Valparaiso University inspired my career successes

When the time came for me to choose a university, I wanted to find a school with a strong reputation for academic excellence that would prepare me for a successful future. I am proud to say that my four years at Valparaiso University defined who I am today and continue to inspire me and my work.

While at Valpo, my role as student body president and other leadership opportunities presented to me by faculty members encouraged me to pursue my current occupation. The mentoring of the University’s president and my professors meant a lot to me and influenced many of my life’s decisions. The adversities I overcame on campus by wearing a turban and then being accepted as student body president humbled me. The fact that I was elected to the largest Lutheran university in the country merely a decade ago is a testament to Valpo’s dedication to academic freedom and diversity. I learned about fighting for what I believed in when the University cancelled the golf team and I led a campus-wide petition to save the team, which then inspired me to run for student body president. And as student body president, I learned to listen to and appreciate other’s life experiences.

Today, I am the CEO and Founder of ElectionMall Technologies, Inc. , a campaign and election internet technology company. My organization helps campaigns of all sizes raise money online, build websites, promote their messages, and sell promotional products via the web. Our work is rewriting how political science applies to the world of campaigns and elections. With over 1.2 million campaigns held in the 2008 election year alone, we have worked for both political parties, helped three US presidential candidates with their campaigns, and sent emails on behalf of candidates to more than 23 million voters. I have also had the honor of being profiled by the media as one of the top five powerbrokers of online politics, addressed the European Union on campaign technology, and experienced running international campaigns in Europe, Malaysia, and Latin America. To be able to have conversations with world leaders, influence their decisions, and help them remain world leaders is an honor and a blessing.

Valparaiso University provided me with the opportunity to find the niche that will fulfill my calling for the rest of my life. Any university can give you books, buildings, and teachers, but Valpo will challenge your mind, your heart, and your soul. I am living proof of the impact of this education, and am truly proud to say that I’m a Valpo graduate.