About Shukoor

Shukoor is an example of the American dream being alive and well. He came to this country as an immigrant from India a little over 18 years ago, with just $500 in his pocket. Since then he has been able to start a family with his wonderful wife, get a post graduate degree, and build his own company from the ground up.

Before coming here, Shukoor’s parents instilled the value of getting an education, which is why upon arrival, he completed his Bachelors in Computer Science (he later went on to complete his masters in Public Policy from American University). He then worked in the travel industry where he learned the basics of customer-service. It is also where he was able to hone his listening skills, believe him, the only thing worse than getting your flight cancelled is dealing with the person who just had his flight cancelled.

From the start, Shukoor also immersed himself in community service, working with several non-profits, social organizations and faith groups. In fact, between 1992 and 2002 he volunteered on average, 20 hours a week with such causes. Some of these groups included Lutheran Social Services, Winter Haven Homeless Shelter, Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross.

Shukoor and his wife have two daughters, both of whom attend local public schools. As mentioned earlier, education is a priority with Shukoor, and he has, figuratively speaking, put his money where his mouth is by serving on local PTAs.

Shukoor also developed an interest early on, in the Democratic Party. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working as or with:

• Joe Lieberman for President (Maryland State Chair, 2004)
  
  
• Jack Johnson for County Executive (Technology Director, 2002)
  
  
• Bill Bradley for President (Field Director, 2000)
  
  
• Honorable John Giannetti, Delegate (Legislative Aide/Intern, 1999)
  
  
• Governor Oden Bowie Democratic Club (Vice President, 1994-96)

Shukoor knows what its like to have a dream or come up with an idea and make it a reality. In early 2000 he started his own Information Technology company, a period which happened to coincide with the bursting of the tech bubble. Lacking the necessary connections to raise crucial venture capital, he refused to give up. Over 60 financial institutions turned him down but he kept plugging away. After running for State Delegate in 1998, he realized some of the challenges ordinary citizens face in identifying and contacting their elected representatives. This observation led to his company developing a web application that facilitated the process. He eventually turned that project into a non-profit itself and it is now known as www.statedemocracy.com

Shukoor is proud of the growth of his company, which currently employs 92 workers. He hung in there through the lean years when there were 12 quarters of consecutive losses. As of early January 2004, his company has enjoyed 10 straight quarters of 300% growth (each quarter). His employees have shared in the rewards, in fact 28% of his company is employee-owned and all workers and their dependents enjoy 100% health coverage.

In a competitive marketplace, Shukoor firmly believes, it is the people in a company that make the difference.

Thus, Shukoor knows what its like to wage an uphill battle, to fight for what you believe, and above all else, never, ever, lose hope and faith in yourself. It is with the same energy and enthusiasm that he enters this race for state delegate. He has always believed in the American dream and it has never failed him. He now asks the citizens of District 23A to believe in him, he won’t fail you.