Kesha Ram

Kesha Ram
Member of the Vermont House of Representatives
from the Chittenden-3-4 district
Assumed office
January 7, 2009
Preceded by David Zuckerman
Personal details
Born (1986-08-02) August 2, 1986
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Residence Burlington, Vermont
Alma mater University of Vermont
Profession Domestic Violence Professional
Website Campaign website

Kesha Ram (born August 2, 1986) is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who serves in the Vermont House of Representatives. She represents the Chittenden-3-4 District in the city of Burlington. The district includes the city's neighborhoods of the Hill Section, Old North End, and University District. She is one of two legislative representatives for the district and the youngest member of the House of Representatives. In 2016, she came in third in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.[1]

Early life and education

Born to a Jewish mother and Hindu father,[2] Ram graduated from Santa Monica High School near Los Angeles, California in 2004. Sir Gunga Ram, her great, great grandfather, was Chief Engineer of India. After graduating, she moved from California to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2008 with a BS in Natural Resource Planning and a BA in Political Science. She was awarded a Truman Scholarship. While at the University of Vermont she served as Student Body President. Her first elected position was as Student Council President in 5th grade.[3]

Professional career

She has served as the Legal Director for Women Helping Battered Women.[4] Much of her work has centered on advocacy for people of color and new immigrants in Vermont. She most recently served as the Public Engagement Specialist for the City of Burlington Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO).[5] She is currently on the boards of the Center for Whole Communities, Emerge Vermont, and the University of Vermont.[6]

Political career

Elected to the state House of Representatives at age 22 to represent the University District and Hill Section of Burlington, she has represented the district since 2009. She led the effort to criminalize revenge porn in Vermont.[7] On October 11, 2015, Ram announced her run for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.[8] The incumbent, Republican Phil Scott, had earlier announced that he would run for Governor. On October 26, 2015, Ram held a campaign kickoff in Burlington that was attended by many House colleagues and former Governor Madeleine Kunin.[9] She was endorsed by U.S. Representative Ami Bera.[6] She came in third in the primary, behind House Speaker Shap Smith and the winner, Representative David Zuckerman.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 DeSmet, Nicole Higgins (9 August 2016). "Zuckerman wins race for Dems lt. governor". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  2. ↑ Grossman, Karl (August 18, 2013). "Jewish and Hindu — Vermont's Youngest State Representative". The Times of Israel. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  3. ↑ Cloke, Susan (September 24, 2009). "Hometown Hero: Kesha Ram, Member, Vermont House of Representatives". Santa Monica Mirror. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  4. ↑ Thornton, Amy. "Legislator Kesha Ram: Going for the Heavy Lifts". Vermont Woman. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  5. ↑ Wisloski, Jess (October 27, 2015). "Ram Leaving Burlington City Government". Vermont Journalism Trust. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  6. 1 2 Albanese, Giovanni (March 10, 2016). "Kesha Ram Hoping to Shape Vermont's Future as Next Lieutenant Governor". India-West. India-West Publications, Inc. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  7. ↑ Achen, Paris (June 17, 2015). "Revenge porn criminalized under new VT law". Burlington Free Press. Gannett Company. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  8. ↑ Heintz, Paul (October 12, 2015). "Kesha Ram to Run for Lieutenant Governor". Seven Days. Da Capo Publishing. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  9. ↑ Heintz, Paul (October 26, 2015). "At Campaign Kickoff, Kesha Ram Says She's No 'Kitten With Lipstick'". Seven Days. Da Capo Publishing. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
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