Nithin Jilla
Executive Director
Dream for Schools
Irvine, CA USA
“The people around me have always put me on my true north, on my path.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationNithin Jilla
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
In high school, I was part of a class effort to help a school in Kenya and found myself really happy being in the service of others.
From very early on, I wanted to make sure I was helping and nurturing people throughout my life.
I never thought I would be a business owner, but I realized I wanted independence with my work.
Having a lot of good mentors helped clarify what I wanted to do with my life.
Got a full time job but called them a week before to tell them the opportunity wasn’t right for me.
When I got to the University of California, Irvine (UCI), I started Dream for Schools to help students learn more about STEM.
The organization has grown to the point that it’s helping hundreds of kids every year across sixty schools annually.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Executive Director
I run a nonprofit that encourages students to pursue careers in STEM.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Technology
Helping People
Day to Day
The busiest times of year for me are when our programs are in session. When one of these programs is kicking off, I go to the office, and check-in with my team. I have meetings with donors, school districts, superintendents, teachers and students to find out what is working and what is not. It's a lot of liaising with the different stakeholders.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Reach out to your support system. Friends, family, teachers, mentors, etc. Everyone has somebody they can talk to for guidance. Find that person(s) and ask for help if you need it. The people around you know you...they will help you get to your true north.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I don't know if this is something I'm going to enjoy."
Challenges I Overcame
Work Stress
First-Generation Immigrant
