Our Team
Elisha Chowtapalli
Founder & CEO
““I’m small, I have a big dream — but my God is bigger than my dream.””
Elisha Chowtapalli is the visionary founder of Promise Bags—a leader shaped by deep compassion, lived experience, and unwavering faith. Known to many as Brother Elisha, he was born into a very poor Dalit (formerly “Untouchable”) community in India and experienced poverty and discrimination firsthand.
His journey of impact began simply: welcoming one child from the street into his family’s small 3m × 4m home. That single act of kindness grew into an orphanage, then a school—along with the ongoing challenge of relying on overseas donations to sustain them. Elisha began asking a bold question: What if a business could fund compassion, rather than depend on charity?
From that vision, Promise Bags was born.
Elisha founded Promise Bags to make poverty history through dignified employment, creating high-quality, stylish leather goods while empowering women from rural and underserved communities. By providing stable jobs, Promise Bags helps women gain financial independence, confidence, and self-worth.
Elisha is also the Founder and Chief Visionary of LIGHT Society, where business and faith unite to transform lives.
William McKenna
Strategic Growth & Marketing Advisor
““The work we do matters most when it reflects both excellence and compassion.””
William McKenna plays a key leadership role in helping Promise Bags take root and grow in the United States. With decades of marketing experience and a heart for purpose-driven work, Bill provides strategic guidance, practical support, and steady leadership as the brand expands its reach and impact.
Bill is the founder of McKenna Marketing Network, where he has helped credit unions, community banks, and faith-based nonprofits grow through clear strategy, strong branding, and effective execution. His background spans regional and national campaigns, organizational positioning, and long-term growth planning.
At Promise Bags, Bill brings both expertise and commitment—supporting brand development, marketing strategy, and U.S. operations to ensure the mission is communicated with clarity and integrity. He is deeply passionate about using business and marketing as tools for good, helping Promise Bags create sustainable impact by empowering women through dignified employment.
Emily Kelleher
Director of Brand Engagement
““I’ve spent my life caring for people, and Promise Bags allows me to do that in a new way—by connecting purpose, compassion, and community.””
Emily serves as the Director of Brand Engagement at Promise Bags, bringing together professional excellence, compassion, and a genuine heart for people. A registered nurse by training, Emily has spent her career caring for individuals in vulnerable moments—an experience that has deeply shaped her empathy, integrity, and people-first approach.
Her background in healthcare gives her a unique perspective on service and human dignity, which naturally aligns with the mission of Promise Bags. Emily is passionate about building meaningful connections with customers, partners, and communities, helping them understand the real stories and lives behind every bag.
At Promise Bags, Emily focuses on engaging our audience with authenticity, strengthening relationships, and amplifying the positive impact of our work. She believes that brands can—and should—be a force for good.