Board Spotlight: Roshani Kothari

In this Spotlight article, we interview Roshani Kothari, DC EcoWomen Board President. Roshani shares what inspired her to join the Board, the environmental issues she is most passionate about, and her favorite green living tips.

Roshani participated in an Environmental Storytelling photography workshop at the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico in May 2025.

Can you tell us more about yourself? My name is Roshani, and it's pronounced Row-sh-ni. My name means "light" in Hindi and Farsi. I am Gujarati, and grew up in the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state in India. My family moved to Houston, Texas when I was in elementary school. I am a nomad at heart, and have traveled to over 40 countries. I am also a polyglot, and love learning languages. I speak English, Gujarati, Spanish and some French and Portuguese. I studied Spanish in high school, and became fluent after studying abroad in Bolivia for six months while doing my BA in International Studies and Communications at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. I also did a Peace Corps internship in Thailand while at Trinity University. I received a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, and applied it to School for International Training's Certificate program in Grassroots Development & NGO Management in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I moved to DC in the mid-90s to get a Masters degree in International Development at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. After completing my master's degree, I did an international development fellowship for a year with Catholic Relief Services in El Salvador. Over the years, I transitioned from international development to working in nonprofit technology, focusing on digital strategy, fundraising, communications, and advocacy. What inspired you to join the Board?

After being part of the DC EcoWomen community for many years, I wanted to be more actively involved in the DC EcoWomen community, so I joined the Board Programs committee in February 2024, and became Vice President of the committee in June 2024. While serving on the committee, I helped to organize several events, and supported events organized by committee members.

Can you describe your work with the board? How can community members contribute to this work?

In September 2025, I transitioned to the President role, and have helped to grow the Board, facilitated the launch of the online community platform, and partnered with local organizations to co-host events to help women in the environmental sector network and connect with others in the community. With my nonprofit tech background, I have also contributed to adding new features to the website, launching the new donation platform, and transitioning to a new email platform. Serving on the Board of DC EcoWomen has been a very rewarding experience for me personally and professionally, and it has allowed me to combine my passion for environmental issues, community engagement, communications and technology. We are currently looking for a Community Manager, and Fundraising Specialist. If you are interested in these roles, please send an email to roshani@dc.ecowomen.org.

Washington Gardener magazine Seed Exchange at Brookside Gardens

Which environmental issues are you most passionate about and why? I am passionate about so many different environmental issues. One of my eco resolutions for the year is to think creatively about how to repurpose things I already have, instead of buying new things as much as possible. For example, instead of buying a flip chart for putting up eco resolutions during the January community happy hour, I found a piece of cardboard that could be repurposed for that. I also love gardening, and growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. I recently went to the Washington Gardener magazine Seed Exchange, where I brought Kabocha squash seeds I had saved to share with others, and got some exciting new seeds that I want to test out this year. Check out the upcoming seed exchange on February 7th. I am a also a big supporter of buying local, and supporting local farmers and artists.

What are your favorite green living tips?

One of my favorite green living tip is taking a tiffin or reusable containers when you go out to eat, so you don't have to use single-use plastic containers for leftovers. I also keep a reusable metal coffee cup, fork, spoon, and cloth napkin with me when I go out.

Roshani traveled to Japan in October 2025, and shared her photos and travel tips at this event.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love travel, photography, gardening, cooking, yoga, and tinkering with different types of handmade crafts and arts. Last year I did a photography workshop at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, and visited Georgia O'Keefe's home, and I traveled to Japan in October. I recently did an event called Destination Japan: Visual Journey & Travel Tips. Check out the event recording and slides. I am working on creating a DC Travel Circle, where people who love to travel can share photos, stories and travel tips. Also if you have any exciting new vegetarian recipes, feel free to share with me. Here are some of my favorite food related blogs and websites: Baltimore Chef Shop, Bold Fork Books, Holy Cow Vegan, Milk Street, Splendid Table and Pati's Mexican Table.

Do you have any favorite films that focus on environmental issues?

I am a big fan of the DC Environmental Film Festival, which is happening from March 19-28 this year. Over the years, I have seen some amazing, inspiring films at this festival. You can also watch some of the films online.

How can people connect with you?

You can email me at roshani@dc.ecowomen.org and connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. Here's a link to my bio and my photography website.