I’m a 2nd generation Indian American who grew up here in Santa Clara County. I have spent the past few decades learning about the ins and outs of social change, including the importance of socio-emotional skill building in our community movements. As an anthropologist, I researched, wrote, and taught about identity-formation and approaches to addressing inequality in the US and India. As a labor organizer with the United Auto Workers, I fought for fair union contracts with my own co-workers and with workers across the country. And I’ve advocated for an end to sexual harassment and violence in higher education as a Title IX complainant, harassment case handler, and ultimately as a plaintiff in a landmark civil rights lawsuit. Through these experiences I’ve come to believe that community organizing is a key pathway to transforming our selves, our worlds and building truly democratic power for the long haul—and that all of us are capable of contributing to this transformation.