What is Kadam?
Kadam means “step” — and this gathering is about taking the next step forward in your journey as a Sikh leader, student, and changemaker.
Hosted by theUnited Sikh Movement (USM), Kadam is a one-day immersive professional development event designed to empower Sikh youth and young professionals with the tools, community, and inspiration to lead with Sikhi at the core in tech, business, and health career tracks.
Whether you are part of a Sikh Student Association (SSA), a young professional balancing work and Sikhi, or simply looking for connection and growth, Kadam is your space to reflect, learn, and take action.
Why Attend?
At Kadam, you’ll gain:
- Access to Mentors: Learn directly from accomplished Sikh professionals who can provide both career insights and spiritual guidance. A number of mentors have worked at and/or are currently working on Fortune 500 companies.
- Skill Development: Build the soft skills (networking, communication, leadership) and hard skills (industry-specific tutelage, strategic and critical thinking) that will elevate you in your career.
- Like-Minded Sangat: Surround yourself with ambitious, values-driven Sikh youth who are striving to succeed in their industries while staying rooted in Sikhi.
Event Details
- Who Should Attend: Sikh high school students (seniors only), undergraduate and graduate students, young professionals, and anyone passionate about excelling in a tech, business, or health career.
- What’s Included: Meals, workshop materials, and access to all sessions.
- Dress Code: Business casual (no jeans allowed).
- What to Bring: Notebook, pen, 5+ copies of your resumé, and an open mind!
Hourly Schedule
Day of Event
- 10:00a - 11:00a
- Check-In & Breakfast Networking
- Kick off the day with good food, friendly faces, and fresh connections. A relaxed start to meet mentors and peers before sessions begin.
- 11:00a - 12:30p
- Opening Session: Welcome, Ardaas, and a Fireside Chat
- Ground the day in reflection and inspiration through Ardaas, introductions, and an uplifting fireside chat with speakers sharing faith-driven career stories.
- 12:30p - 1:30p
- Lunch Break
- Recharge and connect over a catered lunch — a perfect time to meet new people across industries and share ideas before diving into workshops.
- 1:30p - 4:00p
- Industry Workshops (Healthcare • Technology • Business)
- Hands-on sessions led by mentors where participants tackle real-world challenges, collaborate, and gain insights into their fields of interest.
- 4:00p - 4:45p
- Q&A Panel: "Navigating the Early Career Journey"
- An open, honest conversation with professionals on career growth, grad school, and finding balance — your chance to ask what really matters.
- 4:45p - 5:00p
- Closing Remarks & Open Networking
- Wrap up with gratitude, connection, and reflection — closing Ardaas and final networking to spark lasting mentorships beyond Kadam.