Sapreet Kaur facts for kids
Sapreet Kaur Saluja, often called Sapreet Kaur, was born on May 7, 1976. She is an American activist who works to protect civil rights. From 2009 to 2017, she was the executive director of the Sikh Coalition in the United States. In January 2013, she became the first Sikh person to speak at a special prayer service for a President's inauguration in Washington D.C.. This was a big moment for the Sikh community.
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Early Life and Education
Growing Up in New Jersey
Sapreet Kaur grew up in central New Jersey. Her parents came to the United States from Punjab, India, in the 1960s. As a child, she attended the Sikh-focused Khalsa School in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She also spent her summers at Camp Chardi Kala, a camp that helps young Sikhs learn about their faith and culture.
College Years
In 1998, Sapreet Kaur graduated from New York University's Stern School of Business. She studied marketing and international business. This education helped her prepare for a career where she would lead and manage important organizations.
Making a Difference
Helping Communities Worldwide
After college, Sapreet Kaur joined the United States Peace Corps. From 1998 to 2001, she volunteered in Kenya and Uganda. During this time, she helped create local programs. These programs focused on protecting nature, solving disagreements peacefully, and building stronger organizations. Her work helped communities improve their lives.
Leading the Sikh Coalition
Later, Sapreet Kaur worked in leadership roles at companies like Coach, Inc. and Teach for America. At Teach for America, she helped develop strategies to find and train leaders. This work aimed to fix unfairness in education.
In 2007, Kaur joined the board of directors for the Sikh Coalition. This organization works to defend the rights of Sikhs in the United States. In 2009, she became its executive director. She was the first woman to lead a Sikh civil rights group in the U.S. Her goal was to use all the organization's power and volunteers to help Sikhs practice their faith without fear.
Other Important Roles
Sapreet Kaur has also served on other important boards. From 2008 to 2014, she was a board member for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. She is also a member of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation board of directors. These roles show her dedication to helping people and promoting peace around the world.
Family Life
Sapreet Kaur has a son named Zorawar Singh, who was born in 2010.
