Menka Soni made history on Wednesday as she was sworn in as Redmond City Councillor — the first Indian-American woman to take oath with the Bhagwad Gita.
“I have been spiritual since childhood. Holding the Gita during the oath was my way of honouring my values and India’s cultural legacy. I am very spiritual. I have a temple in my house, and I am a vegetarian… When I had to take the oath, I wanted the teachings of the Gita to be with me… I also went to a Sai Baba temple there…” she told ANI.
‘Knocked on every door to campaign’
Speaking to ANI during her visit to Lucknow, the Redmond City Councillor recalled her election journey in Washington state, where she defeated Jeralee Anderson with a substantial margin.
Soni said she secured nearly 60 per cent of the vote after knocking on “every door” and participating in “every debate,” which, she said, helped people “show credibility” and trust in her leadership. She also shared that she currently serves on five boards in Seattle. Soni spoke about her corporate background, her non-profit work, and how several influential and political figures encouraged her to run for office. She said she received nearly 150 endorsements from across the United States before entering the race.
She also spoke about her priorities for Redmond, including affordable housing, community support, and safety for all residents.
“My work has always centred around inclusivity, empowerment and creating a safer, more equitable Redmond,” she said.
Soni added that one of her primary goals is to recognise Diwali in Redmond, expressing hope that it could be formalised by the next quarter so that it may be observed as a holiday by next Diwali.
Who is Menka Soni?
According to her campaign website, the long-time Richmond resident holds more than 30 years of corporate leadership experience with organisations such as Microsoft, T-Mobile, Starbucks, and GM. She has also spent more than a decade working with grassroots organisations such as One Redmond Foundation, the Redmond Arts & Culture Commission, and nonprofit AmPowering.
“Menka is running to ensure Redmond remains an inclusive, affordable, and thriving city for all who live, work, and raise families here. She believes in putting people first and building a Redmond where every voice is heard and every community is valued,” the website explained.