'InspirASIAN’

How does your lived experience positively influence your work?

Moving to the United States from India in 2016 to pursue my graduate education at the University of Pittsburgh was a transformative step in my life and career. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to live in three incredibly diverse states—Pennsylvania, Georgia, and California—each offering distinct perspectives on governance, community needs, and the role of local government. These experiences have helped me build a strong sense of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a deep appreciation for the impact of public service.

With a background in urban planning and public administration, I bring a global lens to local challenges. I’m especially passionate about ensuring equitable access to high-quality public services, and I’m always thinking about who’s not in the room and how we can create more inclusive systems. I see my role not just as a public servant, but as an advocate—someone who uses their position and perspective to create space for others.

I’m also grateful for the strong foundation that supports me. I come from a family that deeply values education and service, and I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by people—my parents, grandparents, in-laws, and my partner—who have encouraged and empowered me every step of the way. Their belief in me fuels my commitment to this work and inspires me to give back through it.

What has been your biggest professional achievement?

One of my most significant professional achievements occurred during my time as a Local Government Management Fellow with the City of Decatur, GA. A defining project emerged when I received an email from my then supervisor, Ms. Peggy Merriss—the former City Manager of Decatur. She asked me to research electric scooters after 200 were suddenly deployed in the city without any prior notice. This was in 2018, when e-scooters were still a relatively new phenomenon, and there was little precedent to guide our response.

What began as a research assignment quickly evolved into a citywide initiative. I led the formation of a cross-departmental steering committee to develop a framework for managing and regulating e-scooter use. I had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including city staff, the city attorney, representatives from e-scooter companies, the Georgia Municipal Association, and community members. I facilitated public engagement, drafted policy recommendations, and helped implement a city ordinance—transforming abstract policy concepts into real-world solutions.

Additionally, being nominated as the President-Elect of I-NAPA in 2021 stands out as another proud moment. Leading and representing a group of passionate AAPI local government professionals has been a rewarding experience. It’s an honor to work alongside individuals who are dedicated to advancing inclusion and equity in public service.

What career advice do you live by?

One piece of career advice I live by comes from my Decatur family, rooted in the spirit of the Athenian Oath: "We will transmit this city not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us." That principle—to leave every place, project, and team better than I found it—guides how I approach my work and my growth.

What do you/did you love the most about your job?

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to serve as a generalist and collaborate on a wide range of special projects across multiple departments. One of the most rewarding aspects has been co-facilitating the City of Elk Grove’s in-house Innovation Academy, known as the Always Improving Mindset (AIM) Academy. This role allows me to work closely with individuals who are passionate about improving their departmental processes, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to support their efforts. Through AIM, I’ve not only found a deeper sense of purpose within the organization but also gained valuable insight into the diverse work being done across departments.

 Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, I also genuinely enjoy the people I work with and the culture of the city itself. Elk Grove is incredibly diverse and has a fantastic food (and boba!) scene. I’ve pretty much stopped bringing lunch because exploring local restaurants with my coworkers has become a fun part of the job—it’s a small thing, but it adds a lot to the experience.

Describe what a perfect day outside of work would look like for you?

As a new mom to twins, time with my babies and partner is incredibly meaningful. A perfect day outside of work would start with a few extra hours of sleep (a true luxury these days!), followed by a slow morning together as a family.

Why did you join I-NAPA?

I first heard about I-NAPA at the 2017 ICMA Conference, back when I was still a graduate student. The annual board meeting was listed on the agenda, and I walked in with zero expectations—aside from noticing it had “Asian” in the name. What I found was a warm, inspiring community that immediately made me feel like I belonged.

At the time, I didn’t know anyone in local government. I certainly didn’t know that people who looked like me could thrive and lead at the highest levels of the profession. That meeting changed everything. I began attending every virtual board meeting—not out of obligation, but because the people were so genuinely welcoming and kind. Volunteering on subcommittees and supporting I-NAPA activities felt like a natural next step.

The relationships I’ve built through I-NAPA—stretching across the country and even around the world (special shoutout to Tadayoshi Kawawa in Australia!)—are connections I deeply value and cherish.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I was recently featured on a podcast episode with Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) where I was able to talk about I-NAPA and inclusion in local government. You can listen to it here.