Meet the team
Everyone here grew up between languages
Each of us shares a childhood photo and the story behind it, because that is where RootED started.
The founders
Where it all started
Sony Gajjala
CEOThe story behind the photo
“This is me on my first day of school in America. I didn’t know how to speak English yet, so I was nervous about what to expect and how I would fit in. My dad surprised me with chocolates to make me feel more comfortable and excited for my first day. Looking back, it’s a small moment that reminds me how much the little things can mean when you’re starting over in a new country.”
RootED value
RootED is Sony’s way of helping children growing up between cultures feel that same love, connection and sense of belonging, by preserving the languages and stories that connect them to their families and heritage.
Nelly Tehrani
CPOThe story behind the photo
An immigrant mom, teaching her mixed-race daughter Farsi at home, one word at a time. Her photo and story are on their way.
Batisse Kashanchi
CTOThe story behind the photo
Second-gen Iranian, raised a step removed from a language and culture he is eager to retain. His photo and story are on their way.
The broader team
Growing RootED alongside the founders
More hands, more languages, more stories.
Ailyn Song
ResearchThe story behind the photo
“This is me as a little girl hiking in the mountains near my home in China, proudly holding a fan featuring the Beijing Olympic mascots. My parents and grandparents have always loved hiking, so I practically grew up in the mountains. We would sometimes spend a day hiking across different mountain ranges. I was always an annoyingly energetic and adventurous kid.”
RootED value
Growing up with multiple languages, names and cultures taught Ailyn that language carries family stories, traditions and memories. Through RootED, she hopes to help children hold on to those connections and feel they belong to all the worlds they come from.
Jenn Umanzor
MarketingThe story behind the photo
“I love the smile in this photo because I know I lost it for a while. My immigrant mom was always working so I spent a lot of time alone; as English took over, I lost my family’s language along the way. Reclaiming it as an adult has helped me understand who I was and who I am and brought that smile back.”
RootED value: Identity
“I know how much staying connected to your language can matter to feeling like yourself. I’m helping build RootED so children can grow up connected to their language and who they are, with support that fits the lives of working families like mine.”