In the rich agricultural heartland of California’s Central Valley, where resilience is woven into the soil and community is the core of life, a remarkable woman is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of public governance. Raji Kaur Brar, a proud first-generation Sikh American, has recently made history by becoming a Trustee on the California State University (CSU) Board — the governing body of the largest public higher education system in the United States.
Her appointment represents not just a professional achievement, but a cultural and social milestone for California. With nearly half a million students across 23 campuses, the CSU system shapes the future of countless lives, and Raji’s new role positions her at the helm of one of the most influential educational institutions in the nation. Her leadership brings a refreshing voice — one that understands the immigrant story, values community service, and is deeply committed to inclusive and equitable change.
From the Fields of Fresno to the Halls of Power
Raji’s story begins in Fresno County, where her parents, immigrants from Punjab, India, settled and worked as farm laborers. Like so many immigrant families, they faced countless challenges — language barriers, long working hours, and economic hardships — yet remained firmly rooted in the values of hard work, education, and perseverance. These early experiences would go on to shape Raji’s worldview, instilling in her a profound sense of purpose and pride in her heritage.
Later, the family moved to Bakersfield, a community that would become central to Raji’s life journey. Here, she attended school and eventually pursued higher education at California State University, Bakersfield. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology followed by a Master of Science in Health Care Administration. Her academic journey reflected a commitment to science, public service, and professional growth.
Her first role was as a Chemist at BC Laboratories, where she developed a foundation in discipline and analytical thinking. But Raji’s ambitions stretched beyond the lab. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to uplift her community, she pivoted into business — a move that would transform not only her own life, but those of hundreds around her.
A Visionary Entrepreneur with Community at Heart
Together with her family, Raji helped build Countryside Corporation — a dynamic, multi-faceted business that spans real estate development, farming, and food franchise operations. The corporation oversees a wide range of popular brands, including Subway, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Me-n-Ed’s Pizzeria, Countryside Markets, Countryside Car Wash, and Shell Gas Stations.
With over 500 employees across Kern and Tulare Counties, Countryside Corporation is not just a successful business; it’s a testament to how family values, entrepreneurial grit, and a commitment to community can create sustainable local impact. The company plays a vital role in job creation and economic development, especially in areas often overlooked in statewide conversations.
What makes Raji’s business success even more remarkable is that it has always been intertwined with service. Her approach to leadership emphasizes compassion and collective growth. From ensuring fair employment practices to actively supporting charitable initiatives, she has redefined what it means to be a business owner in today’s world.
Breaking Barriers in Public Service
In 2006, Raji shattered a significant glass ceiling when she became the first Sikh woman elected to a City Council seat in California. Her election to the Arvin City Council was historic — not only for the Sikh community but for women across the state, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. It sent a powerful message: representation matters, and change is possible.
Since then, Raji has continued to rise in influence, securing multiple appointments from the Governor of California — a rare distinction that signals her deep trustworthiness and policy expertise. Today, in addition to her recent appointment as a Trustee of the California State University system, she serves on several high-level boards that focus on education, economic policy, youth development, and civic planning.
Her presence on the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Kern High Foundation Board, and other strategic panels illustrates her commitment to shaping policies that reflect the diversity and complexity of California’s population. Whether it’s advocating for educational access, economic mobility, or workforce development, Raji brings both lived experience and sharp insight to the table.
Empowering Women and Giving Back Through Service
Among her many accomplishments, perhaps the most heartfelt is her co-founding of the Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association. This organization, which she considers her most meaningful board involvement, was created to support women in the Sikh community while addressing broader social issues like healthcare and education. The organization runs powerful initiatives like Kaur Care, which offers vital health screenings, and the BSWA Seva Scholarships, which have distributed over $250,000 to deserving students.
Since its launch, the association has grown into a community cornerstone and was recognized as Non-Profit of the Year by the California State Assembly. It provides not only services, but a sense of identity and belonging for many women who might otherwise feel invisible in mainstream spaces.
Through this work, Raji has become a role model — particularly for young Sikh girls — showing them that leadership, dignity, and strength are not only compatible with their culture but deeply rooted in it.
Leading with Purpose in Higher Education
As she steps into her new role as Trustee of the CSU system, Raji carries with her the voices and hopes of thousands of students who come from similar backgrounds — first-generation college attendees, children of immigrants, and those balancing multiple identities. She understands what it’s like to struggle, to rise, and to serve. And now, she’s bringing that understanding to one of the most powerful education platforms in the nation.
Her priorities are clear: improve access, promote inclusion, support first-generation students, and ensure that CSU remains a driver of upward mobility. Given her own journey through the CSU system, Raji knows just how transformative higher education can be — and she’s determined to ensure others receive the same opportunity.
Her leadership arrives at a crucial time. As conversations around equity, affordability, and systemic reform take center stage in higher education, Raji’s presence adds both authenticity and urgency to those debates. She’s not just another leader — she’s someone who has walked the path and is now lighting it for others.
A Legacy Still Unfolding
Raji Kaur Brar’s life is proof that leadership grounded in empathy, vision, and courage can drive transformative change. Her achievements are impressive, but what sets her apart is how deeply personal her mission is. She leads not for recognition, but for representation — not for power, but for progress.
In a world increasingly divided by status and privilege, Raji represents something rare: someone who bridges worlds. She is at once a businesswoman and a community advocate, a scientist and a servant leader, a Sikh woman proud of her heritage and a Californian dedicated to the state’s future.
As she continues to build her legacy — in boardrooms, city councils, campuses, and community halls — Raji remains a living testament to the power of possibility. For those watching her journey, one message rings clear: there is space for all of us at the table, and leaders like Raji are making sure the doors stay open.
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