RONAK DESAI
Emerging Star Award
(Awarded to SASE National Volunteers of 1-2 Years)
Last year, all but two of the leaders on the South team gave up their volunteer positions, and the team was mostly replaced with new members. Ronak stepped up immediately and took on the Senior Regional Coordinator role to ensure the region’s continued strong leadership, and his dedication ensured that the chapter Regional Manager would not be the sole returning volunteer, while all the new volunteers would have a mentor, as well. Ronak also took on additional responsibilities, attending meetings to select venues for the South Central Regional Conference and Southeast Regional Conference, and being an integral part of the new volunteer selection process for the upcoming year. He even scheduled and attended every candidates’ interviews!
Throughout Ronak’s time as a Regional Coordinator, he has gone above and beyond his regular responsibilities to help the fledging chapters grow and to support one of the biggest chapters to win an Inspire Award. As a Senior Regional Coordinator, Ronak helped his RC team flourish and grow by hosting regular 1:1s and helping them advise their own chapters.
“Ronak always took the time to answer any of my questions about my role or needed any advice,” said a nominator. “He willingly scheduled a 1:1 to talk through the issues and took the time to interact with chapter presidents and other chapter leaders during collegiate meetings, the National Conference, and regional conferences. He was always willing to act as a leader and a teacher and provide insight and advice on how to improve elevator pitches, resumes, interview skills, and improve their chapter.