My Story

My Personal Life

I have stepped into two homes for my four grandparents. Under those two roofs covered remarkable people that voyaged from different parts of India to America. With almost empty pockets and a handful of words from the English dictionary, each took the step to migrate to a foreign country in hopes of brighter futures for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on. The four of them introduced me to various religions and cultures. They fed me candy and sweets like every grandparent does but also incorporated Indian cuisine into every meal. Growing up with cultured, selfless, and brave grandparents paved the way for me to follow my aspirations and do what I love, for the people that I love. They have given me a toolbox to carry on every step of my life’s journey filled with an appreciation for faith, love, and adventure.

I have lived in two homes with my parents. Under those two roofs covered risk-taking, hardworking people that handed off entrepreneurial, determined genes to me. Along with that came drive and competitiveness in athletics (ask them about carrying me into my first basketball tournament at 2 months old) and academics. I watched them create basketball tournaments for Indians and Pakistanis to play and appreciate culture together, along with the businesses that they started together. That does not even include the family that they built and most importantly, bringing a little brother into my life - someone who has taught me companionship, protection, and an unbreakable bond. Growing up with inspiring, confident people has paved the way for me to follow my aspirations and do what I love, for the people that I love. They have given me a toolbox to carry on every step of life’s journey filled with an appreciation for determination, dedication, respect, gratitude, and love.

Here I am now, 20 years later. Athletically, I developed a career in basketball that started before I could walk. My journey began in the park district, traveled to club teams in fourth grade, and grew to become a four-year varsity starter. Academically, I currently attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and have been a member of their Honors College’s Interdisciplinary Core and Hankamer Scholars business program, Creative Director for my South Asian sorority, and a Publicity Committee member for the Women in Business organization. These accomplishments would not have been possible without those who paved the way for me.

My Professional Life

My first official start was at my high school’s marketing team as the executive sports writer. I gained exposure to interviewing, photographing, editing, and writing about current athletes and alumni. The most influential aspect was collaboration and listening to people’s stories through a marketing and journalism lens.

I then joined a digital marketing agency in Downtown Chicago where I learned about website development, content creation, digital marketing, SEO/SEM, and how to never look at a billboard the same. My biggest takeaway is learning how to treat people with respect and care beyond the workspace - a new standard set for my future career.

In my sophomore year of college, I consulted for a hunger initiative tied to Baylor University. I researched and developed strategies to better engage the students and the audience who needed hunger support. I appreciated the ability to work with open-minded people and directly help my campus.

Currently, I am an AI content and brand designer at a higher education consulting firm. My mind is being re-opened to the Future of Work, the Future of Learning, and how to utilize AI in institutional systems. My view on higher education and conducting business has shifted since guiding universities toward student-centric, digital processes.

What you are reading (if you have made it this far) is the start of my own thoughts and collaborations. After following my fearless grandparents, parents, and mentors, I am equipped to follow my aspirations and do what I love, for the people that I love. Thank you for joining me on this transformative journey.

My one hope is that through this writing, you will be inspired, just as I have been, to continually face discomfort and alter your approach.