Sathish Muthukrishnan is no stranger to technology. As the Chief Information, Data, and Digital Officer at Ally Financial, he leads at the cutting edge of digital innovation. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Sathish brings his values home, particularly a deep commitment to service.
“I always adapt this notion of being a servant leader,” he shared. “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
That ethos led him to volunteer with the Center for Digital Equity (CDE), where he found not just a way to give back, but an unexpected opportunity to connect more deeply with his son, Aarnav.
“Introducing my son, Aarnav, to the Center for Digital Equity and having him volunteer with me is one of the biggest takeaways for me in this engagement.”
From Volunteering to Vision
Aarnav, a high school student with a passion for technology, didn’t take long to find his rhythm with CDE. His first event, a laptop distribution in December 2022, left a lasting impression.
“It revealed the true scope of the digital divide,” he said. “Not enough people are talking about it. Volunteering gave me the chance to be part of something bigger than myself.”
Soon, those experiences sparked something even bigger. Inspired by what he saw in the community and the mission of the CDE, Aarnav launched his own nonprofit, Robolution CLT—a 501(c)(3) organization that provides free robotics education to underserved students across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. In less than a year, Robolution CLT has already reached more than 150 students.
“CDE fueled my passion. I recognized the same issue they did—that students in our area didn’t have reliable access. That’s the problem we’re trying to solve, too.”
Building Legacy Through Impact
What began as a father-son outing has evolved into a meaningful collaboration—one built on trust, shared values, and the belief that every small act of service can have a ripple effect.
For Sathish, it’s about more than donating time. It’s about showing up for his community—and his family.
“There are unintended blessings that come with volunteering,” he reflected. “Watching Aarnav find purpose, seeing the smiles at events, and knowing we’re part of something larger—it’s more than rewarding. It’s transformational.”
“We’ve had amazing memories, professionally, personally, and even spiritually, through volunteering with CDE.”
Looking Ahead
Both father and son hope their story encourages others—especially families—to get involved.
“Anyone can do this,” Aarnav said. “You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to care. Even helping one person learn how to use a laptop or find a resource online—that can change their life.”
Their journey is a powerful reminder: digital equity isn’t just about connectivity or skills.