We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rian Julka a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rian, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from the challenges I’ve faced as a caregiver for my mom as she battles Parkinson’s. Watching her push through every day with determination inspires me to stay strong, no matter the circumstances. Her strength reminds me that perseverance and empathy go hand in hand. Growing up across different continents also taught me how to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar situations. My advocacy work for underrepresented communities has deepened my commitment to stand up for those who need it most, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Professionally, I aim to step into advocacy and policy, blending my passion for Classics, global affairs, and philosophy with a commitment to addressing modern challenges. As the founder of HOPE (Health, Outreach, and Parkinson’s Empowerment) and recipient of the NJ Governor’s Innovator’s Award, I’ve raised awareness and supported Parkinson’s patients by building a platform that connects and empowers communities. (This effort also received Congressional Recognition from the U.S. Congress, and ‘State and General Assembly Citation from the State of New Jersey Oct ’2024)
Being a caregiver for my mom has taught me resilience and the importance of understanding people’s needs on a deeply personal level. I’ve channeled this empathy into action through my experiences at the World Parkinson’s Conference and leadership in Model UN, where I engage with global issues from both historical and contemporary perspectives. My vision is to develop inclusive policies that uplift underrepresented voices, working in the legislature or policy to break barriers and create lasting change.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and curiosity.
Resilience has been crucial, especially in balancing personal challenges like caregiving for my mom with Parkinson’s while pursuing academics and advocacy work. Life throws curveballs, and learning how to adapt without losing sight of your goals is key. My advice: embrace setbacks as part of the process. Building resilience is about pushing through, even when things get tough.
Empathy has shaped how I approach policy and advocacy. It’s one thing to understand issues, but it’s another to deeply feel the impact they have on people’s lives. As a caregiver, I’ve learned that behind every policy is a human story. For those starting out, my advice is to actively listen and engage with others’ experiences—this will deepen your perspective and help you create solutions that matter.
Curiosity has driven my passion for learning and exploration. Whether it’s through Classics, global affairs, or my advocacy work, staying curious has allowed me to find connections between seemingly unrelated fields and bring fresh insights to the table. For those early in their journey: don’t be afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore areas outside your comfort zone. This is where true growth happens.
These qualities have not only helped me grow but have also shaped how I aim to make an impact in the future.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling in me a strong sense of resilience and empathy. My mom, in particular, has shown incredible perseverance in her battle with Parkinson’s, teaching me to stay strong in the face of challenges while never losing sight of compassion.
Beyond that, my parents encouraged a love for travel, exploring national parks, and embracing new experiences. These moments fostered my curiosity and taught me the importance of connecting with nature and people from all walks of life. We aren’t religious, but they also instilled in me the Sikh values of “seva” (selfless service) and “sarbat da bhalla” (well-being for all), shaping my approach to advocacy and the desire to uplift others.
This blend of resilience, empathy, and a drive to serve has been the foundation of who I am and how I aspire to make a difference in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moversandshakers.info/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rian-julka-040497283/
Image Credits
mum and dad (Kamal and raman Julka)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
