Roopa Gandhi Makhija is the Founder and President of GEP, which helps Global 2000 companies transform procurement operations to deliver savings through consulting, technology and outsourcing solutions. GEP, founded more than 12 years ago, helps clients reduce their costs by refining and perfecting their supply chain practices. Roopa has grown a business that persevered through the dot-com burst in 2001, and seen it expand in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Its home base is still in Clark, NJ. Resonating on duality, Roopa doubles as a powerful business woman, and a loving wife and mother. Her road to creating GEP is long and distinguished, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Mumbai, a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy from Long Island University and finally a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. She has been a finalist for E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year and NJ Biz Top 50 Women in Business; nonetheless her philosophy is not about the awards, but enjoying the journey. Roopa is the epitome of the American dream, having faced adversity and pushed through to be the industry leader she is today. She jokes about not knowing how to use a coffee maker or washing machine when she first came to the States. Well, look at her now. She truly believes a positive and grateful attitude, coupled with hard work, being goal-oriented work and determined (and taking a moment to stop and smell the roses from time to time) will get you exactly where you want to go in this gift called life. For more information on GEP, visit www.gep.com or call (732) 382-6565.