Please tell us something about your journey from Bangladesh to having a successful career in the US.
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.
How would you define success?
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.
What has been your approach to building trust with your team and how do you build credibility as a leader?
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.
How do you maintain engagement and morale during challenging times?
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.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you when you were at the start of your career?
Do not look for the perfection, rather focus on the continuous improvements.
Author
Dilip Nath
Dr. Dilip Nath is a distinguished leader in higher education and healthcare, known for his advocacy in voting and human rights. As a Harvard Kennedy School alumnus, he’s celebrated for his transformative leadership.
With 30+ years of strategic planning expertise, Dilip focuses on using technology to bridge equity gaps in healthcare and education.
At 16, Dilip emigrated from Bangladesh to the US, becoming the first in his family to attend college. He’s lived in Queens for 33 years, earning the trust of his community as a dedicated leader and activist.
Recognizing the importance of knowledge in politics, he embarked on a self-learning journey about US government and principles of democracy. He earned degrees from the State University of New York, including an MBA and a DBA
Dilip is know for his visionary, team-oriented, and compassionate leadership. He’s a respected advocate for various community issues, including healthcare, immigrant rights, and education. He founded NAVA and co-founded ABHF to further his endeavors.
