NLC SacramentoProgram Administration, UC Davis Extension
Venita Sivamani, a California native, has focused her efforts on educational equity and leadership for nearly a decade. She has a keen passion for international education and closing the achievement gap locally and abroad. She currently supports continuing education certificate programs in the Business and Leadership Department at UC Davis Extension. Venita also coordinates the Northern California chapter of a non-profit organization working to change patterns of inequality through educational initiatives that support and empower youth affected by poverty and conflict in South Asia.
Before returning to the Sacramento region, Venita taught first grade for two years in one of the Bay Area’s lowest income school districts as a Teach For America corps member. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development at UC Davis in 2007. While an undergraduate, Venita received the Mary Jean Gilhooly Award for Most Outstanding Graduating Senior Woman and the College Medal.
In her spare time, Venita can be found on the dance floor. Professionally trained in classical South Indian dance, Bharatanatyam, Venita’s repertoire also includes Kathak, Bollywood, Salsa, and Polynesian dancing.