Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs

Age: 35

Home: Augusta and part-time in Portland

FUN FACTS
Favorite band:
Lunasa (the Irish group)
Favorite place(s) in Maine:
Eastport, Bar Harbor and Kezar Falls
If you had 24 hours to live, what would you do?
Talk to all people I love, write something funny to leave behind and go for a nice long walk!
I want everyone to know...
That I truly believe that I can make a difference. However, we together can make a bigger difference!

Where did you grow up?

In Hyderabad, India.

What brought you to Maine?

I was offered a job at the Center for Cultural Exchange in Portland as the Director for Multicultural Youth Programs.

Why have you chosen to call Maine your home?

For a lot of reasons. I really like the strong sense of community here. In many ways, Maine is very similar to where I grew up. You make intimate connections here. The opportunities that are here are quite unique because of the involvement of the community and unlike other places in the country. I also think that Maine is in a very fascinating place right now in its history. The state is paying attention to its future like never before and leading with many groundbreaking initiatives.

Maine is the least ethnically diverse state in the nation. Research shows that there is a strong link between an ethnically diverse workforce and economic growth. What is Maine doing currently to promote real diversity and what can REALIZE!Maine do going forward to help this effort?

The state of Maine has made a commitment to welcome and to support racial, ethnic and linguistic diversity in the state by developing comprehensive systems within its structure. In addition to that, we are working very closely with governmental and nongovernmental organizations and communities to understand the needs and to provide meaningful services. That is, in my opinion, a huge step forward because of its comprehensive nature.

REALIZE!Maine has a very important role to play in terms of including young people in moving Maine forward by supporting tomorrow's leaders today. REALIZE!Maine can help by connecting young people with diverse backgrounds, who are currently across the state, through constructive dialogue and strategic discussions. It can also draw attention to the unique needs of young people from minority backgrounds. REALIZE!Maine can encourage young people of all backgrounds to become civically and socially engaged in defining their role in the development of Maine's future. This inclusive approach will definitely attract young people from across the country.

Have you observed young people of ethnic minorities in Maine experiencing success or making a positive contribution to their wider communities?

Absolutely. I see young people from racial and ethnic minority communities making tremendous contributions every day. A young woman from Somalia whose name is Fatuma Hussein is creating programming and developing initiatives that support women in a targeted way in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Kani Malsom, a Passamaquoddy young man, has developed several creative initiatives that are educating the community at large and helping to preserve tribal culture. Another person is Rebecca Hershey, an African-American law student at UMaine Law. She has been a strong advocate for human rights and civil rights in Maine.

You seem to be very optimistic about Maine becoming a truly attractive destination for young workers and workers of diverse backgrounds.

I am very optimistic because some of Maineís most successful businesses realize the value of having a diverse workforce. The young people in Maine are clearly articulating their need for diversity in their communities. We see young people leaving Maine because they want to have a more worldly experience and they wish to be exposed to the different cultures from across the world. This brings an appreciation not only for the other culture but also for oneís own. Our young people and our children are more aware and educated today of world cultures than ever before. We are already blessed with beautiful natural resources and committed passionate residents. Most importantly, as we create the right environment that is both strategic and inclusive, Maine will definitely become a leading destination for young people of all backgrounds.