We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sagar Patagundi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sagar, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I moved to the States from Mumbai, India when I was 11 years old. My family and I arrived on a visitor’s visa in 2002 to Miami, FL. My father was trying to get a work permit to legally work in the U.S. Unfortunately, his visa was rejected due to being overqualified for the position he had applied for and the U.S. Embassy took his visitor’s visa and revoked it from coming back to the U.S. My two brothers were left undocumented in the U.S. along with my mom who barely spoke English. I was only 15 years old when I was separated from my father. I graduated high school with the fear that if I ever spoke about my status I would be deported back to India.
I graduated high school and eventually realized that I could not attend any colleges due to my immigration status. While all my friends were driving in high school and getting offers from universities. My future was unclear as to where I was headed too. I spoke to my father over the phone and he told me about his former employer in Kentucky. I quickly caught a flight out of South Florida to the middle of nowhere West Virginia. At the age of 17, I flew out with my older brother leaving my younger brother, and mom in FL to seek new opportunities. The employer liked my personality and my work ethic and invited me to move up to Kentucky to help manage a motel of his.
Within a few months of moving up, I looked into the 4-year colleges in KY. Kentucky had an unwritten rule that you did not need an SSN to enroll in colleges. Finding this out, I enrolled myself in community college. There were other hardships long that way of course. I did not have a ride to school so I would have to pay someone or ask friends to take me to school. Working 6 days a week so I can pay out of pocket for classes, and manage various shifts including nights. Eventually, I found a contact to help me move to Louisville, KY in 2011 to a bigger city that had access to public transit.
In Louisville KY I found a community that was willing to help individuals like myself. I even took the initiative to start an organization called F.I.R.E. (Fighting for Immigrant Rights and Equality). We collaborated our work with the ACLU of KY, LGBTQ, and other non-profits around the city. In 2011 I almost became homeless, but I walked the streets of Louisville to find a home that would be close to campus and be comfortable for me and my two brothers. I found a place above a nail salon in a rough neighborhood. The apartment was in a .. not so great condition. Your feet would get black if you walked barefoot on the carpet, and people would always try to break in and steal.
Luckily, in 2011 the Obama Administration initiated a program called DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) with this program I was eligible for a 2-year work permit to stay and work in the country legally. The DACA program stated if you had come into the US at the age of 16 or before, and have no criminal records then you would be eligible for a work permit. As soon as I received my work permit, I worked at UPS where I would work nights and go to school during the days to complete my education.
Although UPS had a policy if you worked nights, and attended school, they would cover your full tuition in partnership with FAFSA. However due to my status, I was not a green card holder or a citizen, so I was not eligible for the opportunity. UPS still covered a partial of my tuition. I built up debt and told my administration office at the university that I would have the remainder of the balance paid off. Eventually, my graduation was around the corner, and I started collaborating with faculty on campus, the LGBT center, and the ACLU of KY who gave me opportunities to share my story around the state, campus, and schools which provided some executive scholarships to help me pay off my student debt. With the help of my community, I was able to graduate debt-free. The University of Louisville eventually noticed my efforts and decided to start a scholarship called “the Sagar Patagundi Alumni Scholarship” which would help individuals like myself attain a scholarship to attend UofL and get financial assistance.
I left UPS upon my graduation and worked at a couple of different Fortune 500 companies. I never felt like I fit in or belonged in any of these businesses. I knew my talent and purpose were much higher than to work a mundane job. I joined one of the largest tech companies in 2016, I was making a great salary and bought my first home at the age of 25. Eventually, I moved to southern California with the same company to pursue acting. Having a full-time job and trying to act on the side was not possible so I paused on the dream and focused on building some wealth so that I could focus on it full-time in the future. Through this company I worked in multiple roles, I was operations manager, program manager, and regional manager for a grocery part of the business. I finally saw an opportunity to get into Diversity & Inclusion to make a difference in the corporate world. I was in the recruiting side of business where I was able to help build pipelines, and programs, and reach out to different communities to allow them to create a new life.
In December 2023 tech layoffs were occurring, I had been working non-stop since I was 17 years old so I decided to take a break. I left the company and was unemployed for 6 months. During these 6 months, I focused on my mental health. I traveled a lot, I went to a 10-day meditation retreat in the desert where there was no talking, no eye contact, or technology allowed. I was able to recenter myself and learn to let go of a lot of things. I learned to be in the moment, and let the universe do its thing. Learned to continue doing the right things and being consistent on the goals I’m trying to work towards. In August 2024 I was offered a role with one of the largest airline companies as a Sr. DEI manager. I moved up a level and increased my salary. All my friends are amazed at how great things always happen to me.
If I was to rewind to 10 years ago I would’ve never imagined how far I’ve made it. With little given to me, making 6 dollars under the table, to working in the second tallest building in the world today. I am writing this note as I’m standing in the Sears Tower. When I look out the window I see the younger Sagar looking up and thinking “Who works in these buildings and what do they do??”. Not to mention, I own 5 doors with 3 long-term rentals, and 2 airbnbs to date to create generational wealth for my family and future family. All this to say is, continue doing good in the world and the good will return to you. Have a positive outlook on life even in the toughest moments. The tough moments are always lessons teaching you something, and it’s to take that and elevate it to the next level.
When I see myself 5 years from now, I want to have a happy family, I want to publish a book about my struggles, and how I overcame them, and help spread positivity. I also want to start a podcast to continue sharing stories and help people who are struggling out there.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently help companies create a diverse workforce and a sense of belonging at their establishment. I have a personal story and understand which pockets of our communities we can help create change and make a difference. I like to help underrepresented communities be seen and heard and give them equitable opportunities to make it up the ladder. I also share my story to help influence, and give an understanding of how hard it is for immigrants, and change the narratives of immigrant communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
earning trust, building relationships, and ambition to do better everyday.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Breathe! I like to meditate for 10 minutes to an hour if I have to recenter myself if I can. It helps me calm my nervous system down and think with a clear mind.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagar.ishwar_/
