Home: Tampa Bay, FL. Age: 42. Birthplace: New Jersey. Profession: Strategic business development and public relations. Organization: Elevate Inc. Title: Founder & President. Alma mater: Florida State University (B.A., Political Science and English Literature). Languages spoken: Gujarati.
Current project: Serving as chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Recent recognition: Recipient of the 2023 Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Apogee Award. Latest accomplishment: Helping more than 300 organizations grow through Elevate Inc. over the past 14 years. Latest contribution to others: Expanding early childhood education through leadership of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Building Elevate Inc. into a trusted partner for more than 300 organizations. Hobbies: Working out, attending live sporting events and traveling. Recent travel or adventure: Safari in Kenya. Last book read: Think Like a Monk, by Jay Shetty. Recently viewed and recommended: The Pitt. Recent unique acquisition: Investing in a restaurant.
Personality profile: Outgoing, social, driven, resilient and optimistic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: The Golden Rule. How do you define a perfect friendship? Looking out for each other equally. How do you define an ideal business relationship? When everyone benefits. What is your greatest joy? Helping others. What is your greatest fear? Loneliness. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Think positive. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Journalist. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling, live music and sporting events. How do you relieve stress? Working out. What is your go-to workout? Pilates. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sleep.
What was your first paying job? Editorial assistant with the Tampa Bay Times Tallahassee Bureau. What was your favorite college course? English literature. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Tetris on Game Boy. What book have you repeatedly read? The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Home Alone. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandfather. What’s the best advice you received growing up? If you don't ask, you don't get. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don't burn bridges. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Smartphones. What is your favorite app? Instagram. What is your go-to source of news and information? X. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Pinterest. What company or organization do you most admire? Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents getting divorced.
What is your big idea?
Connecting people and organizations to strengthen communities.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Expanding educational opportunity and workforce readiness. What change would you like to see in the world? Greater civic engagement and community collaboration. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Journalist. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Spending it with loved ones. What advice would you give your younger self? Stay true to yourself. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? College years.
Personal mission: Strengthening the Tampa Bay region through business, education and civic collaboration. Personal motto: Be kind to others. Favorite quote: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world" (frequently attributed to Mahatma Gandhi).
