Finalist Profile: Amna Sohail
Finalist: Amna Sohail
Award: Volunteer Leader of the Year (on behalf of Pass the Torch for Women Foundation)
Day Job: Senior Investment Analyst, Elevate Ventures
Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amna-sohail/
Amna welcomes young professionals in Central Indiana entering the workforce, especially women to feel empowered as they start and grow in their careers. Amna by day is an Investment Analyst with ELEVATE Ventures, and in her volunteer life she serves on behalf of Pass the Torch for Women Foundation, an organization that helps women in the workforce reach their full potential. Amna serves as a volunteer mentor, National Board Member, and Committee Chair for the Developing Professionals Program.
Read below about what inspires Amna and where she will travel to first, once it is safe to do so!
Q: How did you react when you found out you were an ELEVATE Awards finalist?
A: When I found out I was an ELEVATE award finalist, I was so excited, and I felt really humbled too, just because I know how incredible all of the other finalists are and how much impact they are making in our community. It is a humbling group to be a part of.
Q: What is your vision for Central Indiana?
A: My vision for Central Indiana is that we can empower women in our communities to reach their potential, and to see more diverse representation within the workforce – especially in fields like STEM. I would also love to see more women, particularly women of color, actively engaging and being represented in leadership across business, nonprofit and government.
Q: Finish this sentence “Being a great volunteer means to me…”
A: It means being a champion for the cause, even when you’re not actively serving the organization. Now, I may cheat and add one more thing – it also means, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves to take initiative, even when it’s hard, to help drive impact forward.
Q: What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic and how has it affected your job, volunteering, etc.?
A: You know, this pandemic has been hard on a lot of people, including people that I care about. One of the things that I’ve learned is how powerful human connection is. For me, it’s been about relying on, and feeding off of these support networks whether at home, at work, or professionally. These types of connections and conversations is what drives us forward.
One thing beyond human connection, is also having an adaptable mindset. With having that kind of mindset, those around me and myself have been able to find new ways to solve problems around our community.
Time for some favorites:
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Favorite vacation song?
A: Good Life by OneRepublic
Q: Where will you travel to once it is safe to do so?
A: Karachi, Pakistan. I would love to go see my family, and this is actually where I was born. It has been a long time since I have seen them.
Q: Favorite travel partner?
A: My husband
Q: Favorite podcast?
A: Hidden Brain
Q: Favorite spot in Central Indiana?
A: Anywhere on Mass Ave. There so many great restaurants. And the new Bottleworks building!
Q: Life Motto?
A: This too shall pass. This is powerful one that’s helped me through a lot.
Join me at ELEVATE and don’t forget to get your tickets, today!