10 Things About Siddharta “Sidd” Vivek & Junior Achievement
“There is opportunity in chaos.” – Sun Tzu
Junior Achievement (JA) San Diego has been serving our county for more than 70 years, and while JA is known for financial literacy, JA is more holistically focused on economic empowerment, especially in low-to-moderate communities. An understanding of how money works and how to access growth careers are key to self-sufficiency and ultimately, builds community. Siddhartha “Sidd” Vivek, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of San Diego County, is excited to be a part of the ecosystem working to provide the access and capital to ensure all our youth an economically secure future.
#1 I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts.
#2 Recently, my youth basketball coach sent me a section of the 40-year-old hardwood basketball court from the Boys and Girls Club in Boston where I spent most of my youth… along with a meaningful note that rightfully made mention of all the time I spent riding the bench!
#3 I played Indian classical violin for 6 years – same instrument, completely different tuning and posture than western classical music.
#4 I loved my visits to Brazil (specifically Rio), Zambia (rafting down the Zambezi River), and Florence, Italy… I can’t wait to return to each one! I would also like to visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
#5 We have a dog, Rocket, who is a 30-pound terrier mix that we rescued from Baja Animal Sanctuary.
#6 My wife Ana and I met more than 20 years ago and I am more patient, more empathetic, and certainly more mature because of her.
#7 I would tell my younger self that it’s not about how many risks you take; it’s about taking more meaningful risks.
#8 After years of working at another nonprofit in town, I was drawn to the opportunity to economically empower youth and ultimately, local communities. Our youth, especially in historically underserved communities, are often unaware or unable to access the tools (social and financial capital, experiences, etc.) that so many of us have been privileged to leverage.
#9 We are proud that hundreds of our graduates find career success after experiences and relationships built through JA programs. Specifically, one young man named Ron, who is the first in his family to attend college, is graduating in three years from SDSU and has already found a job working in the finance industry. His experience in our investing and entrepreneurial curriculum has led him on a path to eventually start his own business.
#10 We provide scholarships for all JA San Diego programs and these funds will help ensure that all youth, regardless of ability to pay, have access to the tools that lead to economic independence.
Junior Achievement
9th Annual Golf Tournament
June 6, 2022
10 am – 4 pm
Fairbanks Ranch Country Club
www.jasandiego.org/event/9th-annual-ja-golf-classic-tournament/
