Born: I was born Jan. 3, 1981, in Mumbai, India.
Education: I earned a double bachelor’s degree in Spanish and economics, with a minor in business administration, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2003. Later, in 2011, I earned an MBA from Houston Baptist University.
When and how did you enter the recycling industry? I grew up in the industry and interned at my father’s scrap metal company—Ruby Metals Corp.—in high school. During my college years, my dad decided to sell the yard and go into strictly brokering metals. When I graduated, he asked me to join him, but I had dreams of being a lawyer. He asked me to try the business for six months. If I didn’t like it, he said, I could still pursue law school. So, I joined the company—Titan Metals Corp. —full time the Monday after I graduated, and I've worked in the industry ever since.
The first three years, I didn’t care for the business. Titan Metals was a small four-person operation and, being a social person, that didn’t sit well with me. But then things changed. At the end of 2006, Allied Alloys approached me with a job offer to help expand and grow its export business and handle the export documentation and logistics. Allied was much larger than Titan Metals, with a physical yard, more employees, and more action, so I jumped at the opportunity and fell in love with the business.
What was it about the industry that prompted you to build a career in it? During the economic recession of 2008-2009, Allied Alloys approached my father and me about buying a stake in the company and helping it reach the next level. That was when I knew this industry was for me. I thrived under that challenge and, within 24 months, we turned the company completely around.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Helping Allied Alloys reach a higher level of success definitely was one of the proudest moments of my professional career. I’m also proud of the leadership positions I’ve held—and continue to hold—in different ISRI groups, including GCR.
Personal achievements? I’ve done two eight-day fasts and one 11-day fast, consuming nothing but water, which were huge achievements for me. I also hold a yoga teaching certificate and a real estate license, and I’m pursuing my scuba diving certification.
What are you passionate about? Helping and uplifting others through my professional career, personal life, and community service. I love making a positive change in someone’s life. I’m also extremely passionate about learning. I love experiencing new things, taking continuous education courses, and checking items off my bucket list. Oh, I’m also passionate about Tex-Mex cuisine.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. I love to dance.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? I’d like to be more disciplined when it comes to fitness—to the point where I work out on a regular and consistent basis.
What do you like to do in your free time? I really enjoy cooking, dancing, swimming, roller skating, bowling, traveling, shooting pool, and spending time with my loved ones.
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and GCR? Allied Alloys joined ISRI about 11 years ago, but my family’s companies prior to Allied Alloys were always members of ISRI, back to the 1980s. We joined because ISRI provides the best networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, and educational content for our industry. There really isn’t another organization like ISRI.
What motivated you to become a GCR leader? I wanted to make a change and help diversify our chapter leadership. I’m such a strong believer in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I thought that if I could open that door, I could help future GCR leaders.
Which GCR leadership positions have you held thus far? All of them! I’m currently GCR President, which means I went through all the previous positions—Secretary/Treasurer, Second VP, and First VP—to get to this one. I also was GCR’s social media/PR chair when I first joined the board.
What benefits have you received from your GCR involvement? The top benefit is working with the GCR board of directors. The board members are just amazing. Every one of them is passionate about this industry, and I constantly learn from them. That is so invaluable. Also, my involvement introduced me to the world of ISRI on a national level. And, thanks to GCR, I have formed longstanding friendships and business relationships.
What leadership positions, if any, have you held on the ISRI national level? I helped relaunch ISRI’s Women in Recycling Council and co-chaired that group. I’m currently co-chair of the Education and Training Committee, co-chair of the Council of Chapter Presidents, and secretary of the Nonferrous Division. I also sit on the ISRI national board in my role as GCR President.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall recycling industry today? COVID-19! Just when we think we’re reaching the end of this pandemic, another variant comes along that’s worse than the previous one. Because of COVID, the entire industry has faced a severe shortage in labor, which has trickled down to all aspects of our business, from hiring to transportation. Although COVID has been one of the biggest challenges our industry has faced in a long time, I believe it has compelled us to think differently and more “outside the box.”
