Meera Mathew

Meera Mathew, born in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, and raised in New York, is a proud Malayali American who brings a powerful blend of cultural pride, community service, and leadership as a member of the American Malayali Heritage Foundation board. Experiences in healthcare, information technology, dance, public service, event and wedding planning, modeling, and pageantry contribute to an inspiring presence within the Malayali community. 

Currently working in the Information Technology (IT) Department at Northwell Health, Meera leverages technical and interpersonal skills to drive healthcare innovation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Homeland Security from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

In the pageantry world, Meera has achieved notable success and recognition. She holds the title of Miss India New York 2022 and was a top-five finalist representing the USA at Miss India Worldwide. She also made history as the first South Asian to be crowned the 2023 Miss Staten Island since the pageant’s establishment in 1939, a title under the Miss America Organization. In this role, she raised the highest scholarship funds nationwide and became a dedicated advocate for mental health. 

Her commitment and involvement in numerous events have been honored and recognized through citations, proclamations, plaques, and awards from New York State Senators, Assembly members, the Deputy Consul General of India, and various prominent community leaders and organizations. She has been a chief guest at noteworthy events, including India Independence Day celebrations throughout New York, gatherings hosted by the United Nations, Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments, District Attorneys, small businesses, and various, diverse cultural organizations. Involvement with law enforcement organizations, including the NYPD Desi Society, American Malayalee Law Enforcement United (AMLEU), and the Indian Officers Society are significant to her, as she once aspired to pursue a career in law enforcement. She has been interviewed by several prominent Malayali news channels from Kerala, including Asianet, Manorama, Kairali, and Malayala Manorama. 

Connecting with others through language, music, dance, food, and cultural experiences is a profound passion for Meera. She finds joy and fulfillment in learning about others’ cultures and personal stories while sharing her own, ensuring that every conversation holds quality and meaning. By sharing her Malayali heritage with a broader audience, she not only represents her roots but encourages others to value and maintain their cultural ties. As a board member, Meera is dedicated to inspiring the next generation to take pride in being a Malayali and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.