Susheela Jayapal :Susheela Jayapal’s story is one of resilience, courage, and a commitment to positive change. Born on October 31, 1962, in Coimbatore, India, she embarked on a journey that led her to become a prominent figure in American politics. Serving as the Multnomah County Commissioner for District 2 from January 2019 to November 2023, Susheela Jayapal left an indelible mark as a trailblazer and advocate for her community.
Susheela Jayapal : -Early Life and Education
Susheela’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to her father’s job, exposing her to diverse cultures in places like Bangalore, Jakarta, and Singapore. At the age of 16, she made a life-changing move to the United States to attend Swarthmore College. Graduating with a degree in economics at the young age of 20, she took on a role at Goldman Sachs but soon found her passion leading her towards law.
Her journey in law took her to the University of Chicago Law School, where Susheela Jayapal earned her Juris Doctor in 1988. She then embarked on a career that spanned from litigating in San Francisco to leading Adidas America’s legal department, where she played a pivotal role in establishing labour standards for overseas factories.
Career Evolution
However, Susheela’s desire to make a direct impact on her community led her to transition from her legal career to two decades of service as a volunteer community leader. She served on numerous boards, including Planned Parenthood, Portland Schools Foundation, and Literary Arts. This shift reflected her commitment to economic justice, clean air, climate resilience, and public safety.
In 2018, inspired by the political climate, Susheela entered the realm of politics, winning a seat on the Multnomah County Commission. Her victory marked a historic moment as the first Indian American to hold elected office at the county level in Oregon.
A Political Force for Change
Susheela’s tenure as Commissioner was marked by advocacy for immigration refugee services, racial justice programs, and homelessness prevention policies. Her impact was felt particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she pushed for equitable access to testing and vaccines in Multnomah County.
As she announced her resignation to pursue the Democratic nomination for Oregon’s 3rd congressional district, Susheela emphasized the need for federal action on issues like public housing, gun control, abortion access, LGBTQ rights, and climate change. Her pragmatic approach to governance, despite her relatively short political career, positions her as a formidable candidate.
Family, Resilience, and Future Goals
Susheela Jayapal’s personal life reflects her dedication to family and community. A mother of two, she resides in the Sabin neighbourhood of Portland, enjoying activities like hiking, reading, gardening, and tennis. Her frequent travels to India to visit her parents underline her commitment to cultural roots.As she steps down from her role as Multnomah County Commissioner, Susheela hands the baton to Jesse Beason, the president and CEO of the Northwest Health Foundation, ensuring a seamless transition for the community.
Also Read : Susheela Jayapal: A Political Pioneer’s Quest for Positive Change