Many have asked, “How is that pronounced?” The answer is Aum (Ohm or Omm). Aum is a symbol (it’s the M in our Aum logo). It is a sacred sound generally known as the sound of the universe. It is often chanted to bring about empowerment from within. We believe that it is only natural that as an organization whose mission is to EMPOWER, our name means exactly that!
Since our first cohort, the Aum Foundation has grown to include three Pathway Programs at high schools in Decatur, Athens,Huntsville, Madison, and Selma, Alabama. The Aum Foundation is committed to the empowerment of all women. We encourage our program participants to pursue their individual definition of success.
In 2016, Aum Foundation started the Pathway 2 Success program with a group of high school seniors from Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama. We thought only two would be interested, but ten young ladies joined the program. We quickly realized these students' need for educational and emotional support ran deeper than expected.
Whether attending a two-year college, a four-year college, a trade school, or going straight to the workforce; our goal is for each of our young ladies to stand on their own and give back to their community. We hope all that has been poured into our young ladies will be paid forward. We have coined the Aum Effect in honor of one woman's commitment to helping another in need.
Originally from India, Alka Bhargav (BAR-gov), is a social entrepreneur who has become an integral figure in the Huntsville business and nonprofit communities.
Alka’s many years of HR experience gave her keen insight into what companies look for in high-potential employees. For many years, Alka desired to match that knowledge with her own life experiences to empower young women from under-resourced backgrounds to dream big and create a path to achieve generational prosperity. In her free time, Alka likes to dive into a good book, cook delicious meals, or try out the latest interior decorating trends.
The dream became reality
Girls reached across Alabama
In 2016, Aum Foundation started the Pathway 2 Success program with a group of high school seniors from Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama. We thought only two would be interested, but ten young ladies joined the program. We quickly realized these students' need for educational and emotional support ran deeper than expected.
Alka also has served on numerous boards including Drake State Foundation, New Futures, the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board, and the North Alabama Society of Human Resource Management. She also served as President of the Women's Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation Board in 2017, and she is completing her term as the Chair of Women's Business Council.
Additionally, Alka enjoys giving back to the community through volunteer work for Habitat to Humanity, the American Heart Association, Asha Kiran, and more. In 2020, Alka was recognized as the Woman of the Year by the Psi Alpha Zeta chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. In 2022, Alka was Honored to be recognized as a Change Maker by the Alabama Women's Foundation.
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