Daily Inspiration: Meet Sidd Vivek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidd Vivek.

Hi Sidd, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
I’m a first-generation American who grew up in Boston. My immigrant parents were focused on education and instilled a sense of community in me early on, volunteering at the local Boys & Girls Club, where I spent most of my time or serving on local health center boards. 

My first work experience was through a City-funded program at the age of 15, with subsequent experiences in government and politics that create a love for policy and public service, which is why I was excited to attend The George Washington University in Washington, DC. After stints on Capitol Hill and with a lobbying firm, I found my passion, mixing direct service with policy work through a national education advocacy organization (Afterschool Alliance). 

Thanks to my girlfriend (and now wife), we moved to San Diego, where I went to work for the YMCA of San Diego County and, over 11 years, moved my way up from overseeing marketing and PR to fundraising and, ultimately, strategic partnerships. 

For the past 5 years, I have led Junior Achievement of San Diego County, and looking back, the work experiences and the mentors I met in high school – in addition to my parents – were transformational in shaping my career. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hah! I love the question and, depending on context, would answer yes and no. 

Comparatively, it’s been smoother than some and certainly not as smooth as others. I grew up in an urban neighborhood in Boston, blocks from public housing in an area that would have been considered working class. And being a brown kid in a historically segregated city like Boston came with its share of challenges. Having said that, I’m very fortunate that my immigrant parents were well-educated and while their careers weren’t “money-makers” (microbiology and public health), they valued things like education, cultural curiosity, and community. 

In that sense, while we weren’t wealthy, I definitely grew up with more opportunity and access than many of my childhood friends. 

So, in that sense – and to bring it full circle – my road has been smoother than some and not as smooth as others! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work at Junior Achievement of San Diego County, an organization with 70 years of history in San Diego, empowering young people through experiences and lessons in workforce development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. 

I’m most proud of how, even after 70 years, we continue to innovate and adapt our programming so that we remain true to our mission through new programs that are responsive to our changing environment. While most people are familiar with our McGrath Family BizTown, which serves more than 24,000 students annually, I’m equally excited for our semester-long workforce development program, JA Fellows, that includes 80-180 hours paid internships and work-based experiences for at-promise, underrepresented high school students in Southeast San Diego and Chula Vista. 

What sets JA apart from others is our positioning at the intersection of education and industry; in many ways, we help are at the forefront of building diverse talent pipelines (our young people) for inclusive economic growth for our thriving business community. 

What matters most to you? Why?
My kids specifically, and youth more broadly… because they’re our future! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jasandiego.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasandiego/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JASanDiego/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jasandiego
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASanDiego
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jasandiego