Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Maharaj.
Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town in Northern California. I grew up with parents who always pushed me to challenge myself and be independent.
In high school, I got involved in Interact, a Rotary-sponsored youth program that focuses on leadership building and connection with like-minded peers. Through Interact, I had the opportunity as a sponsored camper to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) District 5170. It was the first time I was away from home for that long. A week-long camp that allowed a platform for learning, growth, and self-identification. I often credit RYLA when it comes the pivotal point in how I further learned who I am and who I would later become.
I always knew I wanted to venture down to Southern California, and when I was accepted to San Diego State – it was a no-brainer. A huge reason was because my older sister, Lauren, chose to attend SDSU, and I wanted to be close to her. Another reason was that it had a Rotaract Club (the collegiate version of Rotary) that I had spent some time researching, along with their partnership with the San Diego Rotary Club (Club 33).
After getting settled in at my first year at SDSU, I applied and was admitted to the SDSU Rotaract Club. From there, my calendar quickly filled up with meetings with Rotarians, attending weekly business meetings, and many service events! It was the special relationship between Rotaract and our sponsoring Rotary chapter that I was able to develop meaningful relationships that I still have to this day.
When I was at SDSU, I was involved beyond Rotaract in organizations such as Associated Students and Dance Marathon for Rady Children’s Hospital, which made an incredible impact on my college experience. I also worked a few jobs and internships that helped cover the cost of tuition and other expenses that easily accrued. I was able to benefit from a small scholarship that really made a difference in where I was at financially. It was then where I learned the remarkable difference philanthropy can make in a student’s experience.
I made a promise to myself that if there was a chance to pay that forward, I would do so. Upon my graduation year in 2017, I took a role in development at SDSU to be able to work in the same department that facilitates the on-campus philanthropy. In the few roles I had on the development team, I was able to fundraise millions of dollars for programs and scholarships on campus that directly benefited students. It truly came full circle for me.
In the meantime, working for SDSU and to further my passion for public service, I enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration Program at SDSU and completed that program in Spring of 2021.
Once I completed my undergraduate degree SDSU, it also meant leaving Rotaract. I was grateful to have maintained many of my Rotary connections, and by the encouragement of my mentor, Chuck Pretto, Past President of San Diego Rotary, I become a Rotarian in July of 2019. It felt like a moment of coming home – from Interact, Rotaract, all the way to Rotary.
When COVID struck, I, like so many others, were left wondering – what’s next? All of work and life was at home and virtual. I remember sitting at my desk working on sending emails to thank our generous donors for continuing to make a difference at SDSU while simultaneously listening to the weekly Thursday Rotary Meeting held on Zoom. in that meeting, the prior Executive Director announced their retirement, and my thoughts were, “Wow, I wonder who is going to have that job next.”
A few days later, I would receive a call from Rotarian and current President, who encouraged me to apply. I was honored by the call, so I threw name in the hat not knowing what to expect of it. A few months and several interviews later, I got the call with the job offer. With no hesitation, I accepted and knew this is where I was supposed to be. It felt like another “coming home” moment. To think I started as a 14-year-old high school student in Interact and now accepting this role as the newest San Diego Rotary Executive Director 11 years later. It truly felt full circle.
I have now served in the role as Executive Director of San Diego Rotary for the past 2.5 years, and have been enjoying my experience, working with a strong membership base as one of the top 10 largest rotary clubs in the world and a foundation that grants over $200,000 every year to our committees that do local and global community service. It’s one the of most rewarding experiences to be able to call this “work”.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has had its fair share of ups and downs, but that is how I have been able to learn and grow. Everything I have been able to accomplish has come with hours of hard work and a tremendous amount of support from family and friends.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The San Diego Rotary Club was founded in 1911 and is the 33rd oldest Rotary Club in the world. As part of Rotary International, Club 33 members belong to a worldwide network of 1.4 million inspired individuals in 35,000 Rotary Clubs who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in their communities and around the world.
As Executive Director, I manage the day-to-day operations one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the US. I manage all items related to membership, finances, and operations of the 400+ member club. I also oversee= the weekly newsletter, club website and facilitates the 50 active club committees.
We are most proud of our San Diego Rotary Foundation, that started in 2014, which is the philanthropic arm of our organization that grants over $200,000 year through our committees that do local and global community service.
If you’re looking to be a part of an organization that gives back the local and global community with like-minded leaders, look no further. Come check out our club and learn more about what we do!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
I’d consider myself a risk-averse person. However, and while it may seem small to others, leaving SDSU to move on to Rotary was a risk for me. I was at a really successful point in my career at SDSU, and making that change meant leaving a very comfortable situation for me and stepping into an unknown environment. While Rotary has been a big part of my life for many years now, going from the volunteer capacity to a full-time staff member was a huge change. I am ultimately glad I did it, but at the time, I was very nervous!
Contact Info:
- Website: sandiegorotary.club
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-maharaj-455b85ab/
