Sidak Alumni

I currently work in the mental health sector as a registered psychologist and teacher. I have been working in this sector for over 15 years, primarily in youth mental health.

Herveen Kaur is currently a senior undergraduate student at The Ohio State University. She is studying public health with an environmental health specialization. Herveen aims to engage in research and work that study societal health disparities and promote health equity. She is also very passionate about climate change and sustainability and hopes to continue volunteering in settings that advocate for environmental protection. Herveen is currently applying to Master's in Public Health programs to study epidemiology. She grew up in central New Jersey and furthered my interest in Sikhi through Kaur and Singh Academy. Herveen graduated high school in 2017 and attended Sidak in the summer of 2018. The experience enabled her to evaluate how the principles of Sikhi can integrate in her life as she pursues her academic, social and professional goals. The following year, Herveen reestablished the Sikh Student Association at Ohio State with the goal to maintain a safe space for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs to learn about Sikh ideologies and engage in community service, informational events and interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Izhaarbir Singh Bains is a practicing CPA in Spring, TX, specialized in tax accounting. He has a Masters in Languages and Cultures of Asia from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he successfully defended his thesis on "Love and Desire in Sikhism: Analysis of Textual Traditions, Ethics and Feminist Perspectives." He originally completed his B.A. in Philosophy. When his PhD department at U.W. Madison closed, he changed his career and obtained a B.B.A. in Accounting.

Japjyot Singh (he/they) currently works in the field of addressing gender-based violence. Amidst this work, they are constantly learning the ways in which Gurmat can and should be incorporated in ensuring an anti-oppression, equitable, loving, and justice-based approach for community growth and healing. They hope to learn from the Sangat in how to best enact and practice the Guru’s vision.

Jasdeep Kaur is currently a student at the University of British Columbia and is pursuing a double major in History and Sociology. She is hoping to achieve a career as an educator. Jasdeep grew up in Williams Lake (Central BC) and moved to the Lower Mainland in her teens. Jasdeep is currently a part of the UBC Sikh Students’ Associations Presidential team and is a founding member for Sikh Heritage Month BC. Jasdeep has also worked with the World Sikh Organization for over 5 years and has played many roles. Jasdeep also holds training, and certification is ACCT training. She has also been actively planning and developing youth programs for camps for over 5 years. She is also skilled in Dilruba - having dedicated her time for the past 11 years – and Sitar which she taught herself.

Dr. Jaspreet Bal is a Professor and Program Coordinator in the Child and Youth Care program at Humber College in Toronto. A community organizer and educator, her practice involves radical youth work with underserved populations across North America. Bal serves on the Board of Directors of the Sikh Feminist Research Institute and National Board for the World Sikh Orgnaization. She is also on the advisory board of the Sikh Research Institute.

Jaspreet teaches kids to apply Gurmat principles to their lives while also updating communal institutions to tackle the realities of today. He is currently working toward law school and recently graduated from his undergrad from the University of Washington with a degree in politics, Philosophy and Economics.

I was born and raised in a small town in Florida. I have one brother who is also a Sidak alumni. My goals in life are to remain grounded with the Source while living and serving my community.

Kiran Kaur was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended American University in Washington, DC. She graduated in May 2020 with a degree in International Relations focused on Race and Identity and currently works in the US Senate as a staffer for Senator Feinstein (D-CA). Besides this, Kiran is an artist and seeks to find ways to engage creativity and advocacy as she shapes her future career.