Zohran Mamdani is a prominent member of the New York State Assembly as of 2024, representing the 36th district. Elected in 2020, he has quickly established himself as a progressive voice within the legislature, focusing on issues such as affordable housing, environmental justice, and healthcare reform. Mamdani is known for his advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities, championing policies that promote equity and social justice.

With a background in community organizing, he has successfully mobilized grassroots support for various initiatives, including tenant protections and climate action measures. As a member of the Assembly, Mamdani continues to work diligently to address the pressing challenges facing his constituents and to foster inclusive policies that benefit all New Yorkers. Zohran attended Bronx Science for high school and graduated from Bowdoin College. Indiaspora is proud to have Zohran Mamdani on our Government Leaders list

Latha Mangipudi is an influential member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives as of 2024, where she represents the 32nd district. Elected in 2020, she has been a strong advocate for education reform, healthcare access, and social justice initiatives.

Mangipudi is known for her commitment to community engagement, frequently hosting town halls to listen to her constituents’ concerns and ideas. With a background in public health, she emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and resources within her legislative agenda.

As a member of various committees, she works collaboratively to develop policies that promote equity and sustainability in New Hampshire. Latha Mangipudi continues to inspire positive change in her community through her dedicated public service. Indiaspora is proud to have Latha Mangipudi on our Government Leaders list.

Aruna Miller is the 10th Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, the first woman of color and immigrant to hold statewide office in Maryland. Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, she moved to the US at seven. She holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Miller served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2010 to 2018, focusing on STEM education and small business regulation.

As lieutenant governor, she oversees transportation, mental health, and STEM equity initiatives. She also chairs the Governor’s Work Zone Safety Work Group and the Council on Interfaith Outreach. Miller resides in Montgomery County with her husband and their three daughters​​​​​​. Indiaspora is proud to have Aruna Miller in our Government Leaders List.

Mujtaba A. Mohammed serves as a member of the North Carolina State Senate where he advocates for inclusive policies and community development. Elected in 2022, he has focused on issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and economic development.

With a background in law, Mohammed holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and previously worked as a civil rights attorney, championing social justice initiatives. He is an active member of various legislative committees, using his platform to address the needs of underrepresented communities.

Known for his collaborative approach, Mohammed strives to bridge divides and foster bipartisan solutions for a stronger North Carolina. Indiaspora is proud to have Mujtaba A. Mohammed on our Government Leaders list.

New Jersey State Assembly Member (man) Mukherji represents the 33rd Legislative District (Hudson County) in the New Jersey Legislature. Raj sits on the Budget Committee, responsible for crafting the state budget (approximately $33 billion in FY 2015), as well as the Commerce and Economic Development and Labor Committees. He is the only South Asian legislator presently serving in the state, the only former Marine presently serving in the New Jersey General Assembly, and the first Indian-Bengali state legislator in the United States. He was named the Assembly’s “Humane Legislator of the Year” recipient for 2015 by the Humane Society and 2015 Legislator of the Year by the NJ Law Enforcement Police Officers Brotherhood. Assemblyman Mukherji was also named a 2015 honoree of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County for championing the expansion of teens’ access to mental health services, and he received the 2015 Legislator Award from the NAACP for his civil rights advocacy.
Raj is a former Deputy Mayor of Jersey City and former Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve. In the private sector, he is a lawyer and healthcare investor and was previously an information technology CEO. He had founded an Internet consulting and software development company while in middle school, grew it, and later sold it to a larger technology company to enlist in the Marines two weeks after 9/11 at age 17. He was also a founder and Managing Partner of a public affairs firm that he grew into the state’s third largest lawyer-lobbying firm.
Raj had enrolled in an early college program at Bard College at Simon’s Rock and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State University, an individualized Master of Liberal Arts focused on national security from the University of Pennsylvania, and a law degree (Juris Doctor), cum laude, from Seton Hall Law School, which he attended on a Chancellor’s Scholarship. He supported himself through high school, college, and grad school as an emancipated minor when economic circumstances forced his parents to return to their native country India.

Kevin Olickal is a member of the Illinois State House as of 2024, where he champions issues such as education reform, environmental sustainability, and healthcare accessibility. Elected in 2022, Olickal has quickly established himself as a dedicated advocate for his constituents, focusing on enhancing community services and promoting economic growth.

Olickal holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois and has a background in community organizing and public service. His commitment to civic engagement and policy innovation continues to drive positive change in his district and beyond. Indiaspora is proud to have Kevin Olickal on our Government Leaders list.

Ranjeev Puri is a dedicated member of the Michigan State House as of 2024, representing the 21st District. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he has a background in public policy and community service, which fuels his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.

Puri has focused on issues such as education, healthcare access, and economic development, advocating for policies that promote social equity and environmental sustainability. Prior to his election, he served on several local boards, including those focused on education and community development, where he gained valuable experience in governance and collaboration.

Known for his approachable leadership style, Puri actively engages with community members, ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process. Indiaspora is proud to have Ranjeev Puri on our Government Leaders list.

New York State Assembly Member Rajkumar was appointed as the Director of Immigration Affairs & Special Counsel for New York State in the age of Trump. Jenifer has led the Liberty Defense Project, a first-in-the-nation $31 million dollar state-led public-private project to assist immigrants in obtaining legal services. She also represented New York State in litigation before Administrative Law Judges. She served as an ethics officer, handling ethics matters for the State. She was a state-wide surrogate for the Governor on the State’s signature policy items. She currently serves on the Legal Advisory Council of Sanctuary for Families.
Jenifer worked as a lawyer in fighting corporate fraud and excess, and advocating for workers, women, and families in vulnerable situations. Later, she served at high levels of state government, appointed by the Governor of New York as a Special Counsel and as Director of Immigration Affairs for New York State. She is also a Professor of Political Science at the City University of New York (CUNY). She has spoken on public interest law and policy at Stanford Law School, CUNY Law School and Harvard Law School.
With early roots in public service and giving back, Jenifer graduated from Stanford Law School with distinction for her pro bono legal work on behalf of vulnerable individuals. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania at the top of her class magna cum laude, phi beta kappa where she received the Alice Paul Award for exemplary service to women and families. The Queens Courier honored her as a 2017 “Rising Star” and the Queens Tribune awarded her its “Glass Ceiling Award” for being a path-breaking woman serving the Queens community. She was also part of the legal team of Velez v. Novartis, ranked by the United Nations as one of the top 10 cases in the world advancing women’s equality.

Pennsylvania State Senator Saval was the first Asian American to be elected Democratic ward leader in Philadelphia. Nikil assumed office on December 1, 2020. His current term ends on November 30, 2024.
Nikil organized boycotts with UNITE HERE against luxury hotel developers to fight for the rights of housekeepers in 2009. In 2013, he won back jobs for 1,000 cafeteria workers and noontime aides who had been laid off because of Corbett’s budget cuts to the Philadelphia School District. In 2016, he was a leader in the Bernie Sanders campaign and he co-founded Reclaim Philadelphia. In 2018, he organized campaigns to fight for change in the Democratic Party and became elected as ward leader of the Second Ward. He was a co-editor of n+1, a frequent contributor to The New York Times, and a contributing writer for The New Yorker, covering architecture and design. He still serves on the board of directors of n+1. He has also written a book called “Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace (2014)”.
Nikil graduated from Columbia College of Columbia University with a B.A. in 2005 and received a Ph.D. in English from Stanford University in 2014.

Arizona State Representative Shah is the first Indian-American elected to Arizona legislature.
Amish paid his own way through medical school, allowing him to build an independent and fulfilling career as an ER doctor. He has worked as a faculty member, educator, researcher, and even for the NFL. After medical school, he worked for LEK Consulting, LLC, an international strategy consulting firm. He founded the first Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival as a philanthropic endeavor to promote healthy eating and eliminate preventable disease. Now in its third year, it attracts thousands annually. He contributes to Sounds Academy and the Humane Society of the United States, organizations that focus on children’s exposure to the arts and the promotion of a kind society, as well as several other charities.
Amish attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.He graduated from the University of Arizona’s Sports Medicine fellowship, a Division I college program featuring a wide breadth of sports coverage. His research project and clinical focus were ultrasound-guided procedures and diagnostics. He is currently board certified in Emergency Medicine and Sports Medicine and practices throughout Arizona, treating adults and children. He graduated from Northwestern University Medical School as part of the Honors Program in Medical Education. He has also completed a Master’s in Public Health with a full Merit Scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by residency training in Emergency Medicine at New York City’s busiest Level I trauma center. He won the American Academy of Emergency Medicine’s National Resident Research Competition for his work in inventing a new method to provide care for the critically ill. He enjoys Crossfit, flying small airplanes, and adventurous travel. He speaks conversational Spanish and fluent Gujarati.

Sam Singh is a dedicated public servant and influential figure in Michigan’s State Senate as of 2024. Elected to the Senate, Singh has been a strong advocate for education reform, healthcare access, and economic development, focusing on policies that uplift underserved communities. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was known for his collaborative approach and commitment to bipartisan solutions.

Singh has a background in business and public policy, having earned his degree from Michigan State University. His leadership extends beyond legislation; he actively engages with constituents through community outreach and advocacy initiatives, making a lasting impact on Michigan’s legislative landscape and enhancing the lives of his fellow residents. Indiaspora is proud to have Sam Singh on our Government Leaders list.

Vandana Slatter is a prominent member of the Washington State House of Representatives as of 2024, where she serves as a voice for her constituents and advocates for progressive policies. Elected in 2016, she has focused on critical issues such as healthcare access, education, and environmental sustainability. Slatter, a trained pharmacist, has utilized her expertise to champion healthcare reforms, emphasizing mental health and public health initiatives.

Before her political career, she was involved in community service and health advocacy, gaining recognition for her contributions to public welfare. With a commitment to inclusivity and transparency, Slatter actively engages with her community, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the legislative process, making her a vital force in Washington’s political landscape. Indiaspora is proud to have Vandana Slatter on our Government Leaders list.

Anita Somani is a dynamic member of the Ohio State House, serving as a representative since 2021. With a strong commitment to public service, she has focused on critical issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and economic development. Somani, who holds a background in public health, has championed initiatives aimed at improving mental health services and increasing healthcare accessibility for underserved communities.

Somani actively engages with her constituents through community outreach programs, ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative process. Her leadership and vision continue to make a significant impact in Ohio’s political landscape as of 2024. Indiaspora is proud to have Anita Somani on our Government Leaders list.

Megan Srinivas is a dedicated member of the Iowa State House, where she has served since 2021. With a strong background in public health and advocacy, she focuses on improving healthcare access, education reform, and economic opportunity for all Iowans. Srinivas has been instrumental in advancing policies that support mental health initiatives and expand health services in underserved communities.

Known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, she actively engages with constituents to ensure their voices are represented in the legislative process. In addition to her legislative duties, Srinivas participates in various community outreach programs, fostering connections and driving positive change in her district.

As of 2024, she continues to be a rising star in Iowa politics. Indiaspora is proud to have Megan Srinivas on our Government Leaders list.

Kannan Srinivasan serves in the Virginia State House, where he has made significant strides since his election in 2020. With a strong focus on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, he has championed legislation aimed at improving public school funding and expanding access to affordable healthcare.

Srinivasan is known for his collaborative approach, working across party lines to address pressing issues like climate change and community development. He actively engages with his constituents, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed. In addition to his legislative work, Srinivasan is involved in various community initiatives that promote inclusivity and support local businesses.

As of 2024, he continues to be a prominent advocate for positive change in Virginia. Indiaspora is proud to have Kannan Srinivasan on our Government Leaders list.

Sterley Stanley serves in the New Jersey State House, where he has been a dynamic advocate for his constituents since his election. Known for his commitment to social justice and economic equity, Stanley has spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

He plays a key role in legislation addressing public safety and criminal justice reform. With a background in community organizing, he actively engages with local leaders and residents to ensure their voices are reflected in state policies.

Stanley is also recognized for his efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and economic development, particularly in underserved communities. As of 2024, he continues to be a prominent figure in advancing progressive change in New Jersey. Indiaspora is proud to have Sterley Stanley on our Government Leaders list.

Suhas Subramanyam is a prominent member of the Virginia State Senate, representing the 27th District since his election in 2020. A former tech entrepreneur and community leader, Subramanyam has championed policies that promote economic growth, education reform, and healthcare access. He serves on key committees, focusing on technology, budget, and finance, where he advocates for transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Suhas attended Tulane University in New Orleans. His community service work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina during that time propelled him into a life of community service. He has also earned a law degree with honors at Northwestern University School of Law, volunteering at the Center for Wrongful Convictions. There, he was part of the legal team that freed a man who had spent 21 years in prison for a crime he had not committed.
Known for his collaborative approach, he actively engages with constituents to ensure their needs are addressed in legislative decisions. His efforts to support small businesses and enhance infrastructure have earned him recognition as a forward-thinking leader in Virginia’s political landscape. As of 2024, he continues to make a significant impact on state policies. Indiaspora is proud to have Suhas Subramanyam on our Government Leaders list.

Priya Sundareshan is a Democratic politician serving in the Arizona State Senate, representing District 18, which encompasses parts of Tucson. Elected in 2022, she is known for her strong advocacy on environmental issues, sustainability, and climate change. Prior to her political career, Sundareshan worked as an environmental attorney and educator, bringing a wealth of experience in conservation and public policy to her legislative role. She earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and has taught courses on environmental law and policy. Sundareshan’s legislative priorities include advancing renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and promoting public health and an equitable future for Arizona. Indiaspora is proud to have Priya Sundareshan in our Government Leaders List.

Kevin Thomas is a prominent Democratic politician serving as a State Senator for New York’s 6th District since 2018. He made history by defeating long-time Republican incumbent Kemp Hannon in a closely contested election, becoming the first Indian-American to hold a position in the New York State Senate.

Since taking office, Thomas has focused on critical issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and healthcare access, advocating for policies that protect reproductive rights and improve environmental standards. He was re-elected in 2020 and 2022, demonstrating strong voter support. In 2023, he announced his candidacy for New York’s Fourth Congressional District, aiming to bring his legislative experience to Washington. Indiaspora is proud to have Kevin Thomas on our Government Leaders list.

Ram Villivalam is a prominent political figure serving as a State Senator in Illinois since 2019, making history as the first Asian American and Indian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly. He currently chairs the Transportation Committee and holds positions on several other key committees, including Energy and Public Utilities, Healthcare Access and Availability, and Human Rights.

Before his election, Villivalam worked as a legislative coordinator for SEIU Healthcare, advocating for Medicaid protections and services for vulnerable populations. He has also been active in various leadership roles, including president of the Indo-American Democratic Organization. Indiaspora is proud to have Ram Villivalam on our Government Leaders list.