May Magazines 2018 89128 | Page 39

Meet the Neighbor By Callie Thomas Since that time, Mirchandani has amassed more than two decades of experience in business, finance, marketing and government. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Workforce Connections, managing multi-million dollar budgets in support of workforce development pro- grams and is the former Deputy Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. There, he oversaw numerous programs that included small business advocacy and develop- ment, housing, business-related policies, public financing, regulatory reform, community and business outreach, constituent services, bond pro- grams and new market tax credits. In 2008 Mirchandani and his wife Supriya formed the United Citizens Foundation (UCF) and began providing services for the community’s economically challenged through health fairs, Mirchandani is also active in the community and resides on many boards and committees. All are focused on social services, finance, education and health care. His never-ending passion for helping others and the community has earned him several awards of honor, including the Excellence Award from the Nevada Department of Business & Industry, the Nevada Trailblazer Award and the CANDO award just to name a few. Mirchandani was also selected by Governor Brian Sandoval for recognition of his work at Nevada Business and Industry. He is proud of his accomplishments and especially of his family. He and his wife Supryia have been together for 26 years and married for 18. They are both proud of their children Ankita and Aryan. “I believe my successes have been based on my pas- sion to never give up and to always do the right thing for the right reason. This, and helping others make a positive impact in their lives, has made my life worthwhile.” ◆ Mirchandani eventually opened his own business- es and the entrepreneur currently has ownership interests in several diversified ventures. While he has seen many successes throughout his life, Ash Mirchandani always wanted to pay it forward and give youth some of the abilities and opportunities that he has been given. “Growing up, I lived very close to Mother Teresa Ashrams. I learned about public service at a very young age,” recalls Mirchandani. “I believe that everyone needs to do their part in the world. If we all give back just a lit- tle, there will be more resources for those in need and less incidents of people doing a disservice to mankind.” back-to-school drives, toy drives and blood drives. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to pro- moting healthy social, emotional and behavioral skills for children, adolescents, adults and families. “The Foundation really took off after we opened school-based sites that have licensed therapists to help students and their families with behavioral and mental health concerns, including drug and alcohol abuse,” he said. Sites within Clark County schools include Valley High School, Basic High School, Rancho High School, Hollingsworth Elementary and Walter Long Elementary School. The programs have been so well-received that there are currently waiting lists at the schools. “UCF is growing very quickly and knowing we are helping kids and their families gives me a great sense of accomplishment,” says Mirchandani. “While I do not believe in perpetual handouts, it is necessary to provide assistance to the less fortunate in our society hoping to change their trajectory in life for a better tomorrow.” and W HEN ASH MIRCHANDANI CAME TO THE United States, he had a vision. It might not have seemed that way at the time, with just four bags and $180 in his pocket, but his faith and will allowed him to transform his goals into reality. Within a few months, he was hired as Assistant to the Director for the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation and worked in real estate on the weekends. May/June 2018 39