In the realm of national service and leadership development, Sonali Nijhawan stands as a beacon of inspiration and impact. With a career dedicated to nurturing leaders and fostering growth in national service, Nijhawan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of commitment and passion.
Sonali Nijhawan: From AmeriCorps Member to Executive Director
Sonali Nijhawan embarked on her professional journey as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Chicago. It was here that she first witnessed the profound impact that service could have on individuals, families, and entire communities.
Inspired by the spirit of AmeriCorps, she co-founded City Year Sacramento, establishing the organization’s 22nd site and welcoming 50 new AmeriCorps members. This initial foray into leadership set the stage for Nijhawan’s future endeavours.
Taking the helm as the executive director of Stockton Service Corps marked a pivotal moment in her career. A visionary initiative with a six-year, $12 million commitment, this program addressed local needs through AmeriCorps, showcasing Nijhawan’s ability to conceptualize and execute large-scale projects that make a lasting difference.
Empowering Education and Challenging the Status Quo
Nijhawan’s dedication to education and community empowerment didn’t stop with AmeriCorps. As the California director of Education Pioneers, she played a crucial role in recruiting, placing, and supporting managers in urban school systems and education nonprofits. Her mission is to empower individuals to challenge the status quo of our public education system.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in education and psychology from Marquette University and a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Nijhawan’s academic prowess complements her hands-on experience, forming a robust foundation for her impactful work.
Harvard Bound for Future Generations
In a statement reflecting her ongoing commitment to service, Sonali Nijhawan expressed her excitement about joining the Harvard community and the class of inaugural fellows.
Her focus is on discovering strategies that provide purpose and opportunity to future generations, always keeping community voice and perspective at the core of her endeavours. The goal is to explore new ways to elevate the already transformational impact of national service.
Bringing Hope and Resources to Poughkeepsie
In 2022, Sonali Nijhawan, in her role as AmeriCorps State and National Director, presented a $240,000 American Rescue Plan grant to expand AmeriCorps programs in the City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County.
The visit underscored her commitment to providing service and support to communities in need, addressing critical areas such as education, the environment, and economic opportunities.
During the visit, Sonali Nijhawan interacted with youth leadership, further emphasizing her belief in the potential of young minds to shape the future.
At the former Castella Printing business, now owned by Scenic Hudson, she inscribed her pride in Poughkeepsie on an outdoor chalkboard mural, stating, “The young people”—a testament to the profound impact of her encounters with the future leaders of the community.
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