Another Indian American, Kiran Gill Named to Faith-Based Advisory Council

NEW YORK, NY (IANS) – After Indian American community leader Chandru Acharya, Kiran Kaur Gill, a Sikh, has been named to the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Faith-Based Security Advisory Council.

Gill is the Executive Director, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). At the Sikh-American advocacy organization based in Washington, Gill oversees programs related to policy, research, education, civic engagement, and youth leadership.

She was previously a volunteer for SALDEF conducting Sikh Awareness training around the country for schools, law enforcement and state/local government. She was actively involved in teaching Sikh history and kirtan.

Before SALDEF, Gill was the president and CEO of an environmental consulting firm in NJ. In 2014, she was selected as “Small Businessperson of the Year” by the US Small Business Administration.

The Faith-Based Security Advisory Council provides advice to the Secretary and other senior leadership on matters related to protecting houses of worship, preparedness, and enhanced coordination with the faith community.

“This Council is an important way for the Department to engage formally with critical partners on issues impacting faith communities,” said Brenda Abdelall, Assistant Secretary for Partnership and Engagement.

“Members of the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council will provide valuable insight that will benefit our stakeholders nationwide on important issues within the scope of the Department’s mission.”