The FLN is happy to welcome Kia Aghai, product manager at WARN Industries, as the network's newest select committee volunteer. Aghai will serve a two-year term, playing a critical role in helping future leaders advance in the specialty-equipment aftermarket.
Check out our recent interview with Aghai, below.
FLN: What inspired you to volunteer for the select committee and what are you hoping to gain from this experience?
Kia Aghai: After being a part of the FLN Professional Development Program and witnessing the benefits that came during and after the session, I was truly inspired to take the next step and get involved. Being surrounded by such amazing, driven, and like-minded individuals who were faced with varying challenges in a shared industry was an experience that I wanted to continue to be a part of. By volunteering for the select committee, I am hoping to not only excel my personal and professional growth, but I am hoping to be on the forefront of leading change, along with the development of new growth opportunities for other young leaders in the industry.
FLN: What impact do you hope to make?
KA: I want to maximize each and every opportunity to enhance my learning and growth such that I can cultivate an environment where resources and opportunities are available for all individuals interested in this industry. Ultimately, I want to create a platform that can give back to underserved communities with real engineering solutions specialized in the automotive segment with the help of individuals from all walks of life. Having come from a challenging background myself, it is of vital importance to provide a clear path for those of under-privileged and under-served communities where opportunities are not so readily available. This is the primary reason why making such an impact is very near and dear to my heart.
FLN: Tell us a fun fact about you to help us get to know you.
KA: Aside for my love for automotive design and Toyota Land Cruisers, I am extremely passionate about people, travel, the exploring of new countries, and languages. Having lived in different parts of the world as a greater part of my childhood, I was able to learn four major languages before the age of ten. The thought of being able to communicate with others using their native tongue no matter where I am in the world fascinates me. This is a big reason why I am always wanting to challenge myself to learn additional languages and/or gather experiences that will allow me to easily connect with others from different backgrounds.
In addition to Aghai, SBN welcomes back Nick Caloroso as FLN chair; chair-elect Matt Beenen, Builtright Industries, immediate past chair Kirstin Backes, SCT Performance; Jeffrey Banyas, Sisson IP Law; Jonathan M. Barber, Bob Cook Sales; Arun Coumar, Driven Automotive Group, Zach Denney, Wholesale Horsepower; Cesar Gracida, RK Sport; Jeremy Headlee, UTV Source; Jake Hopkins, FASS Diesel Fuel Systems; Dan LaRou, Chrome Enhancements/LKQ; Stephanie Ortega, 4WP Engineering; and Jerid Suchy, SCT Performance.