Thank you so much to our Tribe Rising sponsor, Adam Samuelian from Whiteboard, for participating in this interview!

What impels you to support Tribe Rising? And why should other people care about what Tribe Rising is doing?

Borrowing a couple “agreements” from a recent book. “Be impeccable with your word. Always do your best.” The Tribe Rising team exemplifies this approach to nonprofit work. Construction of schools, scholarships, and working towards “generational change” for the Santal people. We have been impressed with the level of commitment and love they exude with their work. We are drawn to this type of passion.

Was there someone or something in high school that influenced you as a student, or set you on a career path?

I could not imagine being on my current career path as a business owner without a handful of amazing coaches as a youth. The life-lessons I learned playing sports formed the foundation for qualities I try to uphold: dedication, commitment, relentless effort to “do good”.

What was the best trip you have ever taken?

As a college baseball coach, I coached high school age baseball players in Puerto Rico as part of the Roberto Clemente Allstars program. It is amazing how the common love of a sport can bring together young adults from different cultures and backgrounds.

What is the best book you have read in the past 12 months?

Recommended by a client, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Captivating glimpse into how techies from recent decades navigate technology, work, and relationships. Not my typical genre, but the book’s key messages continue to make me evaluate day to day interactions.

What is one thing you’d like to share with the Gurap students?

As a technology business owner, we have the privilege of working with developers and designers residing throughout the world. Take a first step towards a goal. Small, bite-sized steps. 

In my experience, small attempts (successes or failures) trigger the bigger opportunities. A common thread with our team members is how they took a chance on something seemingly unexceptionable, and it led them to an opportunity not previously seen. Small risks leading to great rewards.