Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ankur Patel is a proud graduate of LAUSD (2003), UCLA (B.S. Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution - 2007), and CSUN (M.S. Interdisciplinary - 2014). His journey in education has been enriched by teaching English in South Korea and China from 2008 to 2010, where he broadened his perspective and gained invaluable international experience.

Ankur’s commitment to shaping young minds deepened while working as a graduate assistant to the esteemed civil rights activist Rev. James Lawson during his master's program. Under Rev. Lawson’s mentorship, Ankur honed his skills in leadership and education, further solidifying his dedication to positively impacting students' lives.

Since 2018, Ankur has been a dedicated public school substitute teacher in Los Angeles, actively contributing to the educational community as a member of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). His passion for public service is demonstrated through his work as a union organizer, public radio producer, and Neighborhood Council Treasurer.

In 2015, after running a strong campaign for District 3 in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Ankur began working with Board Member Scott Schmerelson as a School and Community Coordinator. Ankur’s strategic expertise later led him to serve as the Campaign Manager for Scott Schmerelson's successful 2020 LAUSD BD3 election.

Currently, Ankur is the Director of Outreach at the Hindu University of America, a position he has held since 2023, following his role as the Director of Advancement from 2019 to 2023. His diverse experiences in education, community organizing, and public service make him a uniquely qualified and visionary leader.