Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
I am writing to share some very bittersweet news: After 26 incredibly rewarding years since I started the SikhNet website, I will be stepping down as CEO.
When SikhNet first went online (Vaisakhi Day - 1996), I had just turned 21 years old, and was fresh with ideas of how I could make a difference in people’s lives, particularly the youth. I was passionate about creating a place online where all are welcome and not judged; to connect with others, and get support on this life journey. I always felt the Guru guiding me and SikhNet every step, as I still do today.
I never imagined that SikhNet would grow to become not only my full time focus and my job, but an organization that would serve millions of people all over the world. A whole generation grew up with SikhNet! I still receive emails from people who were there with me from the beginning years, or whose life has been impacted in a major way because of SikhNet.
SikhNet was one of the first Sikh websites online and has always evolved and innovated to be there to support the needs of the community, when there was little other support. It inspired many to follow in our footsteps - where very few non-profit organizations or online services existed before.
This work has always been guided by the Guru, and done collectively in service of others. Through SikhNet, I have met the most resilient, determined, and thoughtful individuals--colleagues, partners, and sevadaars like yourself. It is because of this collective that I know without a doubt that the critical work on behalf of the sangat will continue undeterred.
As we celebrate SikhNet's 26th Anniversary this year and briefly pause to remember the important progress that we have made, we remain acutely aware of the challenges and hard work that lies ahead. The power of this organization, which you have helped build, recognizes that the whole will always be greater than the sum of its parts. We are primed for new leadership as we build together towards the next 26 years of impact.
While change can sometimes be feared as tumultuous, I know that this will be a positive and impactful transition. SikhNet has demonstrated resilience and excellence in transitions before and this will be no different.
Ek Ong Kaar Khalsa Michaud ([email protected]), who has worked tirelessly with SikhNet on and off for the past 20 years, will be supporting the transition as Interim Executive Director. Please feel free to reach out to her if you have any questions. Please know that over the next three months, I am as committed as ever to the work--and to ensuring a smooth transition. Darshan Kaur ([email protected]) will continue as the Chief Development Officer and is available to help with anything you might need.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. While it will be extremely difficult to leave in July, given how this work and SikhNet has been a priority for me and my family for years now, I am excited for both SikhNet's next chapter and for my own.
Humbly,
