Carleton Family Weekend Convo with Pat Sukhum ’96 | October 18, 2024

After 25 years in the bustling world of health tech startups, Pat Sukhum found himself, somewhat unexpectedly, as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, a nonprofit youth mentoring organization. While the timing might have seemed sudden, the journey leading him there was anything but. It all began 25 years ago when he became a mentor (a Big!) in the very program he now leads.

A Minnesota kid, Pat was born in St. Paul to first-generation Thai immigrant parents. During his teenage years, his family moved to central Minnesota, where he graduated from high school…adding a small-town twist to his story.

Pat’s career in health tech startups saw its fair share of highs and learnings, co-founding companies which flourished with acquisitions by UnitedHealthcare and Virgin Pulse, while others, like any good risk-taking entrepreneur, didn’t go quite as planned. And yes, he also managed to squeeze in four fabulous years at Carleton College, scurrying late to classes in Willis, trying to learn a forehand flick, and yes, once-in-a-while, dozing off in the back of the Chapel at Convo.

Pat loves that everyone has a story to tell. He’s here to share his. As Pat notes, maybe you’ll take something away from it, maybe you won’t. Either way, Pat’s pretty psyched and incredibly grateful for you showing up…and if you happen to nod off in the back of the room? No judgment – he’s been there.

Learn more about Carleton Convos at go.carleton.edu/convocations