In the dynamic realm of American politics, there are individuals who stand out as beacons of inspiration and change. One such luminary is Manka Dhingra, a distinguished Indian-American attorney and politician who has left an indelible mark on the Washington State Senate and the communities she serves.
With an extraordinary background and a passion for advocacy, she is a trailblazer who has shattered glass ceilings and carved a path towards a more equitable future.
Early Life and Education of Manka Dhingra
Manka Dhingra’s journey began in Bhopal, India, where she was born into a Sikh family. Her father worked for Union Carbide, and her mother was a schoolteacher.
However, tragedy struck when her father succumbed to colon cancer, prompting her and her mother to embark on a new chapter in the United States. At the age of 13, they relocated to California, joining relatives and setting the stage for a remarkable future.
Dhingra’s educational pursuits took her to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1995. It was during this time that she met her husband, Harjit Singh. Following their marriage, they made their home in Redmond, Washington, and Manka Dhingra’s commitment to her community would soon become evident.
Championing Change and Advocacy
In 1996, Manka Dhingra co-founded API Chaya, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating domestic violence against South Asian women.
This marked the beginning of her journey as a tireless advocate for vulnerable communities. As she continued her quest for change, she worked in the offices of esteemed public servants, such as state Supreme Court justice Barbara Madsen and Attorney General Christine Gregoire.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Dhingra pursued a law degree at the University of Washington School of Law, which she obtained in 1999. Her legal acumen and passion for justice led her to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office in 2000, where she served as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for King County.
Her significant contributions included leading the department’s mental health court and the King County District Court Regional Veterans Court.
The Political Trailblazer
Manka Dhingra’s political journey took an unexpected turn when she identified as a nonpartisan, only to declare her candidacy after attending her first Democratic meeting. This decision would lead her to a pivotal moment in history. In 2017, she ran for the special election created by the passing of Republican Andy Hill and secured victory, winning with 55% of the votes.
This triumph marked the end of the Republican coalition majority in the Washington State Senate, granting the Washington Democratic Party complete control over the state’s government for the first time since 2012.
Manka Dhingra’s election was historic for another reason – she became the first Sikh woman to enter a state legislature in the United States. Her groundbreaking journey opened doors for underrepresented communities and added a new dimension to the American political landscape. She was sworn in on November 29, 2017, and has continued to serve with distinction.
A Legacy of Progress
As a Washington State Senator, Manka Dhingra has continued to be a force for positive change. Her achievements include being named Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate and chairing the Behavioral Health Subcommittee. In addition, she was re-elected in 2018 and 2022, demonstrating her enduring commitment to the 45th legislative district.
Dhingra’s legislative portfolio is a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of her constituents. She has sponsored and passed laws addressing a wide range of issues, from curbing domestic violence and sexual assault to preventing firearm violence and providing property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities.
Her advocacy extends to prosecuting financial fraud and reforming the criminal justice system with an evidence-based approach.
A Commitment to Community
Outside the political arena, Manka Dhingra remains a stalwart community leader and anti-domestic violence advocate. Her co-founding of Chaya, an organization assisting South Asian survivors of domestic violence, showcases her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
She also serves on the board of Hopelink, a nonprofit organization working to end poverty in her community.
Manka Dhingra’s dedication extends beyond her local community; she serves on the Behavioral Health, Aging, and Disability Steering Committee of NASHP (the National Academy for State Health Policy), further solidifying her commitment to broad-based change.
Looking to the Future
In her relentless pursuit of justice and progress, Manka Dhingra remains an exemplary figure in American politics. Her dedication to safeguarding worker rights, holding polluters accountable, and addressing the epidemic of gun violence is an inspiration to all. She has also played a pivotal role in securing the nation’s strongest privacy protections for sensitive reproductive and healthcare data.
Dhingra’s 2024 campaign for the Washington Attorney General’s office is yet another testament to her unwavering commitment to the people of Washington State. Her leadership on national issues that affect us all, from voting rights to access to reproductive rights, underscores her remarkable journey as a leader, advocate, and pioneer of change.
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