2025 Alumni Award Winner, Atul Kapoor, On Paying It Forward

My fellow alums know that being part of NAF is special. It has helped us chart a future with endless possibilities and build the confidence to explore any opportunity. 

For me, this all started in the NAF Academy of Finance and Enterprise in Queens, New York, where I especially loved meeting business professionals. These professionals play a vital role in serving on advisory boards, mentoring students, and providing internship opportunities. 

One leader who stood out was an executive vice president at Citigroup named Vik Atal. He was also chair of the New York City NAF Advisory Board. When he came to speak to us about his career, I thought — “There’s an Indian man who made it in finance. That’s who I want to be.”

I wanted a real bridge between my classroom and workplaces like Vik’s. I knew other schools had advisory boards, so I kept nudging my principal, Gilberto Vega, about creating one — and his response stuck with me. He said, “If you want one, take the lead.” 

So, I figured it out. Principal Vega was right there to support me. He didn’t tell me exactly what steps to follow; he just made it clear that he was there if I ran into any problems. 

The experience of starting a NAF advisory board, of diving into something brand-new, was pivotal. It would set the stage for my future — as a three-time entrepreneur. You see, finance wasn’t the only field that sparked my interest.

NAF gave me the building blocks to start my own business. With all of our business plans competitions, the face-to-face interactions with business professionals, and guidance from mentors in the classroom… I was ready! 

It was just like I was back in high school, figuring out how to launch that advisory board. I didn’t have step-by-step instructions. But I had initiative, self-direction, and problem-solving skills — all critical Future Ready Skills I honed with NAF. And I had close relationships with peers and mentors to support me along the way.

Fast forward to today, I can proudly say that I have launched a software consulting company, an e-commerce business, and even a restaurant.

And now, I get to pay it forward. Not only can I bring on NAF students as interns, but just like Vik Atal, I also became the co-chair of the NYC Advisory Board. We’re creating summer programs about entrepreneurship and cybersecurity and bringing financial literacy programs back to my high school. I hope to be the kind of role model Vik was, and the kind of mentor Principal Vega was, for students like me. 

This full-circle experience has been so rewarding. I am one of many individuals who benefit from NAF’s inspiring programs as a student, and later return as mentors, staff, or partners to contribute to the mission of making today’s students future ready.

NAF made me future ready, and I am so grateful to be part of this community.

Thank you.