Some stories are meant to find you, and that is exactly how Annie and Raj Shetye’s began. Through what they describe as divine intervention, the two met by chance in the Atlanta airport. What started as a simple conversation grew into a friendship, then a relationship, and eventually a life together rooted in faith, service, and community.

Raj was born in India and came to the United States to earn his master’s degree in Northern Virginia. A few years after graduating, he was offered a position as Chief Information Officer at LHC Group in Lafayette. That opportunity changed everything. Raj quickly fell in love with Louisiana, the people, the food, and the culture, and knew this was where he wanted to build his life. He chose River Ranch for its ambiance, friendliness of the neighbors, and close proximity to work and restaurants.

Annie’s journey began much closer to home. Born in Lafayette, she grew up in the Saint Streets, where she lived for 30 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UL Lafayette and her master’s degree from LSU Shreveport. Today, she has the pleasure of calling River Ranch home thanks to Raj, and she says she loves every minute of it.

Both Annie and Raj have dedicated their professional lives to healthcare. Raj currently serves as Chief Transformation Officer and Senior Vice President at LHC Group, but his calling began years earlier through volunteer work. He was introduced to hospice care as a vigil volunteer, sitting with the dying, holding their hands, feeding them ice chips, praying with them, and being present at the moment of death. He has always been fascinated with how people cope with death. That experience shaped his path, and since then, he has witnessed the power of home care and hospice and watched the industry evolve, never once stepping away from it.

Annie has also spent many years working in healthcare and currently serves as Training Operations Manager in the Training and Development Department at VieMed Healthcare in Lafayette. With a laugh, she adds a shameless plug and invites neighbors to reach out to her for all their home ventilator, oxygen, and sleep apnea needs.

When they are not working, Annie and Raj love to travel. Together, they have explored destinations across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, England, Dubai, the Maldives, and India. They credit their ability to travel to good health and great jobs that allow them time away to learn about other cultures. God has been so good to them, they say.

Sports are another shared passion. Raj loves tennis, cricket, soccer, and Formula 1, while Annie enjoys college and professional basketball and football. Between the two of them, they have attended the Super Bowl, The Masters, MLB World Series, the Kentucky Derby, NBA Championships, NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships, and the U.S. Open.

At home, hospitality is one of their greatest joys. Raj enjoys cooking for others and often prepares multi-course meals inspired by cuisines from around the world, with a special love for flavorful Indian vegetarian dishes. He frequently shops at Desi Spice Bazaar and the Moncus Park Farmers Market for fresh produce. Annie enjoys hosting and pairing each course with delicious libations. Their home is often filled with beautiful music and the comforting aromas of meals being prepared. When Annie cooks, her go-to dish is a chicken and sausage gumbo.

Faith and family are central to their daily lives. Raj calls his mother every morning on his drive to work, and on weekends, they FaceTime to catch up on life in India. Every Sunday, Annie and Raj attend Mass and intentionally set aside time to prepare for the week ahead by meal prepping, tidying the house, and reviewing their goals together. They say it keeps them grounded.

The people who have inspired them most are their parents. Raj speaks with deep admiration for his mother, who is a model of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. Grounded in her faith and unwavering in her strength, she embraces people from all walks of life with an open heart. Annie is equally inspired by her parents’ humility and service-minded lives. Her father devoted more than 25 years to parish government, while her mother, a retired nurse, spent her career caring for others. Their example continues to guide how Annie and Raj approach family, work, and community.

That foundation naturally extends beyond their home. Raj has served on several healthcare organization boards and currently serves on the SoLAcc Foundation board. Annie volunteers at Metanoia Manor, a home for young women who have been trafficked. Together, they have also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Diner, Festival International, and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles.

As lifelong learners and teachers, Annie and Raj strive to make meaningful contributions to their professions and community, guided by a shared belief in faith, family, and service. Raj became Catholic in 2024, and the couple was married in December 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, followed by a small lunch reception at Charlie G’s. Though they come from different cultures and generations, they believe love knows no age, only good timing.

They leave neighbors with this advice: surround yourself with people who uplift you, mentor you, and challenge you. As you advance, lift others with you. Share what you have learned, open doors for others, and celebrate their success alongside your own. Annie and Raj add that they are praying for all of their neighbors and for everyone reading this issue of Stroll, and they encourage anyone to reach out if they can ever be of service.