I didn’t grow up in Minneapolis - or even Minnesota. As a child, I lived in 5 different countries (if you’re curious: Bangladesh, the U.S., Switzerland, South Korea, and China!) and 4 different states as an adult. I’ve never lived anywhere longer than 4 years at a time - until NE Minneapolis.

Like many transplants, I moved to Minnesota for a romantic partner. My now-husband and I have called NE Minneapolis home since 2016. As a Bangladeshi-American Muslim woman, I have had the good fortune of being welcomed in this neighborhood and making our home in Logan Park with our Labrador mix and 1-year old baby. Ayla, our daughter, recently took her first steps at Bottineau Library. My husband Bryan is from southern Minnesota and leads an organization serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities through creative writing. He also serves as the president of the council at NE’s Grace Lutheran Church. We love our neighborhood’s small businesses, parks, and vibrant community spaces.

I have a bachelors degree from Pomona College and masters degree in public affairs from Princeton University. I’ve taught in under resourced schools, conducted research on education internationally, fought for equity in education nationally, and helped to build a data-driven grantmaking program at the Constellation Fund to fight poverty in the Twin Cities.

Right now, I work at the ECMC Foundation - a national foundation working to close equity gaps in postsecondary completion around the country. I’m excited to bring my experience and perspectives to the role of State Senator! And yes, I was once a contestant on Jeopardy!