Miss America New York.

Her leadership extends to serving as Youth President for the Kerala Cultural Association of North America (KCANA) and the St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic Church and as the Education Chair for the Indian Nurses Association of NY. Additionally, she has emceed events such as the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) Gala, U.S. tours featuring top Malayalam film industry actors, and programs for prominent Indian political figures.

In addition to her artistic and community contributions, Archana holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nursing and Informatics, as well as an MBA in Healthcare.