This Q&A is a part of Central Times’ 2025 city council election coverage. To see interviews with all candidates in the race, click here. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What inspired you to run for Naperville City Council?
I’ve been a Naperville resident for the past eight years. Since moving here, I’ve been deeply involved in the community. I currently serve as the board president of the Naperville Public Library and have been a trustee for five years. I also serve on the board of Loaves & Fishes, where we provide food to nearly 9,000 people each week.
Beyond that, I’m involved with 360 Youth Services, Naperville Neighbors United, and the Islamic Center of Naperville’s civic engagement leadership team. I also graduated from the Citizen Police Academy and Fire Academy. Through these roles, I’ve worked closely with local government, elected officials, and nonprofits to address community needs.
I also co-chaired the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee, where I built a coalition of 150 individuals and organizations. Our efforts helped Naperville rank among the top cities in the nation for self-response rates, securing millions in federal funding. Because of my deep involvement in the community, I believe I can make an even greater impact by serving on the City Council.
What professional experience do you bring to this role?
I’ve worked in banking for over 25 years, in India, Dubai, and the U.S. My background includes financial management, budgeting, and leading large teams. I’ve handled millions of dollars in budgeting for banks, which gives me a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility.
Leadership is a major part of my career — I’ve led teams ranging from 20 to 200 people, and I know how to manage resources, solve problems, and make informed decisions. These skills directly translate to serving on City Council, where financial responsibility and leadership are essential.
What do you love most about Naperville?
Naperville is a warm, welcoming community where people truly care about each other. When I tell people I serve on the Naperville Public Library Board or work with Loaves & Fishes, they express gratitude because these organizations have a real impact on their lives.
The city is vibrant, highly educated, and full of engaged residents. People here take the time to learn about candidates and policies, which makes it a great place to serve in public office.
How have your experiences shaped your perspective on public service?
I’ve been involved in public service since my school days, and I’ve always been passionate about working with local government. When I moved to Naperville, I started attending City Council meetings and Planning and Zoning meetings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I followed these meetings virtually for a year, learning how decisions are made. Through my work as board president of the Naperville Public Library, I’ve managed an $18 million budget and worked closely with the city on financial planning.
Additionally, my role at Loaves & Fishes has given me experience collaborating with DuPage County and other agencies. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of how government works and how policies impact residents.
What unique skills or perspectives would you bring to City Council?
I’m a connector and a bridge-builder. I bring people together from different backgrounds, faiths, and perspectives to collaborate on solutions that benefit Naperville.
Patience and active listening are essential skills in leadership. I pride myself on fostering unity and transparency because when people feel heard, we can make better policy decisions that reflect the needs of the entire community.
As co-chair of the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee, Naperville had one of the highest self-reporting rates in the country. How would you apply that success to other areas of civic engagement?
The key to our success was education and coalition-building. I brought together 150 organizations — including the Naperville Public Library, Loaves & Fishes, and 360 Youth Services — to help spread awareness about the census.
First, we educated people on why the census was important. Once people understood the stakes, they were eager to help. I would take the same approach to civic engagement in Naperville by educating residents on key issues and mobilizing community organizations to encourage participation in city government.