I was born in Bangladesh and grew up with a sense of ambition, hunger for knowledge, along with a deep appreciation for my cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. However, I recognized that to fulfill my aspirations and make a difference in the world, I needed to venture beyond the borders of my homeland.

At the age of 16, I relocated to the US, becoming the first member of my family to do so. However, this venture was not undertaken just to fulfil my dreams of education and success but was also fueled by a burning desire to contribute to society.

After arriving in the United States, I had to face some inevitable challenges that come with immigration – adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life. Language was a significant obstacle. I had to master English, which was essential for communication and building a successful life here. I tackled this challenge head-on, enrolling in English language classes and practicing tirelessly to improve my proficiency. Financial constraints were yet another hurdle. I took on various jobs, often working long hours to support myself and pursue my educational goals simultaneously.

My experiences as an immigrant instilled in me a deep appreciation for the opportunities the United States offered and a strong desire to give back to the community that had welcomed me. It taught me the value of adaptability, the importance of community support, and the significance of embracing diversity.

Success to me is making a difference in the lives of people, whether is providing easy access to education or healthcare and close the equity gap. After I came to the US, I became involved as an activist addressing the following issues: affordable health care, hate crimes, immigrant rights, domestic violence, environmental issues, improving elderly care, improving the public educational system, child day care and after school programs, affordable housing and transportation efficiency. These are a few causes that are near to my heart, and I continue to participate in several collaborative organizations to give back to the community.

My approach has been to lead the team from the front and to believe in them. Leading from the front means being visible and accessible to your team and being willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside them. Also, believing in them gives them the autonomy and resources they need to succeed, and being supportive when they make mistakes. When you believe in your team, they are more likely to believe in themselves and in their ability to achieve their goals.

Staying focused on the mission is a critical way to maintain engagement and morale during challenging times. When people know what they are working towards and why it is important, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged, even when things are tough.

Do not look for the perfection, rather focus on the continuous improvements.