About Us
Our Team
Founder
Rita Das
Rita believes that thoughtfully created products can do more than serve a
purpose — they can tell stories, connect people, and create meaningful impact.
With a background in engineering, business, and innovation, Rita brings a unique perspective to Village Lift, combining creativity, problem-solving, and disciplined execution to transform ideas into beautifully crafted products and experiences. Throughout her career, she has developed solutions that bring together imagination, functionality, and real-world needs.
Through Village Lift, Rita brings her passion for innovation, craftsmanship, and purposeful commerce to life. She is building a brand that connects customers with thoughtfully designed products, talented makers, and the stories behind each piece — creating a shopping experience where beauty and impact come together.
Beyond building Village Lift, Rita is committed to mentoring young adults and encouraging the next generation to lead with curiosity, resilience, and purpose. As a mother, she is passionate about helping young people discover their strengths, embrace possibility, and pursue their potential.
CO-FOUNDER
Merideth Regina
Merideth’s journey with Village Lift began through her friendship with Rita and a shared passion for creating something meaningful through retail. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Merideth brought a deep understanding of product development, customer experience, merchandising, and brand storytelling. Together, they began exploring how purposeful commerce could come to life, testing early concepts through pop-up events that helped shape the foundation of Village Lift.
Merideth Regina believes that the things we create — and the stories behind them — have the power to lift people. She co-founded Village Lift to build more than a clothing and lifestyle company. Through thoughtfully designed collections, intentional partnerships, and a commitment to giving back, Village Lift demonstrates that beauty and purpose can exist together.
With an eye for timeless style and a passion for storytelling, Merideth believes every collection should do more than inspire confidence. It should honor the makers behind each piece, celebrate the cultures and craftsmanship woven into every collection, and invite customers into a story that extends far beyond what they wear.
Her vision is rooted in two simple ideas:
Beautiful design with purpose.
Business as a force for good.
Every collection, collaboration, and decision reflects those beliefs — creating pieces that connect people, celebrate craftsmanship, and contribute to a better future.
head of india operations
Sunil Pillai
Sunil’s journey with Village Lift began during one of the trips he arranged for Rita in India. Over a casual lunch during that visit, Rita shared her vision for creating opportunities for women and young adults and Sunil was inspired to become part of that mission.
Today, Sunil leads Village Lift’s operations in India, combining local knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to the people behind the mission. He built the Village Lift Sewing Center from the ground up, establishing the foundation, processes, and support systems needed for long-term growth.
While continuing to lead S.P. Holidays (www.spholidays.com), Sunil is now focused on launching Village Lift India and developing meaningful travel experiences that connect guests with the artisans, communities, and culture behind Village Lift. Through his dedication to cultivating strong partnerships and authentic relationships, Sunil continues to play an essential role in advancing Village Lift’s vision.
creative & marketing director
Kathleen Beck
Kathleen’s journey with Village Lift began when Rita visited Holistic Healing at Beck Wellness Center (www.holistichealingbwc.com), the wellness business Kathleen founded. During a quick lunch conversation, Rita shared the mission behind Village Lift, and Kathleen immediately recognized the opportunity to use her 20 years of marketing experience to help bring the brand to life. Shortly after, Kathleen made the decision to dedicate her creative and marketing expertise to Village Lift.
Kathleen brings more than two decades of experience in branding, design, storytelling, and creative strategy to Village Lift. As a creative visionary, she understands the power of thoughtful design to connect people, inspire action, and elevate purpose-driven brands.
Through her work in visual identity, marketing, packaging, and customer experience, Kathleen helps shape the evolving identity of Village Lift and ensures every touchpoint reflects the beauty and intention behind the mission.
Inspired by the artisans, traditions, and communities Village Lift represents, Kathleen believes creativity can be a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and positive change.
Village Lift Impact Lead
Kelly
Kelly’s journey with Village Lift began in high school through her connection with Rita Das and American Women for International Understanding (www.awiu.org). Mentored by Rita, Kelly became involved in supporting a jewelry project with women artisans in Uganda, helping bring their handcrafted pieces to the United States and creating a connection between entrepreneurship, artisan empowerment, and global community impact.
That experience sparked Kelly’s passion for using innovation and entrepreneurship as forces for positive change. Since then, she has helped grow Village Lift’s digital presence and social entrepreneurship initiatives, bringing together technology, sustainability, and innovation to strengthen the mission.
As she begins her college journey at the University of Pennsylvania, Kelly will lead Village Lift Impact, expanding the mission into the college community and inspiring a new generation of students to engage with purpose-driven entrepreneurship, global impact, and meaningful service.