FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com DECEMBER 18, 2014 • THE COURIER SUN 17 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS BACKGROUND: Vedesh Persaud, 28, was born in Guyana and moved to the U.S. with his family in 1996. He grew up in Queens, and it was only at the age of 18, when he went to college, that he stepped out of the borough for the fi rst time since moving here. Nowadays, he does that more often as his position as a project manager for the city’s Economic Development Corporation takes him all over the city. He lives in Jamaica and likes its liveliness and the blend of different cultures, but, he says, he has a “warm connection” to Richmond Hill. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Persaud started volunteering at the Indo- Caribbean Alliance (ICA) for “selfi sh” reasons, he said. Four years ago, he needed something to take his mind off the stress of his 24/7 job at John F. Kennedy Airport. Once he got involved, however, that changed. In 1996 he was in the same situation now faced by many of today’s immigrants, and he realized he had a lot to offer them. He launched a tutoring program for high school students who need help with subjects such as mathematics, English, science and Spanish. He was also involved with a program for recent immigrants who need mentorship. Two weeks ago, he was elected and appointed to his current position, which focuses more on fundraising and overseeing the ICA’s programs. But he does see himself continuing as a tutor. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: “I feel close to the youth leadership program,” Persaud said. “We make a difference in the lives of the mentees — in social skills, character building, academic improvement — and the results are tangible. Being able to have an impact on individuals while giving back to the community is the greatest achievement.” BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “You put a lot of hard work into a program, do it pro bono, but you have to make individuals aware it exists and see to it that the program reaches the people who need it,” Persaud said. “Also, getting volunteers to conduct the program.” INSPIRATION: “I strongly feel that I wouldn’t be the individual I am today without my parents. They came from humble beginnings. To make something out of nothing, while letting their kids explore their horizons. They always taught me to push the boundaries. They said, ‘Do more than you think you can.’” By Asha Mahadevan brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens VEDESH PERSAUD VICE CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS INDO-CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE CUTLER’S LIGHTING Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES Holiday Sale Now through New Years 20-50% OFF NOW THROUGH NEW YEARS On YELLOW tagged Items ON SELECT ITEMS AND SINGLE PIECES this LED bulb will still be saving you money. 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. $150.00 max for discount. Excludes Repairs, Refi nishing, Rewiring. Exp. 12/31/2014 LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 12 years from now, CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING FOLLOW US ON SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS: CHRISTMAS EVE: 9am – 8pm CHRISTMAS DAY: 10am – 4pm FRIDAY DEC 26: 12pm – 10pm NEW YEAR’S EVE: 10am – 6pm NEW YEAR’S DAY: 12pm – 8pm *Rescued mill dogs not included in adoption special. AnimalLeague.org 1.877.4.SAVE.PET North Shore Animal League America has hundreds of puppies, kittens, cats and dogs to choose from! Mixed-breed, purebred, small breeds too! PORT WASHINGTON LOCATION ONLY 25 DAVIS AVE. PORT WASHINGTON, NY
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