Community Activities
I am a huge believer in connecting and growing our business, student and entrepreneurial community, and doing whatever it takes to inspire our next generation of students to pursue careers in STEM and leadership. My parents and grand parents have deeply instilled in me the values of community service and giving, and I try my best to serve our communities.
Most recently, in my role as the National Convention Chair, National Board Member and President of ASEI and Southern California chapter, my team hosted one of the most successful ASEI National Convention in recent history at Cal State Fullerton in September 2024 that attracted and inspired close to 500 STEM engineers, innovators, students, leaders and professionals. Multiple scholarships were offered to engineering students and also job opportunities. The convention had over 35 world-recognized expert speakers, panelists and innovators. I had also served as the social media marketing chair for ASEI SoCal chapter for multiple years in early 2011-2014 time frame.
During the Covid years when our country was experienced a lot of disunity, racism and violence, I hosted the Gandhi Peace March in Irvine along with the community members in 2020. Our residents marched peacefully around the Bill Barber Park and City Council with banners such as “United We Stand”, “Nonviolence”, “Community”, “One Nation”, “One People”, “No Hate”, “Freedom”, “Peace”, “Equality”, “Ahimsa”, “Satyagraha” and more. The march was recognized by local leaders, pastors, police chiefs, city of Irvine mayor, and importantly, the residents of the city.
I was the digital marketing chair and member of executive board for TiE SoCal for 5 years, and helped the team with innovative marketing strategy and growth for both the membership and events. “Our goal is to jumpstart strong entrepreneurship in Southern California.” During our term, both the TiE SoCal regular and charter membership rebounded and the organization experienced sizable growth. My team and I were able to provide future TiE leaders a ready platform to grow local entrepreneurship.
I hosted the India Heritage Day event with the City of Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang and key city council members including Beth Krom (past mayor) and Steven Choi (future mayor) to recognize and celebrate India’s Independence with our Indian community in Irvine on August 14-15, 2012. This helped establish the Indian community for the very first time at the city level.
I was the co-founder of Startup America Orange County in 2012, that helped inspire and connect a few hundred startups during our launch year in Southern California. Startup America gave rise to many local enterprising entrepreneurs and innovators.
Earlier, I was the board member of Asian Business Association of Orange County for three years, and President-Elect for 2012 – during my volunteer role, our team inspired and educated over 2,500 small businesses and over 5,000 owners and entrepreneurs in Orange County through various procurement and matchmaking events, training workshops, leadership and mixers.
I have also been an active member of OCTANe, Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and various business associations in California. I have helped a few thousand entrepreneurs and startups through my active involvement with these organizations.
I was the New Generations & Youth Services Director of Rotary club of Newport-Irvine for three years (2008-2011). I was also their Fine Master (2009-10), and participated actively in Rotary community activities for Olive Crest, SnowBall Express, Senior Meals, Woodbridge High School annual run, UCI Rotaract, University High School Interact, Irvine Senior & Youth Job Fairs, Camp Pendleton Marines & much more. Through UCI Rotaract and UNI High Interact, we enrolled hundreds of college and high school students to pursue active community and student service. We also initiated a mentor-mentee program between the Rotary Club members and UCI Rotaract students.
I served as the Secretary of School Site Council at Turtle Rock Elementary School (2007-10) and helped the school with various initiatives and the Treasurer of Turtle Rock Elementary School PTA (2009-10). I mentored an aspiring young boy who wanted to be an American Football star as part of America On Track Orange County MCP program, and mentored UC Irvine business school students building new startups.
I had served as a Foundation committee member at Chinamaya Mission Los Angeles (2011-2012). In the past, I was the basketball coach for my son’s teams (Rancho middle school, NJB – IYBL, and Fremont NJB) and Art master for my daughter’s TR elementary class.
I also served as the technology adviser for the entire Fremont School district. I was the appointed member by the Board of Education for the Technology Advisory Committee of the entire Fremont School District, and proposed a technology vision and plan for over 40,000 students (2006-2007). I was also a Web 2.0 adviser for CSU Fullerton Extended Education program and appointed member of the Dean’s Leadership Circle at the University of California, Irvine business school for two years. I founded the non-profit Osteoporosis Foundation to help both adults and seniors cope up with and manage Osteoporosis.
I have hosted over 150 Small Business Owners Roundtables, Fireside Chats, Marketing Bootcamps, Mixers and Expos with oGoing since 2010 in Irvine, Newport Beach and Orange County areas. These community events have engaged, inspired and helped connect over 10,000 entrepreneurs, startup founders, business owners, leaders, executives and professionals. I continue to host these community events in 2025. Join us at the next Small Business Expo and Business Roundtable on August 27th in Irvine at the beautiful Duck Club.
My wife, my kids (now adults) and I have all participated in local community and philanthropy activities to the best of our abilities.
“Our communities break down when senseless violence erupts without warning. Violence is never an answer to any situation. I am choosing the path of Non-violence, Kindness and Community Service. Let us spread the message of love and friendship in our communities.” – Sanjay B Dalal