Who is Vinay Merchant?

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, I am a first generation Indian. Denver houses a small community of Indians with whom, I celebrate holidays like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri with. Finding an identity as an Indian American in Denver has been a challenge as I represent my heritage and community within a predominately white society. I've focused on embracing both identities, as an Indian and American.

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Who is Vinay Merchant? I am an Indian American with origins from Gujarat, India, and Denver, Colorado is home. I value community and connection both in work, as well as within the city of Denver. I regularly volunteer my time and efforts at local non-profits by packing lunches for children, offerings food and other resources to those suffering from homelessness or decorating the Hindu temple for the arrival of Swamis. I enjoy reading self-help and business books that often require me to take a step back from the pages and reflect on what I had learned. I'm a tennis, volleyball, and basketball player. I love the arts whether it be theater, orchestras, concerts from my favorite artists, art museums, or even painting my own canvas. I'm passionately working on the transition to a carbon-free future at Xcel Energy having been a part of the Clean Transportation team, the Innovation Transformation Office, the Talent Management team, the Corporate Giving team, and the Community Relations & State Affairs team. I frequently immerse myself in the vast nature that Colorado offers through camping, hiking, and climbing. I journal and meditate to regulate my own emotions.

Above all else, I am a believer. I believe in staying connected to the energies within and balancing your energy with the forces of energy at play all around us from other people, the natural world, or the collective universe.

"don't complain, don't explain, just believe"