Joy Cherian
Dr. Joy Cherian (Ph.D. International business law) is the first Asian American and first Indian American Commissioner at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 in what was seen as a milestone.[1] At the time he was the highest ranking Indian American in the US government. Appointed by a Republican, but showing true unity of Indian Americans across political boundaries, the Indo-American Democratic Organization lobbied for his re-appointment in 1991.[2] After serving his time as commissioner he founded and was President of a consulting firm, J. Cherian Consultants, Inc. (JCC) and did speaking engagements for organizations such as the GOPIO.[3]
Background
Mr. Cherian graduated from the University of Kerala, Kerala State, India (B.A., 1963; bachelor of law, 1965); Catholic University of America (M.A., 1970; Ph.D., 1974); and George Washington University (M.C.L., 1978). He was born May 18, 1942, in Kerala State, India. He finished his matriculation from Sacred Heart High School, Thevara. He was noted for his diligence and exemplary academic performance even from his high school days. Mr. Cherian is married, has two children, and resides in Wheaton, MD.[4]