What made you decide to contest in school committee elections?

One of the reasons I wanted to do this is that I wanted to be part of the change. Right now the conversations are around cultural diversity, racial equity, and inclusion. When talking about academic excellence, I want the best for our kids in terms of education holistically. So I wanted to be part of the change, being a culturally diverse South Asian Indian Woman, a mom of two kids who are part of the school system to ensure that all our kids get the best support when speaking about an academic experience.

Can you describe your experience as a student and how it shaped your vision?

I think I was blessed by the fact that my education started in India until I was in 4th grade and continued in the DC metropolitan area. Moving here in 5th grade was a challenge and while I would love to say I was an A student, I was not, but I liked to learn. One of the things my dad told me early on in my education was that an intelligent response to diversity is curiosity, not fear. That made me an inquisitive person who always wanted to learn. Growing up in DC, I was surrounded by diversity both culturally and academically. This gave me a chance to learn both in the classroom as well as when I was interacting with my peers outside the class. Eventually, this also allowed me to recognize the fact that my cultural diversity is my strength and I wanted to bring this voice to the table to represent Sharon’s culturally diverse population.

What (if any) changes would you make if you are elected and how will it impact students of SPS? 

When talking about changes there are immediate and long-term changes. One of the immediate changes that I would like to bring about if I was elected is one inclusion and teamwork. We need to work as a team across the educators, community, and school committee members to be collaborative and ensure we are supporting our educators and the children as they come back into the school during this pandemic.

As the school committee is for students, why do you think should students want you elected for school committee? 

If the students could vote, I would hope they would choose me because I am truly in it for them. I have 2 kids in the system I want the best for them, as I do for all the students in the community. I am ready to work, listen, collaborate and truly make sure that everyone feels truly valued and trusted. I think it is important to make sure that when educators and students come in, they feel valued and that they enjoy coming into the schools. The educators are genuine in why they do what they do. We need to make sure that they feel empowered and trusted so that they can provide their best to make sure the students have the best academic experience possible.

What is your favorite sports team? 

The Dallas Cowboys