Jas Ghumman

I am a recent college graduate who wants to change the world. Typical story, I guess, but I chose an atypical location and am so glad I did. Growing up in Northern Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia, I decided that I wanted to move to a friendly city rich with non-profits, with less congestion, a lower cost of living and slower pace of life, surrounded by nature. I wanted to develop a career in non-profits that would allow me to better the community in which I lived. I soon discovered that a great way to do that is to move to Roanoke and work for United Way of Roanoke Valley. When I started last May at United Way, I really had no idea of what driven people and a great organization can accomplish. I am learning about the challenges that the Roanoke Valley faces, but I also see how many people there are here that really want to make a difference. This community encourages me to do big things and I am excited about what the future will bring.

I got my idealistic notions through my involvement with Alternative Spring Break (ASB) at UVA as a participant and on the Executive Board as well as some non-profit internships. I learned from ASB that there is always something we can do to help someone and that I wanted to seek out these sorts of opportunities. I still hang on to this ideal, and am now leading an ASB trip through United Way. I believe that the young people of today are true change-makers and I want to mobilize them to enact that change.

Upon moving to Roanoke, I realized that I wanted to be a part of showing young professionals here that they have the power to really affect a community for the better and that Roanoke is a great place to do it. United Way of Roanoke Valley is creating a Young Leaders Society (name to be determined) to bring young professionals together with goals of service, philanthropy, awareness, and personal professional success. I am happy to be working on the project with some great volunteers and successful young professionals from our community.

I am excited for what the future holds for young professionals in the Roanoke Valley and young people in non-profits more specifically. I am so happy to call the Roanoke Valley my new home with its relaxed, friendly, and encouraging atmosphere. I believe Roanoke to be a great place to live, work, relax, socialize, explore, grow, and most of all, make a difference.

• Jas’s Occupation: Development Manager, United Way of Roanoke Valley
• Jas’s Hometown: Fairfax County, VA
• Jas’s Social Profiles: Facebook