On May 26, 2014, SALDEF successfully concluded its third annual Leadership Development Program (LDP), under its ground-breaking SikhLEAD leadership development initiative. The program selected 18 talented and accomplished young Sikh American thought leaders—diverse in their life experiences and intellectual pursuits including law, politics, medicine, business, engineering, journalism, social justice, media and academia—from across the nation for 6 days of intensive leadership training, professional development and advocacy training.
The agenda spanned two weekends: the first, over Columbus Day weekend, in Washington, DC in October and the second over Memorial Day weekend in Los Angeles, CA in May. The latter of these weekends focused on providing the participants with “tools for change” including an understanding of how to influence policy makers, organize communities, and leverage media to positively promote Sikh Americans as an integral part of the fabric of our nation.
“This class of graduates is amongst the most energized and talented that we have selected,” said Jasjit Singh, Executive Director. “Their committment to contribute to their communities is inspiring and we look forward to seeing them emerge as Sikh American leaders.”
LDP is designed to inspire, develop, and support a diverse, motivated, and innovative group of young Sikh American pioneers as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. SikhLEADers are encouraged to use their entrepreneurial skills to be inventive and creative while staying true to their convictions, moving quickly, and building relationships amongst other traits. The aim of LDP is to empower Sikh American youth to become effective changemakers committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.
SALDEF is indebted to many who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the program:
• Honorable Judy Chu; US House of Representatives (CA-27) • Nitasha Sawhney; Partner, Garcia, Hernandez, Sawhney & Bermudez LLP • Valarie Kaur; Award-winning Filmmaker who Centers Her Work Around the Power of Storytelling • Sujata Tejwani; Director of Political Leadership Project, Wellstone Action • Dr. Jaideep Singh; Historian with a Focus on Sikhs in America, SALDEF Co-Founder
LDP was funded through generous support of community members across the country and the following sponsors: Comcast NBC Universal, Ik Manzil, and Southwest Airlines. We would also like to thank the University of Southern California Office of Religious Life for hosting the event and the district office of Congresswoman Chu for her assistance. To learn more about how you can support the SikhLEAD initiative, click here.
Applications for the next class are already available at SikhLEAD.org. Submit yours before July 27, 2014. Early applications are encouraged!
