Today we’d like to introduce you to Sagar Patagundi
Hi Sagar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in a small, rural town in Karnataka, South India, where I was born. I spent my early years in bustling Mumbai before my family and I moved to the U.S. on a visitor’s visa when I was just 11 years old. We arrived in Miami in 2002, filled with hope, but my father’s attempt to secure a work permit was denied. His visa was revoked, and by 2005, he was stuck in India, separated from us. With my father unable to return, our family was left undocumented, navigating a new country without legal status.
I finished middle and high school in South Florida, but quickly realized that without proper documentation, college seemed like an unattainable dream. At 17, after graduating high school, I reached out to a family friend who offered to help—but there was a catch. I had to move to a small, rural town in Eastern Kentucky. Grateful for the chance, I packed up my things and, along with my older brother, embarked on this uncertain journey.
Life in Kentucky wasn’t easy. I worked long hours at hotels, six days a week, juggling day, evening, and night shifts. But I was determined. I enrolled in a local university and pushed forward, knowing that opportunities were scarce for someone in my position. Soon, I realized that bigger opportunities awaited in Louisville, and at 20, I moved there, knowing I could build something more.
Meanwhile, my family faced heartbreaking decisions. My mother had to choose between staying with my brothers and me in the U.S. or reuniting with my father in India. After years of separation, we encouraged her to return to him, despite knowing she’d be barred from coming back to the U.S. for a decade. In 2011, she left, leaving my brothers and me to chart our own paths in Louisville.
In Louisville, I found my voice. I became deeply involved in immigrant rights, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+, and women’s rights movements. Driven by my own experiences, I founded F.I.R.E. (Fighting for Immigrant Rights & Equality), a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe spaces for undocumented youth pursuing higher education. Through F.I.R.E., I shared my story at universities, the ACLU, the Muhammad Ali Center, and even the Kentucky Capitol. My work eventually caught the attention of the White House, where I was nominated for Immigrant Heritage Month.
Despite my contributions, I didn’t qualify for financial aid. Desperate to continue my education, I created a GoFundMe campaign, and with the support of my community, I graduated debt-free. In response to my work, the University of Louisville established the Sagar Patagundi Alumni Scholarship to help undocumented and underprivileged students attend college tuition-free—a testament to the impact of my journey.
In 2012, I was granted DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a life-changing moment that finally allowed me to work legally and gain financial independence. With DACA in hand, I rapidly ascended the corporate ladder, eventually landing a position at a major tech company in Los Angeles. I embraced life fully—pursuing passions like music, acting, and the vibrant culture of LA.
But as my corporate career flourished, I found myself searching for deeper meaning. I realized that true fulfillment came from making an impact on others, particularly people like me who had faced similar struggles. That’s when I discovered Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. I knew I had found my calling—to build opportunities and pipelines for others. In 2022, I transitioned to a lead DEI strategy role at the tech company then in 2023 I joined the largest airline company, leaving behind my tech career.
In 2019, my father’s green card, which he had applied for as a backup plan in 2005, was finally approved. This allowed my mother to return to the U.S. in July 2023, reuniting our family after more than a decade. While my parents were overjoyed to be back together, there was also sadness—they had missed seeing their children grow into adults, build careers, and create lives of their own. Still, it was a profound joy to show them what my brothers and I had accomplished.
Looking back, I see a life of resilience and gratitude. I bought my first house at 25 and now manage a real-estate portfolio, including multiple Airbnbs and long-term rentals. I’m also married to the love of my life, a renowned celebrity makeup artist from LA. My mother, upon her return, gained not only her sons but also two incredible daughters.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m struck by the thought: “I did what I needed to survive, but looking back, this was no ordinary life.” These experiences, though challenging, shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for every obstacle, every helping hand, and every opportunity to rise above.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The journey has been filled with countless obstacles, both personal and professional, but each challenge has shaped who I am today.
One of the earliest and most significant struggles was when my family lost its legal status in the U.S. My father, who was our main support system, was stuck in India, leaving my mother, my brothers, and me behind in a foreign country. We were undocumented and lived in constant fear of deportation. It was a tough reality to face as a young teenager. I couldn’t apply for college or scholarships, I couldn’t get a drivers license and have a car like my classmates. Many doors seemed closed simply because of my status.
Another big hurdle came when my mom had to leave the U.S. in 2011 to reunite with my father after years of separation. My brothers and I had to grow up fast and take care of ourselves without the comfort of having parents nearby. We were in survival mode, working long hours to make ends meet and trying to stay on track with our education, all while navigating life as undocumented immigrants. Those years tested my endurance and emotional strength in ways I never imagined.
Even when I got DACA, though it was a huge relief, it didn’t magically erase all the struggles. I still carried the weight of the uncertainty about my future. DACA is not a permanent solution, and I knew at any moment it could be taken away. The limitations it imposed—like not being able to travel freely or apply for certain opportunities—were constant reminders that my life was still precarious.
Professionally, breaking into the corporate world while being an immigrant and a person of color brought its own set of challenges. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself and often felt the pressure of being the only one in certain spaces. But the toughest part was trying to find meaning in a world that wasn’t always built for people like me. It wasn’t until I discovered DEI that I found my true calling and a place where I could channel my struggles into purpose.
Ultimately, the struggles have been many—navigating the uncertainty of my legal status, the emotional toll of family separation, the financial hardship, and the constant need to prove myself in spaces where I wasn’t always welcomed. But each one of these challenges taught me resilience, and they pushed me to fight harder, not only for myself but for others who face similar barriers. Looking back, the road may not have been smooth, but it’s certainly been worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), focusing on creating pathways for underrepresented groups in the workplace and beyond. Currently, I lead DEI strategy at one of the largest airline companies, where my role involves implementing programs, policies, and initiatives that foster inclusivity, provide equitable opportunities, and ensure that diverse voices are represented at every level. My goal is to create environments where people from all backgrounds can thrive, and I’m passionate about challenging the systems that prevent that from happening.
My work often involves strategic leadership—whether it’s creating hiring pipelines for marginalized communities, improving retention rates for employees of color, or developing programs that support intersectionality in the workplace. I’m known for not just advocating for change but actually implementing it, whether through building partnerships, collaborating with employee resource groups, or speaking directly with executives about the critical importance of DEI initiatives.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on individuals who have felt unseen or marginalized. I’ve helped companies not only understand the value of diversity but also build sustainable systems to support it long term. The scholarship established in my name at the University of Louisville is a reflection of my commitment to opening doors for others who face the same obstacles I did. Creating the Sagar Patagundi Alumni Scholarship to aid undocumented and underprivileged students remains one of my proudest accomplishments, as it gives young people the chance to access education without the financial barriers that I faced.
What sets me apart from others in this field is my personal journey. Being undocumented for much of my life and navigating the complexities of being an immigrant has given me a deep, personal understanding of the struggles many people face. I’m not just talking about inclusion and equity from a theoretical perspective—I’ve lived through it. This lived experience allows me to connect with individuals on a more human level and inspires me to fight for real change because I know what’s at stake.
Additionally, my ability to navigate both corporate environments and grassroots community activism gives me a unique perspective. Whether I’m addressing executives in a boardroom or speaking at a community event, I understand how to build bridges between people, institutions, and policies. My work is about more than just numbers or initiatives—it’s about creating genuine, lasting change that transforms lives.
In short, I specialize in building inclusive cultures, but I do so with the perspective of someone who has faced and overcome immense challenges. What sets me apart is that my passion for this work is rooted in personal experience, and I’m committed to ensuring that no one else has to go through what I did to succeed.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I speak 3 different languages, even with all the grind hustle. I make sure to enjoy life for all it has to offer. If you don’t find me in the gym, you can find me in the ocean surfing, or during the winter in the mountains snowboarding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sagar.ishwar_
