Balancing Career, Ambition, and Motherhood

Shloka Mehta Ambani, a prominent philanthropist, co-founder of ConnectFor, and daughter-in-law of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, has emerged as a compelling figure in India’s social sector. In a rare and candid podcast interview on Masoom Minawala’s YouTube channel in July 2025, Shloka opened up about her journey of juggling her roles as a mother, a social entrepreneur, and a woman driven by purpose. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on ambition, legacy, and the challenges of creating meaningful change while raising a young family. This article explores Shloka’s multifaceted life, her contributions to India’s nonprofit landscape, and her vision for inspiring the next generation.

Image Credit Economic Times

A Purpose-Driven Career: The Birth of ConnectFor

Shloka co-founded ConnectFor in 2014 with her childhood friend Maniti Shah, with a mission to bridge the gap between volunteers and nonprofit organizations in India. Describing it as a “shaadi.com for volunteering,” Shloka envisioned a platform that simplifies the process of connecting individuals with NGOs, making volunteering accessible and impactful. Since its inception, ConnectFor has facilitated over 100,000 volunteer matches, collaborated with more than 1,000 NGOs, and saved the social sector over ₹21 crore through volunteer contributions.

Her work addresses critical gaps in India’s nonprofit ecosystem, such as lack of recognition, inadequate funding, and policy shortcomings. For instance, Shloka highlighted the issue of poorly maintained school toilets for girls, which often fail to address practical needs like menstrual hygiene education. By operating with corporate-level professionalism while prioritizing community relationships, ConnectFor stands out as a model of sustainable social impact. Shloka’s academic background—graduating from Princeton University with a degree in Anthropology and from the London School of Economics with a degree in Law—has shaped her ability to tackle these challenges with a blend of empathy and strategic thinking.

Motherhood as a Driving Force

As a mother to Prithvi (born 2020) and Veda (born 2023), Shloka views her role as a parent as deeply intertwined with her professional ambitions. In the podcast, she shared how she tells her children, “Just like you go to school, mama has to go to the office,” to normalize the idea that pursuing meaningful work is as essential as their education. This approach reflects her desire to set an example for her children, showing them that ambition and purpose are integral to a fulfilling life.

Shloka’s philosophy extends beyond her immediate family. She wants her children, as well as her nieces and nephews, to understand that all career paths—whether lucrative or slow to yield results—are valid if they are driven by passion. For Shloka, the true legacy she hopes to leave is not wealth but the example of a life dedicated to making a difference. Her commitment to this balance is evident in her daily routine, where she juggles her responsibilities at ConnectFor with her duties as a mother, ensuring neither role overshadows the other.

Family Support: A Pillar of Strength

Shloka credits her family for providing the foundation that allows her to pursue her ambitions. Her husband, Akash Ambani, and in-laws, Mukesh and Nita Ambani, have been unwavering in their support, taking pride in her work with ConnectFor. This encouragement has been crucial, especially in the nonprofit sector, where success is often measured in impact rather than immediate financial returns. Shloka also acknowledges the support of her parents and Maniti Shah’s family, describing her biggest achievement as “surviving” the challenges of running a nonprofit—a testament to the collective strength of her support system.

This family backing is particularly significant given the high-profile nature of the Ambani family. Despite their wealth and influence, Shloka’s work remains grounded in grassroots efforts, focusing on systemic issues that affect millions of Indians. Her ability to navigate this balance—leveraging her family’s resources while staying true to her mission—underscores her authenticity as a changemaker.

Redefining Legacy in a Modern Context

In an era where legacy is often associated with wealth or power, Shloka redefines it as the pursuit of meaningful work. She encourages young people to follow their passions, even if their chosen paths are unconventional or take time to bear fruit. Her own journey reflects this belief: despite her privileged background and access to corporate opportunities, she chose to dedicate herself to the social sector, where impact is measured in lives changed rather than profits earned.

Shloka’s vision for her children is rooted in this philosophy. She wants them to grow up valuing purpose over privilege, understanding that a career’s worth lies in its contribution to the world. This perspective resonates with her broader work at ConnectFor, where she seeks to empower communities by fostering a culture of volunteering and civic engagement.

Challenges and Controvers_zippy

While Shloka’s contributions are widely celebrated, her journey has not been without scrutiny. Some online discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, have raised questions about her family’s business dealings, citing the Rosy Blue company’s mention in the Panama and Paradise Papers for alleged tax haven activities. These claims remain unverified and controversial, and Shloka herself has not directly addressed them in the podcast. Instead, she focuses on her work with ConnectFor, emphasizing transparency and impact as core values.

Additionally, the nonprofit sector itself presents significant challenges. Shloka has spoken about the difficulty of securing funding, navigating policy gaps, and changing societal perceptions about volunteering. Yet, her resilience and strategic approach have enabled ConnectFor to thrive, even in a competitive and under-resourced landscape.

A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity

Shloka’s work bears a striking parallel to historical figures like Allama Shibli Nomani, who sought to bridge traditional and modern education at Nadwatul Ulama. Just as Shibli aimed to integrate modern sciences with Islamic scholarship, Shloka blends corporate professionalism with grassroots social work, modernizing India’s nonprofit sector. Both faced resistance—Sh wanibli from conservative scholars and Shloka from systemic barriers—but their commitment to reform and progress left a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Shloka Ambani’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and balance. Through ConnectFor, she has transformed the landscape of volunteering in India, creating a platform that empowers both individuals and organizations. As a mother, she instills values of hard work and purpose in her children, redefining legacy for the next generation. Supported by her family, she navigates the complexities of her public and private roles with grace, proving that ambition and motherhood can coexist harmoniously. Shloka’s journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking to make a difference, reminding us that true success lies in the impact we leave on the world.