Born and raised in Erin Mills, I am deeply rooted in Ward 8. Growing up with immigrant parents who left India for new opportunity, Canada seemed like a dream. A place where anyone could afford a home, obtain any job with the right education and live a healthy life in a safe and connected community. Some of these dreams endure – some feel temporary, or impossible to reach.

I’ve spent my life finding ways to build a better city. From attending my first public consultation at 15, I had the engagement bug. In the past 20 years, I’ve volunteered with dozens of organizations including PEYA, Volunteering Peel, Ecosource, Evergreen, Credit Valley Conservation, Riverwood, the Centre for Social Innovation and the City of Mississauga. For higher education, studying Geology, Environmental Science and Geography at UofT Mississauga and then Urban Planning at Waterloo, supporting stewardship, conservation and climate action clubs on campus and at the world stage, in COP19. And for advocacy beyond the campus advocating with Sustainable Mississauga and Stop Sprawl Peel, I have always been dedicated to listening, learning, and taking action.

Today, I see too many residents struggling with housing affordability, displacement, and a car-centric infrastructure that makes safe travel by any other mode unsafe, uncomfortable and unreliable. As friends and family leave due to mounting costs and stress, I am compelled to step up. I am running for Councillor not for myself, but to tackle these challenges, get out the vote and secure a vibrant, affordable, and connected future for everyone in our community.