Kanika is the culinary visionary behind Leela’s lunches, combining her expertise in both traditional and holistic cooking methods. She studied French cuisine and patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in London and Ayurvedic and Yogic cooking in Mumbai. Recently certified as a Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Kanika’s unique approach to food blends aesthetics, taste, and wellness, reflecting her belief that food should not only look good and taste good but also nourish the body.

Inspired by her daughter Leela, Kanika develops all of Leela’s lunches’ recipes with children’s preferences and nutritional needs in mind. She oversees menu development, ensures the company remains at the forefront of best food practices, and leads teacher and parent workshops on health and nutrition. A recognised speaker at conferences and a frequent guest on TV and radio, Kanika is a thought leader on the intersection of healthy eating and education. She also pioneered introducing community-style eating in early childhood education, fostering positive food experiences from a young age.

Lavi Chandra is a recognised entrepreneur in the UAE, who has been awarded for her commitment to advancing nutrition for children in the UAE. With over 10 years of investment banking experience at global institutions such as Barclays, and KPMG, Lavi made the decision to transition to entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for improving childhood nutrition. In 2017, Lavi co-founded Leela’s lunches with Kanika Hughes, transforming her vision into a thriving business that provides high-quality, healthy meals across the UAE.

Under her leadership, the company has grown exponentially, from serving a single nursery to providing daily nutritious meals to over 40 nurseries and 10 schools nationwide. Her ability to navigate the complexities of scaling a business while maintaining high-quality standards has earned her a reputation as an impactful key leader in children’s nutrition in the UAE.

Lavi has played a crucial role in shaping the regulatory landscape for food services, working closely with regulators to improve school nutritional requirements. Her advocacy has helped establish higher standards for meals offered to children, ensuring that the food provided in educational institutions meets the nutritional needs of growing children and aligns with the country’s goals for health and wellness.