Inspiring South Asian American Women Hold First Event of 2018 Celebrating Election Victories
A group of 50 gathered to recognize current South Asian American women
holding elected office in New Jersey

On Sunday, May 6, Inspiring South Asian American Women (ISAAW) honored the current roster of South Asian American women serving in elected office across NJ.

“Despite numerous weather challenges in scheduling this event in the past several months, we are thrilled to have finally recognized these truly remarkable women,” said Kiran Gill, President, ISAAW. “The election this past November certainly raised the profile of women in elected office overall, and South Asian American women are actively part of this narrative – from running for office to becoming more aware of their voice in civic discourse.”

A record number of South Asian American women serve in various elected positions across New Jersey, with this past election adding greater, and much needed, representation to South Jersey.

The event recognized and celebrated:

• Haledon Councilwoman Tahsina Ahmed
• South Brunswick Board of Education Member Azra Baig
• Cherry Hill Township Councilwoman Sangeeta Doshi
• West Windsor Councilwoman Ayesha Hamilton
• Tenafly Councilwoman Shama Haider
• Montgomery Township Committee Member Sadaf Jaffer
• Hoboken Board of Education Member Chetali Kuber Khanna
• Glen Rock Councilwoman Arati Sadalge Kreibich
• Edison Board of Education Member Shivi Madhukar
• South Brunswick Board of Education Member Joyce Mehta
• Middlesex County Freeholder Shanti Narra
• Edison Board of Education Member Falguni Patel

The event was also attended by many young women, some still in high school. Says Councilwoman Hamilton, “Our role as women of color in prominent positions is to make sure that we are holding the door open for others and mentoring the younger generation to follow in our footsteps. I want you to do this for my daughter and I will do this for yours. But we must start with showing them that being in these roles is possible and that they will have mentors when they get here.”

Councilwoman Hamilton specifically highlighted the story of Bharati Ganesh, an associate with the New Jersey Leadership Program, and a senior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School. Ganesh recently noted that “one of her most vivid memories of what inspired her to become politically active was when she watched President Obama’s first inauguration. She recalls being in awe of his speech.“

ISAAW, founded in 2017 by a group of South Asian American women in New Jersey, seeks to promote greater interest among South Asian American women in public service and increase awareness on civic issues. Follow us on Facebook.com/ISAAWNJ.