Hema Sareen Mohan is a distinguished social worker, former nonprofit executive, and esteemed senior aide in the California Senate. Notably, she is also the spouse of Neal Mohan, recently appointed as the CEO of YouTube, the renowned video-sharing platform. This article endeavors to delve into the life and accomplishments of Hema Sareen Mohan, who has stood as a steadfast supporter and integral partner in her husband’s illustrious career.
Early Life and Education
Hema Sareen Mohan was born and raised in New York, United States of America, hailing from a family with Indian roots deeply entrenched in the medical profession. Her parents, Dr. Aditya Mohan and Dr. Deepa Mohan, immigrated to the US from Lucknow, India. Hema’s family includes two brothers-in-law, Kapil Mohan and the late Anuj Mohan, who tragically passed away in 2006 due to a brain infection following a drowning incident in a swimming pool.
Educationally, Hema pursued her passion for public policy and social justice, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Hunter College and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. From a young age, she harbored aspirations of effecting positive change on a global scale.
Career and Achievements
For over two decades, Hema Sareen Mohan has dedicated her career to the nonprofit and public sectors, shaping policies and initiatives for societal betterment. Commencing her journey at the Vera Institute of Justice, a renowned New York-based nonprofit focused on policy and research, she contributed her expertise for a span of seven years. During her tenure, she spearheaded a training program aimed at equipping school-based law enforcement officers with positive behavior support strategies for students. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in developing an alternative-to-detention program tailored for immigrants entangled in deportation proceedings.
Subsequently, Hema transitioned to California, where she devoted a decade to serving in key capacities within the California State Senate and the County of Santa Clara. Focusing primarily on education and juvenile justice reform, she played an instrumental role in shaping significant legislative measures. Notably, she championed the passage of groundbreaking state laws that redefined kindergarten entry age and introduced transitional kindergarten within California’s public school system. Furthermore, she ardently advocated for the rights and well-being of children and youth navigating the foster care system.
Presently, Hema holds positions on the board of various esteemed organizations, including the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) at Stanford University. IRiSS stands as a distinguished research center dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge on social and economic issues. Additionally, she serves as a board member for CalMatters, a nonprofit journalism entity covering California politics and policy, as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, an organization committed to providing academic and enrichment programs for underprivileged children and teenagers.
Personal Life and Interests
Hema Sareen Mohan shares her life with Neal Mohan, who has held the esteemed position of Chief Product Officer at YouTube since 2015. Neal, an Indian-American and an alumnus of Stanford University, embarked on his journey with Google in 2008 following the acquisition of his previous venture, DoubleClick, by the tech giant. Renowned as one of the most influential figures in the online advertising realm, Neal’s talents were so highly sought after that Google tendered a remarkable $100 million offer in 2013 to dissuade him from joining Twitter.
The Mohan household, nestled in the Bay Area, is blessed with the presence of three children—a loving blend of two sons and a daughter. Together, Hema and Neal actively engage in philanthropic endeavors and community initiatives, enriching the lives of those around them. Beyond her role as a dedicated wife and mother, Hema is a published poet, earning recognition as a finalist for the esteemed San Mateo County Poet Laureate title. In her leisure moments, she finds solace in the realms of literature, writing, and exploring new destinations alongside her cherished family.
Hema Sareen Mohan epitomizes the essence of a modern-day matriarch, gracefully navigating the intricacies of her professional and personal spheres with unwavering dedication. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless young women aspiring to carve their paths and effect positive change in the world. Furthermore, her unwavering support and love for Neal Mohan reflect a partnership poised to steer YouTube towards unprecedented realms of innovation and accomplishment.
