The Community Foundation’s Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Events, Amanda Bomfim, recently spoke with Sumeet Shrivastava, President and CEO of Unissant, about his recognition as the 2023 Community Leadership Award honoree. Sumeet possesses great humility and grace; indeed, when he learned he would be the 2023 Raise the Region Gala’s honoree, he was blown away. “It’s not something you expect,” he told Amanda.
Q. Sumeet, tell me about your initial reactions to being honored.
A. I attended my first Gala the year prior and, leading up to my nomination, I became familiar with the legacy of the Community Foundation and the people previously recognized. I felt imposter syndrome when I realized I would be honored in 2023.
I have the book The Fight for Fairfax by Russ Banham on my shelf. I am constantly inspired by the “architects of change” spotlighted in the book, and I made the connection that those community champions are why I, my family, and our community are here. I couldn’t believe I was in the same conversation as these visionaries, who were also Community Leadership honorees.
Q. After receiving your award, are you still motivated to contribute to the community?
A. I retired in October 2021, feeling finished with work. In retirement, I dove into Board work at the George Mason University Foundation, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, all of which I continue to serve.
While reflecting on my journey at the 2023 Raise the Region Gala, I realized I wasn’t done yet. Receiving the award made me consider how much more my family and I could do together and individually. I realized I missed helping people every day like in my former career. Government contractors help people in their everyday lives, and I realized there is still a chance to get back in and contribute to the region. That brought me to my current position at Unissant.
Q. What advice do you have for future award winners?
A. The beauty of previous winners and future honorees is that they have paved their own pathways. There is no equal or unequal impact. Their level of impact is unquantifiable, but having gone through the journey, I would tell people to open their hearts. You are here because everyone around you has been impacted by your work. Recognize that, and recognize this award as a step along the same journey. Be prepared to impact more lives. I see this as a launchpad to realize that you have the capacity and capability to do more.
Join the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia at Our Raise the Region Gala
Every year, the Community Leadership Award is presented at the Community Foundation’s Raise the Region Gala. This award is presented to someone for their outstanding community service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all Northern Virginians. The 2024 Raise the Region Gala honors Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine.
We hope you will join us on Friday, October 18th at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for the 2024 Raise the Region Gala. To learn more about Raise the Region, visit our website.
Questions?
