"How many Sikh American leaders can you name in the US government?
Currently, there are only around 30 Sikh elected officials throughout the country primarily at the state and local level – no match for the sizable population of 500,000 Sikhs in America.
In response to the lack of Sikh representation in the American government, the SikhLEAD Initiative was created to develop the next generation of transformational Sikh American leaders.
For 12 years, the SikhLEAD Internship program has recruited over 400 diverse young leaders from 29 states. These leaders make a difference from serving as a trial attorney at the US Department of Justice to a second lieutenant in the US Air Force.
From SikhLEAD alumni who served as the Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice to recent alumni serving on staff at Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Office, SikhLEAD continues to build the pipeline of future Sikh leaders and public servants.
Not only does this Summer Internship program expose Sikh youth to careers in government, but the program also benefits legislators who, through the Sikh interns, are able to connect with the Sikh community in their area and address community issues such as hate crimes and misrepresentation.
Your donation will support the next generation of Sikh American leaders as we prepare to welcome our 2023 SikhLEAD DC & Regional cohorts this summer. Plus, DONATIONS TO THIS EFFORT ARE BEING MATCHED DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR!"
“The SikhLEAD program has given me the chance to work with a member of the legislative assembly and gain so much experience. I want to continue on this pathway and study criminal justice and public policy. This internship with Assemblyman Benson helped me to navigate this pathway. I want to give back to my community and be able to help the nation while representing my Sikh identity.” - Jasraj Baweja, SikhLEAD Intern