Alumni Spotlight - Sumit Karn

Update, February 2024: Since graduating from EvCC in 2015, Sumit completed his undergraduate degree in Strategic Communication at Washington State University and then later moved to New York to pursue his master's degree in the International Educational Development program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education at Columbia University, where he studies educational inequities and public opinion's impact on education-related policy-making in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in South Asia, discerning the sociopolitical, economic, and religious forces that shape these opinions and, in turn, influence the consequential decision-making processes. 

As part of EvCC's new international alumni advisory board, Sumit has this to say about his EvCC experience: "My time at EvCC was transformative, with professors and staff who extended genuine care and commitment beyond academics, fostering meaningful connections and providing enduring mentorship, all within a supportive environment that continues to positively impact my life, to this very day."

Learn more at www.sumitkarn.com 

Original Spotlight: September 2019

Sumit Karn believes that studying at EvCC was his destiny. In 2008, he moved to Delhi, India to pursue higher education. While in India, he applied for a Fulbright fellowship to study journalism, resulting in his placement at EvCC. “Struggling against the cycle of poverty, I found that journalism can play a significant role in creating change,” he says. Today, Sumit works for Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services, helping clients with resources and mental support. His work with community organizations recently resulted in his recognition as one of 2019’s Emerging Leaders of Snohomish County. Sumit advises current students: “EvCC is full of resources, so utilize them—find mentors who can steer you in the right direction. Join clubs and you’ll also learn about leadership skills while making lifelong friends.”

What is your current occupation/career?

Since February 2016, I have been working full-time as a Health Care Aide Specialist with Steps Toward Independence, an agency of the Department of Social and Health Services in Washington State. Steps is a local agency where many of my current clients have been sexually assaulted early in their lives. Having survived this trauma causes many of our clients to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and as a result of their medical condition, they need additional support in developing life skills, finishing school, and eventually finding employment. 

Most of my clients used to live on the streets, in mental institutions, and some even were in jail. On a daily basis, we support them to apply for the GED or high school diploma, and go to the library with them where we help them read books and newspapers. We help them look for job opportunities and work with their case managers to find job coaches. For the last three and a half years, I have been working with these clients and have been providing resources and mental support, so they can transition to society.

This work has given me great insight into the sense of building a community. What I relish the most about my work is that I get to assist people to improve their lives and health, and support them with their education which, in turn, helps them to alleviate their poverty. 

How did you choose EvCC?

Studying at Everett Community College was destiny for me. In 2008, I moved to Delhi, India to pursue higher education at the University of Delhi and met my mentor, Ajay Sahai. Ajay was a diplomat who had left his job to support slum areas in India. For almost three years, we traveled to these areas, teaching English and mathematics to women and children. Together, we enrolled hundreds of students in primary and secondary schools and helped women learn their rights. 

Struggling against the cycle of poverty, I found that journalism can play a significant role in creating change. As a child, I wrote detailed diaries and continued this habit of organizing my thoughts through written words. Following the advice of Ajay, I applied for the Community College for International Development Fellowship offered by the Fulbright program to study journalism. U.S. Department of State placed me and six other fellows from different countries at Everett Community College. 

After completing my year-long CCID Fellowship at EvCC in May 2013, I accepted a full-time position to work on the Ananya 3SI project so I could return to my hometown to raise awareness while eradicating sanitation issues. 

Ananya 3SI (Supporting Sustainable Sanitation Improvements) was sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and coordinated by a local non-profit organization within India. As the head of this project, my responsibility was to increase awareness among villagers about the importance of sanitation, as well as collaborate with other organizations such as Water for People and individual consultants to develop ideas for building low-cost personal-use toilets for the people of the Nalanda and Patna districts, just 85 miles from my hometown.

In 2014, I decided to return to EvCC to finish my education. I received an associate’s degree in Journalism in June 2015. 

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career? 

Absolutely! I met some truly remarkable instructors and mentors at Everett Community College who guided me to serve for the common good. At Everett Community College, I worked for the student-run newspaper, The Clipper, and reported on some important issues related to the college administration. I also advocated for students through serving on two committees: Student Involvement and Textbook Alternative. In addition, I worked as a student senator and was involved with several clubs at EvCC such as SEA club, M.E.Ch.A. club, and International Club. With them, I did several hours of community service. In 2014, I was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Student of the Year Award.

I have always felt compelled to participate in service projects that enhance communities and raise individuals out of unhealthy conditions related to poverty. My experiences with student senate and student clubs provided me the leadership skills that I continue to utilize in my work. 

What did you do after leaving EvCC?

Considering my interest in tackling social issues, I further pursued a degree in Integrated Strategic Communication at Washington State University. The combination of a journalism and communication degree offered me a greater understanding of research, strategic communication, and has further developed my public presentation skills. These lend themselves to my goals to provide impartial and objective dissemination of knowledge as I shine a light on the obligations and duties of those in authority for the betterment of the society.

I continue to identify issues related to poverty and work to raise others out of their particular situations. In 2016, I founded Pacific Willow, a non-profit organization to further enhance the accessibility of education for students in Washington State. Serving as a voice for students proved to be immensely satisfying for me. It was gratifying to continue this work as the Director of Legislative Affairs for ASWSU Everett where I organized events such as “Coug Day at the Capitol” and lobbied for accessible and affordable education. 

I was also recently selected as one of the 2019 IEP (Institute for Economics and Peace) Ambassadors. In this capacity, I will be working with the Rotary International on the United Nation’s sustainable development goals and will eventually present my project to a local Rotary group.

For the past four years, I have also been heavily involved for the betterment of our community while associating with many organizations such as: Leadership Snohomish County, Rotaract Club of Snohomish County, and United Way of King County, etc. Recently, I was recognized as one of the Emerging Leaders of the Snohomish County by the Herald Business Journal, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, and other community partners. 

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you? 

Many people were my mentors and showed me the right path at Everett Community College. But my gratitude knows no bounds, especially for Jason Smith, Dean for Health Sciences and Public Safety and Molly Beeman, Sustainability and Resource Conservation Manager. I met Jason when I was working with him on a hiring committee for the Chief Diversity Officer. And Molly was my boss when I worked in the facilities department. While at EvCC, I have had hours and hours-long conversations with these two people. Both of them have always been there for me. Jason continues to mentor me even to this day. Anything that I may achieve in life, I give credit to these two wonderful mentors. 

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

Everett Community College is full of resources, so utilize them! Find mentors who can steer you in the right direction. Join clubs so you can learn about the community building and make lifelong friends. Work with the student government so you can develop the necessary leadership skills. And, while at EvCC, enjoy your time!