Ms. Malini Shah is a prominent and well -known community leader who is currently President of her diamond company, Difference Inc. In addition to running a successful jewelry business, Malini is the founder of Nritya Kala Kendra, Inc., and Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum, a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient and modern arts of India. Through classes, workshops, lectures, visiting artist programs, Nritya Kala Kendra presents numerous educational programs all around New York City and abroad and has assisted with events such as "Year of India" at Queens College ,International Yoga Day and International children’s Day to name a few.


Malini has received two Bachelor's Degrees in Arts and Child Education in India. She is an Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) from Gemological Institute of America and has spent more than 30 years teaching children in some of India's most prestigious schools, including the Modern School, one of India's most distinguished educational institutions. She is famous as a cultural Ambassador as well as a community icon and has traveled extensively all over the world for festivals sponsored by Indian Tourism Development and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and had the privilege to travel as part of the Indian delegation of ICCR headed by the former Vice President of India MR. Shankar Dayal Sharma. She was a memberof the Advisory Board of Queens Museum and The Queens Council on the Arts for many years. Currently she serves and volunteers as a Community and Cultural Liaison for Council Member Paul A. Vallone. She also volunteered and served as representative for NYC Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivirito to the Museum of Arts and Design Board of Trustees in Manhattan and continues to volunteer and serve as a representative for the NYC Speaker Corey Johnson to the Museum of Arts and Design. Malini also serves on The Clinton Democratic Club, Executive Board as Secretary and Membership Chair and is a member of Queens Council on the Arts and Women’s Jewelry Association. 


Malini has received many prestigious awards such as “Jewel of India Award. City Council Citations, “Outstanding Mother Award” by C.A.P.S.C, Hind Ratan Award for Outstanding Service, Positive Indo-American Image Award, Citation from Councilmember Peter Koo for "Recognition and honor for years of Service to the community”, “Leadership in the Arts and Culture from Assemblyman Nick Perry, “Exceptional women Award”, Citations from New York City Council", Outstanding Entrepreneurial Leadership Award in recognition of Extraordinary Achievements and commitment to Strengthening Economic Development as well as Innovation in New York from Deputy Majority Leader Assemblyman Phil Ramos to name a few. Most recently Malini has been awarded “Queens Ambassador Award 2016" (January 26th, 2017) from Times Ledger Newspapers. On March 2nd 2017, she was honored for exceptional Community Service "celebrating women leaders on International women's day" by the Society of Foreign Consuls at Bohemian National Hall. She also received citation from Hon'ble George Maragos office of comptroller Nassau County, New York as an outstanding individual who renders significant contributions for the enhancement of our community. On April 29th 2017 she got “Women of Distinction in Leadership Award" from Center for the Women of New York . Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi. Recieved Bayside- Whitestone Lions Club Community Service Award May 7th , 2018.
New York State Assembly Citation from Assembly woman Nily Rozic 
New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein. 
Certificate of Merit from Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.
City Council Citation from Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik
City Council Citation from Council Member Paul A. Vallone.
Received recognition on 19th July 2018 as South Asian Community Leader of the Year .
Received certificate of Recognition from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. NYC Proclamation in “celebration of South Asian Leadership” for her outstanding service to our community” from NYC Council Member Costa Constantindes.