“When I moved to the US from Punjab, India, I was 15 and a half years old and barely able to speak English. Not being able to speak the language was a big barrier to me and my family. My parents always told me to get educated. They didn’t get an education, so they wanted us to be educated.
I’m the first one in my family to go to and graduate from college. Education is a foundation and an experience you can always cherish. You build relationships throughout your educational journey. College is not guaranteed that you will have success, but it’s a key check mark.
With 10,000 Degrees, I love how much engagement we provide through the Fellows, as well as putting a focus on career success. The staff are able to help students go to and finish college. That really exposes the students to be able to do more and have more opportunities. We have to continue to build a quality workforce, and that starts with a college education.
I was blessed enough to have a clear goal of going into business and was a business major in college. Now, as a business owner, my wife and I are always trying to find ways to engage in the community and how to give back.
I’m excited about being the Chair of the Sonoma Advisory Board. I want to continue to be a champion to spread the word, have more people support 10,000 Degrees and for more students to get involved. We’re doing extremely important work and I truly believe in the 10,000 Degrees mission.”