The Jakara Movement is made of a staff with phenomenal individuals, throughout the state of California. Our staff members come from a diverse background of educational and professional experiences. They have worked with numerous organizations and have individually received more awards and accolades than we can name.
Admin Team
Naindeep Singh - Executive Director
Formed and raised in the Central Valley, Naindeep's commitment and passion to social, racial, and class justice has helped shape his view of the world. Educated at UCLA and Johns Hopkins University, he has received numerous awards for his academic, scholarly, and research interests. He was one of the founders of the Jakara Movement, as well as numerous community initiatives including a popular Sikh progressive blog, The Langar Hall. If you’d like to get in touch with Naindeep, feel free to reach him at [email protected]
Ragini Kaur - Director of Personnel
Ragini was born in Southeast Asia and moved to the Bay Area at the age of twelve. Music and Keertan were integral parts of her life, which shaped her identity as a Sikh artist and a woman. Through music, Ragini learned about her roots and heritage and grew to cherish her Sikh identity. Ragini has always been involved in the local East Bay community and has participated in many Sikh youth-led events. Ragini attended San Francisco State University to pursue film production and loves to share stories through the visual arts. She continues her passion as a musician, photographer, Kathak artist, and filmmaker. She deeply cares about the growth of the Sikh community and hopes to empower upcoming generations. Get in touch with Ragini at [email protected]
Kamaljit Kaur - Director of Development
Kamaljit comes from Fresno, CA where she was born and bred. She has been a volunteer with Jakara Movement since she was 16 and decided to join Jakara Movement in official staff capacity as the Fresno County’s Community Organizer in 2016. During her time as an organizer she discovered her love and passion to serve the community. She worked to bring the Punjabi language program to her alma mater Central East High School, worked with local electeds to form policies, and organize community events. She has a Masters in Public Policy from Goldman School of Public Policy and has returned in the new capacity of Director of Development. If you wish to connect with Kamaljit contact her at [email protected].
Jaspreet Kaur - Statewide Khair Program Manager
Jaspreet Kaur was born and raised in the 209 and takes great pride her hometown, Ceres. She left home for the first time to obtain her B.S in Health Sciences from CSU East Bay. As her passion for health grew, she went on and earned her Masters of Public Health from San Jose State University. Despite her growing love for the Bay Area, there was really no place like home. Jaspreet moved back to Ceres after finishing her studies and is now mobilizing the Sikh Punjabi community in her region through a public health lens. Jaspreet loves trying new food and being around nature. In order to strive, she needs her daily doses of coffee and exercise. If you’d like a daily positive affirmation, get in touch with Jaspreet at [email protected].
Regional Community Organizers
Mandeep Singh - Greater Sacramento Area Community Organizer
Mandeep Singh was born in Punjab, and migrated to California during middle school. Growing up in a new environment, it was essential to hold onto our roots to feel connected. After attending University of California Davis and Santa Clara University, Mandeep gave the corporate world a run. However, nothing compares to using our skills and knowledge to advance the seva in our communities. After having been involved with Jakara in a volunteer and participant capacity since 2005, Mandeep brings that commitment to staff and hopes to inspire our community members to give back to the Panth. He is passionate about the health of our community, the soch of our community and the future of our community. Whether you want to talk basketball or hiking, plan an event or a vision of our community going forward, get in touch with Mandeep at [email protected].
Sunni Kaur - Greater Sacramento Community Outreach Specialist
Ek Noor Te Sab Jag Upjiya……Little did Satinder Kaur know how one of her favorite shabads from childhood would change the course of her life completely. A product of society, born and raised in Sacramento, from a young age Satinder would do seva with her family at the local gurdwara. At the age of 12, Satinder traveled to India for the very first time where she witnessed a world that she was insulated from. Poverty, hunger, agony, and suffering all around. At that time it was determined that she would contribute to making the world a better place. The creator slowly but steadily brought her to Jakara, where she can better fulfill her purpose. Besides her passion for the community, Satinder enjoys exploring the world, spending time with her loved ones, and learning new things. Alongside a degree in Application Development, Satinder brings a plethora of life experiences. Whether you would like to talk about travel, spirituality, or just life in general, get in touch with Satinder at [email protected]
Navroop Kaur - 209 Area Community Organizer
Navroop Kaur was raised in her hometown, Ceres. She obtained her B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from CSU Stanislaus. She takes great honor in serving her community which ultimately led her to the involvement in Jakara Movement. Navroop began JMC on her campus and helped spread the movement to locals. She loves being outdoors in nature and loves the idea of learning to create on her own. If you’d like to get in touch with Navroop or share any ideas you’d like to see implemented, email her at [email protected]
Pratimajit Kaur - San Joaquin County Youth Community Organizer
The foundational pillars of Sikhism—Naam Japo, Kirat Karo, and Vand Chakko—have significantly influenced Pratima's upbringing. These principles seamlessly integrate into her role as a mental health professional. Pratima's fascination with human behavior and decision-making processes stems from observing how daily experiences shape actions and choices.
With a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Pratima entered the field working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). This experience nurtured an appreciation for life's diversity and its small yet meaningful moments. Motivated by this experience, she decided to pursue a master's in Social Work, driven by a commitment to raise mental health awareness within the Sikh community.
Her involvement with the Jakara Movement reflects Pratima's dedication to mentoring and supporting future generations within the Sikh community. She highly values open discussions, viewing each day as an opportunity for continual learning. With the community's support, Pratima aims to contribute to establishing a resilient and supportive network. Need anime recommendations, talk about mental health topics, or just want to say hi? Shoot her an email at [email protected].
Jaskeet Kaur - Greater Fresno Area Community Organizer
Jaskeet was born and raised in Fresno. In spring of 2020, she completed her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from Fresno State, and began her journey on staff in the fall. Jaskeet's involvement with the Jakara Movement dates back to the early 2000's as she attended Jakara Juniors camps at Singh Sabha Gurdwara. She made her way back to the organization while leading the JMC on her campus for 4 years, and attending summer programming like Lalkaar, Bhujangan, and JMC Officers Retreat where she discovered her interest in the development of the Punjabi Sikh community. In her free time, Jaskeet enjoys watching tv shows, spending time with friends, trying out new recipes, and traveling. Whether you'd like to discuss community development, good food, or a nice hiking route, get in touch with Jaskeet at [email protected].
Nanaki Kaur - Paaras Youth Center Director
Born and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Fresno, Nanaki Kaur epitomizes a profound connection to their community. Her role at the Jakara Movement serves as a beacon of empowerment, granting them both the strength and joy to wholeheartedly contribute to their community, especially the youth she passionately supports. Beyond the confines of a mere job, her engagement with the Jakara Movement is a calling one that fuels their commitment to nurturing and guiding the youth toward success. Drawing inspiration from their parents' ethos of selfless service, Nanaki Kaur embodies a fervent dedication to this noble cause. Guided by the guiding principles of Chardi Kala and Ekta within their Sangat, Nanaki Kaur is resolutely driven to carve a path towards equity while erecting resilient pillars of support for the forthcoming generations. Aside from their professional endeavors, Nanaki Kaur finds immense joy in the embrace of family ties and the cherished moments spent among friends. Nanaki Kaur remains unwavering in their aspiration to effect positive change within their community, fostering an environment that promises a brighter future for all. For inquiries and good vibes, hit her up at [email protected] or swing by the Paaras Youth Center. We promise, the welcome committee is certified in high-fives and smiles!
Sonia Kaur - Kern County Community Organizer
Sonia Kaur was born in West Bengal and raised in Bakersfield, Ca. Sonia grew up in a culturally diverse environment and learned the importance of community from a young age. After graduating from Independence High School, she went on to Bakersfield College and later transferred to UC Santa Barbra where she graduated with her B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences. Sonia‘s journey with Jakara began as an SHSS member and she joined JMC at UCSB as an officer and even helped with various events to continue working with sangth in Kern. She loves working with the youth because they’re often unheard and she hopes to empower the youth and help amplify their voices. Mental health awareness in the Sikh community is something she strives to give the Punjabi youth, so they can have a safe and comfortable environment to express themselves. In her free time Sonia enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her dog, Dash.If you need a good book recommendation or need to reach her, get in touch with her at [email protected]
Jagmeet Singh - Kern Community Civic Engagement Specialist
Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. Jagmeet has grown up alongside the Sikh community’s evolution from small, tight knit community to a community now synonymous with an entire portion of the city. He graduated from California State University, Bakersfield majoring in Finance and was formally introduced to the Jakara Movement through his older sister, Manpreet Kaur, who was community organizer in Bakersfield. When the opportunity arose to formally be a sevadaar with the Movement during the 2020 Census, Jagmeet was privileged to join. Through this opportunity, Jagmeet developed a passion for civic engagement and a commitment to Sevaa. In his spare time, Jagmeet enjoys watching the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Chargers and is an avid history buff open to learning new things. If you’re interested in civic engagement in Bakersfield and Kern county, feel free to contact him at [email protected]
Tejpal Singh - Yuba City Community Organizer 
Tejpal, rooted in the close-knit community of Live Oak, CA, recognizes the vital role played by his supportive village in shaping his upbringing. From childhood in this small town to navigating university life at San Jose State, Tejpal's journey has been marked by the collective efforts of family, friends, teachers, and neighbors who guided and pushed him towards personal achievements. While studying at San Jose State, he spent his free time assisting first-generation college students and continued tutoring and coaching youth upon returning to the Yuba-Sutter area. Fueled by these experiences, Tejpal is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Jakara Movement, where he aims to serve, listen, and advocate for the Sangat. With a deep belief in the power of communal support, Tejpal aspires to contribute to everyone's village, fostering an environment that propels the community toward shared success. If you are interested in getting involved in the Yuba City and Sacramento area, feel free to reach out at [email protected]
Resource & Community Health Team
Mandip Kaur - Health Program Manager
Mandip seamlessly merges her Punjab roots with the serene essence of the Central Valley. Though originally from Punjab, she proudly considers Fresno her home for the majority of her life. During her upbringing, Mandip's connection to the Punjabi sangat revolved around family and a small, close-knit group. It wasn't until college that she explored connecting with other Punjabi youth, sparking a curiosity about Sikhi beyond the narratives she grew up with.The turning point in Mandip's story was attending her first Jakara conference, becoming the cornerstone of her lifelong connection with Jakara Movement. From being a participant at conferences to organizing local Jakara Jrs camps, in 2022 she eventually undertook the role of Health Program Manager.
Mandip brings over a decade of experience in Economic and Program Development, with a proven track record of establishing networks that uplift marginalized communities. In her current capacity, she is committed to enhancing health and wellness literacy within the Punjabi community, seizing opportunities provided by local and state governments. Mandip's dedication extends beyond the immediate goals, as she actively fosters the growth of future advocates, contributing to the community's long-term well-being. Her strategic and proactive approach, coupled with a genuine passion for community well-being, positions Mandip as a valuable asset in the Central Valley and beyond. Whether you're eager to address community concerns or interested in volunteering with the team, Mandip is just an email away at [email protected]
Domenica Lopez - Labor Rights Program Manager
Domenica comes from East Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz and has worked in politics and healthcare. In 2019, Domenica moved to the Central Valley and came across the Jakara Movement. Before working at Jakara, she knew nothing about the organization but was happy to become part of a place where she could help empower marginalized communities. She's currently working toward her master's in Library and Information Science. If you would like to contact Domenica, email her at [email protected]
Gurpreet Singh - Community Resource Team - Central Valley
Gurpreet Singh is a dedicated Community Health Worker (CHW) sevadaar with Jakara Movement, based in Fresno. Originally from Punjab, India, Gurpreet made his home in California, where he completed his high school education in Madera. He further pursued his passion for education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business at California State University, Fresno. As an essential member of the Jakara Health Venture team, Gurpreet actively contributes to the betterment of community health. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is an accomplished artist, winning several art competitions. Gurpreet finds joy in artistic expression through drawing and balances this with a love for adventure, often hiking, riding his motorcycle, and exploring new places. Fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, Gurpreet also possesses an understanding of various dialects of Urdu, fostering effective communication within diverse communities. For further inquiries, reach out to Gurpreet at [email protected]
Hameeta Malhotra - Community Outreach Specialist
Hameeta Kaur Malhotra was born in Punjab and moved to Fresno in 2016 on a student visa as an international student. She graduated from Fresno State with Masters in Linguistics and TESL in 2018 and is currently working as an ESL professor at Madera Community College. Her hobbies are cooking and savoring good food, reading fictional books and linguistic research papers. She can talk to you for endless hours about linguistics and language teaching pragmatics.
Hameeta is currently also working with the Jakara Movement as an Outreach Specialist in Fresno since 2021. She loves working with elderly and immigrant community in Fresno who face barriers with language access and navigation of resources. She is fluent in three languages: Punjabi, Hindi and English. If you’d like to get in touch with Hameeta, feel free to reach her at [email protected]
Simran Kaur - Community Resource Team - Central Valley
Simran comes from Fresno, CA where she was born and raised. She has been a part of Jakara Movement since she was a little girl, starting and helping to create SHSS in 2014 and volunteering her time with Bhujangan, Nihsaan, and Lalkaar. She Graduated from San Jose State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology and Minor in Studio Arts. She joined Jakara as a tutor in her early years of college and now she works officially on staff as an outreach specialist on the labor rights team. She proudly serves on the labor rights team, channeling her passion for community empowerment. Through her dedicated efforts, she strives to make a meaningful impact by advocating for the rights of workers in Fresno. Join her on this journey towards fostering positive change and ensuring fairness in our community. Simran finds joy in creating and expressing her love for Art, she also loves to travel with her friends and family and tryout new foods and coffee places. If you have any questions or need any help please contact her at [email protected]
Harjit Kaur - Community Resource Team - Central Valley
Harjit Kaur was born and raised in Punjab and UK. She moved to the USA as a teen and went to Reedley College. She got her certification for Certified Nursing Assistant at Valley ROP Reedley. She graduated from Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts and received her Vocational Nurse Diploma. She received her certifications of BLS, IV Therapy and Blood withdrawal from Central Valley Medical Madera. Her hobbies are cooking, traveling and learning about different cultures.
Harjit Kaur has been working with The Jakara Movement as a Community Health Worker and Community Organizer for the last 3 years. The Jakara Movement gave her recognition and she found her purpose in life and that is SEVA (selfless service). She is very social. She loves to help out Elderlies and connect New immigrants to the right resources. She would really like to see a Senior Citizen Center, Old age home and Community Center built for our Punjabi Community in Fresno. She can read, write and speak three languages: Punjabi, Hindi and English. You can reach out to Harjit Kaur with any of your community needs at [email protected]
Heidi Rosales - Community Resource Team - Central Valley
“The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever,” said Sonia Sotomayor. Heidi identifies herself with this quote due to her struggles growing up and her present struggles as a single mother of two sweet, loving boys. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Heidi immigrated with her parents at the young age of 4 and was raised in Kerman and the small city of Biola, California. Heidi was formed in the Kerman Unified School District grade schools. She graduated from Kerman High School and received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the California State University in Fresno. Heidi is passionate about helping her community due to living firsthand the struggles of culture shock, learning a new language, becoming the interpreter for her family early on, living in scarcity with her 12 siblings, and working in the fields. At the age of 7, Heidi lived a miracle that lit the fire in her; the day she vividly remembers a pastor from a community church knocking on her family’s door, bringing them a Thanksgiving meal and their first Christmas (Christmas tree and presents) ever! From this day on Heidi was motivated to give her kids and the kids of her community the best opportunities and wants them to experience being part of a great community. Being part of the Jakara Movement team has provided the perfect platform for Heidi to continue working as hard as she has done her entire life. She will continue until she sees the same fire burning within the community. If you would like to reach out to Heidi please contact her at [email protected]
Kiran Kaur - Community Resource Team - Central Valley
Kuljeet Kaur - Community Resource Team - Central Valley
Fellows
Rakaab Singh - Bay Area Community Organizing Fellow
Rakaab is from New Jersey, where he was born and raised. His first connection was when he and his brothers flew across the country and attended Bhujani as young teenagers in 2014 and 2015. They were the only three campers not from California but were embraced with open arms by the California sangat. Rakaab would then go on to pursue a civil engineering degree at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, where he became involved in the Sikh student body. In working with the college students, Rakaab gained a love for sangat and empowered Sikh-American students while urging them to excel in their respective fields and maintain dedication to the Sikh nation. After attending the Anandgarh trip to Punjab with Deep, Rakaab decided to come and do Seva with the Jakara movement for a year between his studies. If any questions or concerns may arise, or you just want to connect, please contact me at [email protected]
Jashdeep Singh - Policy Fellow/College Outreach Specialist
Raised in the city of Tracy, Jashdeep witnessed the changing demographic of the Valley over his lifetime. Although exciting to see a reflection of himself in his community, it didn't always mean health and prosperity for those who came. This idea stuck with him. After graduating from Tracy High School, he was formally introduced to the Jakara Movement through Lalkaar (annual collegiate conference), inspiring him to join the movement through JMC at UC Berkeley.
He completed his undergraduate degree in Economics while being involved in collegiate student organizing and local/state public health and policy efforts. He has returned back to the Valley with a passion and commitment to work with Sangat and build power and health for the community. In his spare time, Jashdeep enjoys hiking national parks, watching historical documentaries, and learning Kirtan. If you’re interested in discussing concerns of the community or even your hiking adventures please get in touch with him at [email protected]