Advisors
Mr. Alay Patel
Senior Vice President, Citigroup
Jersey City, NJ
​
​Experience: Community Service, Fundraising, Banking, Computer Science
About Me
Mr. Alay Patel holds a master's degree in Computer Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey and a bachelor's degree from Sardar Patel University (SPU) in India. With over 24 years of experience at Citigroup, he leads the Global Application Development Team as Senior Vice President.
​​
Beyond his professional experience, Mr. Patel has remained connected with his alma mater. As the President of SPU Alumni USA for over 8 years, he partners with various businesses and organizes alumni reunions. These fundraising initiatives provide scholarships to students in need across various colleges. Mr. Patel hopes to continue expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged communities. His commitment to community service extends beyond SPU, as he actively works to foster mentorship and support networks for students and young professionals interested in bettering their local communities.
Ms. Bernadette Testa
Retired Executive, Citigroup
New York, NY
​
​Experience: Community Service, Fundraising, Banking, Computer Science
About Me
Ms. Bernadette Testa’s undergraduate degree was in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology. She retired from Citigroup after 38 years in Technology as a Business Analyst and Project Manager.
Ms. Testa is passionate about service, and assists her church, St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Wyckoff, NJ, as a Eucharistic Minister. She also brings the Holy Eucharist to the elderly at Christian Healthcare, a senior living facility, and to a homebound woman. As part of the Religious Education staff at St. Elizabeth’s, Bernadette teaches the Catechism to fourth grade students. She also prepares meals for Harrison House in Paramus, NJ, a home for people living with HIV/AIDS.