Volunteer Spotlight: Meelendra Singh ’20
Meet Meelendra Singh ’20, Chair, Alumni Advisory Board & Co-lead, Supply Chain Professional Alumni Group. In this Volunteer Appreciation Week Spotlight, Singh shares favorite moments and advice for alumni looking to get involved.
What inspired you to become a SOM alumni volunteer?
I had the opportunity to serve as my class senator, representing a cohort of over 60 MAM students. That experience allowed me to represent the program within the broader Yale community and see how welcoming and strong the Yale network really is. It made me want to stay connected, not just to keep learning but also to meet people from different parts of Yale and hear new perspectives.
The SOM staff were also incredibly supportive (especially during the pandemic) of everything we did. That stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to continue being part of that community. Volunteering felt like the obvious next step.
I want to give a shoutout to the SOM team who make it happen! BIG Thank you to Courtney Lightfoot, Erica Egan, Shannon English, Kate Navarro, Johanna Tondalo, Kelsey Abbott and the entire SOM staff for all the support.
Also, a big thank you to my mentors Lee Race, Jill Bauman, and Victor Padilla. Your leadership and commitment to volunteering have been inspiring, and I have learned a lot from you.
What has been your favorite moment as a SOM volunteer?
I am lucky because my favorite moments happen every year when I attend the on-campus board meetings. New Haven has been special to me since 2016, when I first came to campus. Coming back each year feels like a bit of a ritual.
I enjoy reconnecting with the SOM staff, listening to Dean Kerwin Charles speak, and spending time with students. I also like walking around campus and trying new places to eat. For what it is worth, the Jha-Sha Curry at the Tibetan cafe is a must try.
What advice would you give to alumni who are thinking about getting involved?
Do not wait. Just get started. There are so many ways to get involved, from mentoring and giving to hosting events, joining alumni groups, or participating in campus activities.
The SOM community is strong and supportive, and it is easy to underestimate how much impact you can have. Every alumnus matters and every effort counts. Even a small but consistent contribution can go a long way. You did not come to SOM just to study. You came to build a community, so stay connected and be part of it.
Yale School of Management alumni volunteers play a vital role in strengthening our global community. Discover how you can get involved and make an impact as a Yale SOM alumni volunteer.
