(April 11, 2025) Under modest circumstances in the early 1990s, Sheroo Mukhtiar left Mumbai with determination and a clear sense of purpose. Today, she stands at the helm of one of Houston’s key nonprofits—Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston—which brings people together to help those in need, from seniors to refugees. Recently named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2024 by Houston Woman Magazine, Sheroo’s journey from a humble foreign student to a respected nonprofit leader is a story of hard work and consistent service.
Growing Up in Mumbai and Heading to America
Sheroo’s story begins in Mumbai, where she grew up learning about the value of community and service. After earning her Bachelor of Social Work at Nirmala Niketan, she left India in the early 1990s to further her education in the United States. In St. Louis, at Washington University, she faced many challenges—from harsh winters to financial hardships—as a foreign student with limited resources.
Sheroo Mukhtiar
“My journey in the United States, almost 30 years ago, began with limited resources. As a ‘foreign’ student I had to learn basic survival skills while also preparing myself for employment in a competitive environment. It was incredibly challenging, but a support system of people who guided my efforts, inspired, and motivated me to be all that I could be, made a world of difference,” she recalled in an interview.
These early experiences not only challenged her but inspired her to help others who face similar struggles.
Building a Career in Nonprofit Work
After graduating in 1993, Sheroo started her career at Boys Town, an organisation devoted to caring for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Working across states—from Nebraska to California and Florida—she gained hands-on experience in providing care and stability for vulnerable children. This work It prepared her for future roles and reminded her to help those in need.
Her leadership abilities soon led her to become the first Executive Director of Almost Home, Inc. in St. Louis. Here, she transformed a modest housing facility for teen mothers into a full-scale transitional program. Under her guidance, young women received not only shelter but also practical training and support to build better lives for themselves and their children. Almost Home grew steadily, raised funds successfully, and started new programs.
Ever the advocate for creative and educational approaches, Sheroo next led Springboard, an initiative under Young Audiences that brought arts-in-education programs to low-income schools. In this role, she combined her commitment to community service with her belief in the power of creative learning, giving children in under-resourced schools the opportunity to explore and express themselves.
Finding a New Home in Houston
Houston’s diverse and energetic environment eventually brought Sheroo to the city. In Houston, she took on the role of Executive Director at HITS Theatre, where she helped young people explore their creativity and gain confidence through theater. This opportunity allowed her to further engage with youth in a way that was both practical and meaningful.
Soon after, she led the Texas region for Playworks, a national nonprofit dedicated to using play to boost children’s social and emotional skills. Overseeing several programs across Houston, Sheroo helped create safe environments where children learned vital life skills through structured play and mentorship.
Finding a New Home in Houston
Houston’s diverse environment eventually brought Sheroo to the city, where she became part of a vibrant community that includes a growing Indian diaspora. In Houston, she took on the role of Executive Director at HITS Theatre, helping young people explore creativity and build confidence through theater. This role allowed her to connect with youth in a practical and meaningful way.
Soon after, she led the Texas region for Playworks—a national nonprofit that uses play to improve children’s social and emotional skills. Overseeing several programs across Houston, Sheroo helped create safe spaces where children learned important life skills through structured play and mentorship. At the same time, her work resonated with Houston’s Indian community, which has been expanding and playing an active role in the local cultural scene.
Leading Workforce Development at SERJobs
The next major step in Sheroo’s career was being named CEO of SERJobs in Houston. Drawing on her own early struggles in America, she felt a strong connection to SERJobs’ mission of helping people overcome barriers to employment. Under her leadership, the organisation moved into a new headquarters in 2018 — creating a central Workforce Opportunity Center that combines training, career counseling, and support services in one location.
In 2023, SERJobs further expanded with the launch of a modern Workforce Resource and Training Center. Today, the organisation runs 17 satellite locations across Houston, offering job training programs that help people find work quickly. “I am truly honored to be a part of SER. It aligns perfectly with all of my professional experiences over the years. But more importantly, SER’s mission is my personal calling,” she said.
Her focus on meeting people’s needs with practical, real-world solutions has helped many overcome obstacles and improve their quality of life.
Expanding Impact at Interfaith Ministries
In April 2024, Sheroo took on a new role as President and CEO of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM Houston). This nonprofit is known for its impactful programs like Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot meals and friendly visits to over 4,300 homebound seniors and disabled adults each day. Beyond that, IM Houston plays a vital role in refugee resettlement, helping new immigrants find their footing in a new country.
Under Sheroo’s leadership, Interfaith Ministries is expanding its reach even further. The organisation not only brings together diverse community members to care for seniors but also supports refugees in their adjustment to life in America. Her work at Interfaith shows how practical service can connect different groups and strengthen the community as a whole.
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Balancing Professional Life and Family
Despite a busy schedule filled with community work, Sheroo remains committed to her family. Living in northwest Houston with her husband and two daughters, she values the time spent at home—whether traveling, camping, or enjoying local theater. She often says that her daughters are her “North Stars,” constantly reminding her why her work matters.
Impacting Lives Through Everyday Service
Sheroo also stays connected to her cultural roots. Active participation in local boards, such as the Indian American Political Action Committee, helps her maintain a strong connection with the Indian American community, bridging her past with her present in Houston.
Her work now reaches an even wider audience at Interfaith Ministries, which brings people together to help those in need—whether by delivering meals to seniors or assisting with refugee resettlement. These efforts have made a real difference in many lives and have helped create a more caring community in Houston.
Being named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of Sheroo’s steady commitment to serving others. Her story isn’t about grand gestures or dramatic flair; it’s about everyday actions that make a lasting impact. Her journey is a simple reminder that taking small, meaningful steps can build a stronger community, one life at a time.
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