The Rise of Indian American Women
Highly accomplished Indian American women are headlining newspapers and magazines this week. Vice-President Kamala Harris is currently ramping up her campaign efforts for the presidency, and President Trump’s nomination of Senator JD Vance as his Vice President has shined a spotlight on his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. Usha Vance, like Vice President Harris, is a fellow Indian American with tremendous credentials of her own. She clerked for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, followed by a year clerking for Chief Justice John Roberts. Since then, she has worked at a prestigious San Francisco based law firm, focusing on civil litigation and appeals.
Indian American political figures are impacting their communities regardless of party affiliation by running for office and serving in federal, state, and local administrations. According to Indiaspora’s Indian American Impact Report, over 150 current Indian Americans are in senior public service positions, including five members of the United States Congress. They make up a higher percentage of the civil service workforce than their overall percentage of the population. Culturally speaking, many civic minded issues such as education, family, immigration, and community service are particularly important to Indian Americans, making a public service career a natural fit.
Historically, many Indian Americans came to this country with more advantages than other immigrant communities.With those advantages came an understanding that while there were differences between India and the United States, certain core principles applied to both nations. There was a deep commitment to family, community, and country. Acting on those core values, Indian Americans have built a foundation for success in the United States for the next generation while also making substantial charitable contributions to India.
Indian Americans often cite significantly high expectations placed upon them by their parents to succeed academically and professionally. Indian Americans raised in India, who later immigrated to the United States frequently point out that developing a competitive instinct was a core characteristic learned at a young age in India, given the large population and limited resources for upward mobility. And just as in India, first-generation Americans adapted to different circumstances in order to succeed, whether being the only Indian family in a rural American community or attempting to stand out in a large metropolis.
Despite these significant accomplishments, the spotlight on Indian American women needs to continue. In the political area, everyday Americans are familiar with Vice President Harris and are now becoming more familiar with Usha Vance. Governor Nikki Haley and political advisor Neera Tanden have earned national prominence through their extensive political careers. Significantly, they are not alone. Many more Indian American women are also making exceptional contributions to society. Dr. Malvika Iyer, herself the victim of a gruesome bomb blast, is now a prominent activist fighting for disability rights and a proponent of inclusive fashion. Social Entrepreneur Maya Ajmera, who founded the Global Fund for Children, is a staunch advocate for accessible STEM education. Music Composer Reena Esmail teaches children about music through her nonprofit endeavor, Shastra. All of these women are making a substantial impact on the lives of others whilst highlighting the diaspora community’s commitment to service.
The rise of Indian American women in politics, public service, and social activism represents a significant milestone in the community's journey in the United States. Vice President Harris and countless others are making impactful contributions that are resulting in real change. These women embody the values of hard work, dedication, and service that have long characterized the Indian American experience. Their success inspires future generations to pursue excellence and engage meaningfully with civic life. As Indian Americans continue to shape the nation's landscape, their story is a powerful testament to the strength of diversity and the enduring promise of the American dream.
Team Indiaspora
