A City is Strongest When Everyone Has a Voice
When I first arrived in the United States as a young immigrant from India, I didn’t fully understand what my future would hold. Like many others, I started with humble beginnings, working as a janitor while going to school and dreaming of a better life. Years later, when I became Mayor of Anaheim, I carried those early lessons with me—lessons about hard work, opportunity, and the importance of being seen and heard.
I’ve lived the American Dream, and I know that it is strongest when it includes everyone. That’s why I believe so deeply in the power of inclusion. Cities thrive when their leadership reflects the people who live in them. Diverse leadership isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential for building stronger, more connected, and more resilient communities.
Representation Matters
As the first mayor of Indian descent to serve in Anaheim, I understood that simply being in the room matters. When residents see leaders who share their backgrounds, speak their languages, or understand their cultural values, it builds trust. It tells people, “You belong here. Your voice matters.”
In a city as diverse as Anaheim, with a population made up of Latinos, Asians, Pacific Islanders, African Americans, and people from every walk of life, it was crucial for our leadership team to reflect that richness. Inclusion isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about ensuring all residents feel seen, valued, and heard in the decisions that affect their lives.
Diversity Drives Better Decisions
Diverse city leadership leads to better policymaking. When leaders bring different life experiences to the table, they ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and come up with more creative solutions. They understand how policies impact communities in real life, not just on paper.
For example, during my time as mayor, we worked hard to reach every neighborhood in Anaheim—not just the ones with the most resources. We offered city services in multiple languages, invested in parks and youth programs in underserved areas, and made sure that everyone—regardless of ZIP code—had access to opportunity.
We also collaborated with a wide range of community leaders, faith groups, and small business owners to understand the unique needs of their communities. That level of outreach only happens when you intentionally build inclusive leadership structures.
Inclusion Builds Trust During Difficult Times
When cities face crises—whether it’s a pandemic, civil unrest, or natural disaster—trust becomes everything. People want to know that their leaders understand their fears, share their values, and are working in their best interest.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced one of the greatest challenges in our city’s history. Anaheim was hit hard, and many of our hardest-hit communities were home to immigrants, essential workers, and small business owners. By leaning into inclusion—by holding town halls in different languages, partnering with local churches and cultural organizations, and ensuring that vaccines and testing were accessible across the city—we were able to reach people who might otherwise have been left behind.
Inclusion, in that moment, wasn’t just an ideal. It was a strategy that saved lives.
Youth Engagement Starts with Representation
When young people see leaders who look like them, who came from neighborhoods like theirs, or who speak their language at home, it sparks something powerful. It shows them what’s possible.
I’ve spoken with countless students in Anaheim who told me they never thought they could run for office—or even sit on a city commission—until they saw someone with a similar background do it first. That’s the power of representation. That’s how you build the next generation of civic leaders.
That’s also why I supported youth advisory councils and mentorship programs during my time as mayor. It’s not enough to lead today—we have to invest in those who will lead tomorrow.
Inclusion Requires Action
Inclusion is not a one-time effort. It’s not a press release or a diversity statement. It’s a long-term commitment to hiring more equitably, inviting more voices into decision-making, and removing barriers that keep some people from participating.
Cities can promote inclusion by updating hiring practices to attract diverse talent, translating key documents into multiple languages, investing in broadband access, and creating spaces where all cultures are celebrated—from public art to citywide festivals. These aren’t small things. They make a city more welcoming, and they show residents that their heritage and identity are strengths, not obstacles.
Building the America We Believe In
As an immigrant, a business owner, and a public servant, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusion makes us stronger. Whether in city government or on Main Street, when we bring people together across cultures and backgrounds, we create something better than we could have built alone.
The future of America’s cities depends on inclusive leadership—on leaders who understand the value of every resident, no matter where they were born, what language they speak, or how they worship. It’s not just about politics. It’s about people.
By empowering every voice and celebrating every story, we don’t just build better cities. We build a better America—one that truly lives up to its promise of opportunity, liberty, and justice for all.