Who I am...

I am Sacramento, through and through.

I have a Masters Degree in Public Health from San Jose State and currently work for the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development as a program and policy analyst. I grew up in Gardenland, North Sacramento, graduated from Grant School High, and have lived in Del Paso Heights since 2000. 

My mother immigrated to the United States from South Asia when I was very young. She came with just a suitcase and five children. I witnessed my mother struggle to provide as a single parent. 

Over the years, I was able to escape poverty and find my calling in life, which is to promote equity and justice in disadvantaged communities. 

A few years ago, when I learned that the county prohibited people from growing food in their front yard, I was outraged. 

Why was our government stopping people from providing for themselves on their own land? To me, this was the opposite of what America is supposed to be about. 

But being outraged isn't enough. We also have to stand up for what's right.

I, and many of my neighbors, decided to do something about this attack on self-sufficiency. I personally called my neighbors and helped get ourselves organized into a community group. We petitioned county and city officials and attended numerous public hearings.

Guess what? We succeeded! Today, you have the right to grow food on your property, as you should. 

We get out of our community what we put in.

I have a vested commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone. I have worked for over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, served on nonprofit boards, and engaged in a variety of grassroots community organizing efforts. 

I want to empower people to live better lives, not just give them Band-Aids

My objective is to create healthy and thriving communities. As a member of the community I have worked to grow food and plant trees. In doing so these efforts have addressed food insecurities. Similarly, I believe communities can produce and meet their own energy needs. 

I am committed to advancing equity and justice through facilitating collaborations by engaging with community. I seek trans-formative change, sustainable economics, and the sharing of power. These are strategies that create equal partnership between community leaders and residents.

Here's more about my vision for SMUD. Thank you for considering me!