Meet The Board: Miraj Chokshi
Miraj Chokshi, the Chief Product Officer at Carallel, is a distinguished member of Prismatic’s Board of Directors. With a strong background in product management, design, and strategy, Miraj has made significant contributions to healthcare technology companies, including Wellable, Varsa Health, and Third Eye Health. His expertise in both product development and technology has been a driving force behind the creation of innovative and impactful solutions. Miraj holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Tufts University, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a specific focus on Neuroscience, from Loyola University Chicago. He is recognized for his dedication to addressing everyday challenges with top-tier solutions.
How did you get involved with Prismatic?
My first experience with Prismatic was as a volunteer. I volunteered through a recommendation from one of the Prismatic board members, Kate Wolin. Kate and I had previously collaborated while building her initial healthcare business during its early stages. I had the opportunity to share insights with high school students about my career journey, particularly the transition from my studies to my current profession.
Meeting high school students interested in learning about what I did was a great experience. Although I had engaged in volunteer work in the past, this was the first time it felt closely related to my upbringing. I grew up in Chicago as a South Asian kid, in an area where there weren't a lot of other kids who looked like me. However, I found a supportive environment that allowed me to develop as a person.
Prismatic's mission, which is deeply rooted in Chicago and dedicated to enhancing emotional intelligence (EQ) among young adults, was eye-opening. I didn't fully appreciate the importance of EQ until much later in life, during my time in graduate school, and why it's truly gratifying to be part of an organization like Prismatic.
What is one of your most memorable experiences in the classroom?
One of my most memorable classroom experiences was participating in a volunteer event focused on helping students find mission and career alignment. After the event, a student reached out to me, questioning whether college was the right path for his entrepreneurial aspirations. Offering guidance and insights, especially as I had been through a similar thought process, was incredibly fulfilling. It also highlighted the importance of having access to a supportive community and knowing how to effectively engage with members in that community. This requires a certain level of EQ to navigate successfully.
Why is it essential to teach EQ skills to young adults?
Research clearly shows how crucial EQ is, not just at work but in life overall. When we teach young adults about EQ beyond the regular curriculum, it can make a real impact, not just on their grades but on many aspects of their lives, well into the future.
EQ is something we value when hiring. It means being a good listener, empathetic, and understanding. These traits help in building trust, which is essential to our mission at Carallel, making caregiving easier. People who need assistance often hesitate to ask because it requires opening up and sharing personal, sometimes uncomfortable, information. This skill is key to reaching a point where you can support and assist others.
What excites you most about working with Prismatic and supporting its mission to leverage social-emotional learning to teach students important life skills?
What excites me the most about working with Prismatic and supporting its mission is our passionate team's ability to make a meaningful impact. We're enthusiastic about these programs for schools, ensuring that young adults benefit from valuable personal growth experiences. Moreover, our approach doesn't burden educators!
What truly excites me is our inclusivity. We're not limiting ourselves to specific student populations or schools. We're open to collaborating with any institution interested in embracing social-emotional learning. It's the prospect of making a broad and meaningful difference that fuels my excitement for working with Prismatic and continuing to support its mission.
What is your favorite self-care or community care practice, and why?
I enjoy cooking, working out, and meditating daily. It’s important to focus on yourself and slow down so that you can be your best self for yourself and others.
Ready to make a meaningful impact? Discover how you can contribute with Prismatic’s Turning Point Fund.