Zaka Presents: My Journey Paul Herman

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Carl Rigaud, a Senior Analyst at Ally Financial. Born prematurely alongside his twin brother, Carl’s early life defied the odds, earning them the nickname “miracle babies.”Carl’s journey takes us from the vibrant streets of Haiti to overcoming the challenges of a massive earthquake and personal adversity. Despite these obstacles, Carl has built a remarkable career in software engineering, driven by his passion for innovation and a thirst for knowled...

Michelle Manglal-lan is the Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Samsung Electronics. With over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, Michelle is a powerhouse in Talent Management & Development, DEI, Engagement, Employer Branding, and Employee Mobility.Michelle’s journey is deeply inspired by her parents, who emigrated from the Philippines. Their resilience and strength have fueled her dedication to creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. In ...

Yasir Kurt, a first-gen Turkish-American who turned the seeds of grit and resilience into a flourishing career in counseling and education. Yasir's story begins in a household where education beyond middle school was a distant dream, yet the drive to achieve more was deeply instilled by his visionary parents a tailor and a farmer.Today, Yasir serves as the Director of Life Design Graduate Programming at The Johns Hopkins University . Armed with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, hi...

We explore the remarkable journey of Srijita Ghosh, a distinguished venture advisor based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. From her early days overcoming personal challenges with anxiety to becoming a driving force for entrepreneurship in the Midwest, Srijita's story is a compelling testament to resilience and visionary leadership.Discover how Srijita's early experiences in India, influenced by her mother's bold decision to defy traditional gender roles by introducing her to tennis, shaped h...

Devika Brij, Founder of Brij the Gap Consulting, shares her inspiring career journey in tech, including her impactful roles at Google and LinkedIn, and how these experiences led her to launch her own firm. Brij the Gap Consulting specializes in empowering underrepresented employees and their leaders through career advancement strategies, self-advocacy, and personalized coaching. Devika's expertise has made a significant difference for key clients like Visa, Nike, NerdWallet, Great Place to Wo...

As the Head of Engineering at a leading tech company in Silicon Valley, Bala Arjunan Muthiah shares his remarkable journey from leaving India 15 years ago to becoming a prominent leader in the tech ecosystem. His story is one of resilience, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and turning those experiences into valuable lessons in real leadership. Bala's unwavering commitment to leadership, people development, and entrepreneurship propels him forward. Through active involve...