Leadership on Main - Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. w/Harry Kamdar

Leadership on Main - Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

  Speaker:  Harry Kamdar, Chief Executive Officer, Asian Services in Action, Inc.
  Moderator: Anna Chen, Manager of Communications and Civic Engagement, ASIA, Inc. 

Harry, the son of immigrant parents from Gujarat, India, was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised amidst the struggles of resettlement in multiple countries. His family immigrated to the United States in the 1970s, navigating financial hardship and cultural adaptation in pursuit of a better future. Harry worked various jobs as a teenager, contributing to his family’s budget while building resilience, empathy, and a commitment to service. 

Balancing full-time work with education, Harry earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from Franklin University, followed by a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from The Ohio State University. His career spans over two decades in public service and nonprofit leadership, with roles including Deputy Director of public health and juvenile justice agencies, Executive Director of a statewide oral health organization, and President of a community foundation in suburban Columbus. 

In October 2024, Harry became the CEO of Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA), bringing his lifelong dedication to advocacy for underserved and marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and refugees. With a strong focus on addressing challenges faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, he is committed to ensuring all newcomers to Northeast Ohio have equitable opportunities to achieve the American dream. Under his leadership, ASIA is proactively adapting its service delivery model to meet evolving community needs and policy changes. 

Harry’s personal journey and professional experiences have shaped his role as a servant leader, passionate about fostering inclusivity and championing the rights of those navigating societal and systemic barriers. 

Breakfast is included, compliments of the Akron RubberDucks

Join us as we bring in Akron’s changemakers for leadership conversations. Get to know the current class and engage with alumni through this open forum.