For many young Sikh Americans, stepping into leadership roles can feel daunting. Balancing a commitment to their faith, cultural heritage, and aspirations for success in a society that often underrepresents their experiences requires courage, resilience, and support. The SikhLEAD program, created by SALDEF, has become a transformative resource for young leaders seeking to bridge this gap, nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
Take the story of Parveen Mundi, for example. Growing up in the Midwest, Parveen was profoundly shaped by the tragic Oak Creek gurdwara shooting when she was only nine years old. That harrowing event ignited her passion to confront organized hatred and nationalism, a commitment that grew stronger as she pursued her studies. When Parveen joined SikhLEAD as a Regional Intern in 2022, she began a journey that would profoundly impact her personal and professional life.
Through SikhLEAD, Parveen was equipped with critical tools for leadership, advocacy, and community organizing. She credits the program with helping her navigate spaces where cultural expression and dissent are often discouraged. The mentorship and skill-building opportunities provided by SikhLEAD supported her during her tenure as the first Sikh Student Body President at DePaul University, one of the largest Catholic institutions in the country. There, she championed student protest rights and empowered minority-led organizations, ensuring underrepresented voices were heard and valued.
“SALDEF has stuck with me through many experiences and equipped me to lean into my lived experiences while challenging institutional barriers,” Parveen reflects. From engaging with international diplomats at Harvard to co-founding an international advocacy organization, SikhLEAD has been instrumental in her journey.
This story is not unique. Over the past decade, SikhLEAD has guided dozens of young Sikh Americans like Parveen, offering them the confidence, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed in diverse fields. Alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in law, government, education, and beyond, all while remaining rooted in their Sikh identity and values, including Harmann Singh, the first Sikh to clerk for the U.S. Supreme Court.
But the impact of SikhLEAD extends far beyond individual achievements. By amplifying Sikh voices in public discourse, the program ensures that Sikh Americans are not just represented but celebrated for their contributions to society. SikhLEAD alumni are actively shaping a future where pluralism thrives, and cultural and community expression is a source of strength.
For those inspired by Parveen’s journey, now is the time to take the next step. The application for this year’s program is still open, and SALDEF has continuous programming throughout the year to engage and invest in our youth. This is your opportunity to join a program that doesn’t just prepare you for leadership — it transforms how you see yourself and your place in the world.
As Parveen so eloquently said, “SALDEF's investment in nurturing Sikh American leadership doesn't just shape individual trajectories like mine, it also helps forge a more just society where our community can fully express ourselves without fear or constraint.”
Together, we can shape a future where Sikh voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.
To learn more about the SikhLEAD program, please visit www.saldef.org/sikhlead
