I am a first-generation Canadian with family roots in India, Uganda, and Tanzania. My Canadian education is a gift my parents gave my brother and me. It's the reason why my family moved from East Africa to Toronto's east end.

​

Today, I have university degrees and a career dedicated to strengthening communities through public service. But school wasn't always easy for me. I'm grateful that I had not only a family, but an entire community who believed in me and helped me to succeed.

​

At a young age, I learned that it takes a whole community to help our children excel in school: families, neighbours, teachers, and caring adults who believe in a child's potential. My parents owned a variety store in the Beaches neighbourhood. When my mother, a newcomer with a limited understanding of the education system, realized I was struggling, her customers and neighbours helped her make a plan to ensure I had both the tutoring and advocacy I needed to succeed at school. Without my community, I wouldn't have achieved everything my parents dreamed was possible.

​

That experience shaped not only my education but my understanding of leadership. It taught me that while education has the power to change lives, people make it possible.

​

Four years ago, I ran for Trustee because I believed deeply in the importance of strong public education and the opportunities it creates for every child. Serving as the elected Trustee for Don Valley East has strengthened that belief. It has also taught me that meaningful progress comes from listening, building relationships, and bringing people together to solve challenges and create opportunities for students.

​

Today, I am seeking re-election to represent the newly established Toronto District School Board Ward 8, which brings together the communities of Don Valley East and Don Valley West. Having had the privilege of serving the families of Don Valley East as their elected Trustee, I now work every day with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations across Don Valley West in my role as Director of Stakeholder and Community Relations.

​

Together, these experiences have allowed me to build relationships across both Don Valley East and Don Valley West, giving me a unique understanding of the people, neighbourhoods, and partnerships that make up our new Ward 8. They have prepared me to represent the entire ward with experience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to public education.

​

I remain committed to listening, collaborating, and advocating for every student and every family. I believe passionately in the ability of education to solve many of society's greatest challenges, and I will continue working to strengthen our public schools and empower every child to reach their full potential.

​

Because when children succeed in school, they change the future for themselves, their families, and for all of us. Education is power.