Highlighting a BANA member  

For our first "on-line" edition, I am excited to highlight Rupa Somanath Murthy who has dedicated her time and energy to work in the public service arena. Rupa worked for Senator Mark Warner during his term as Governor of Virginia from 2002 through 2006. Rupa grew up in Richmond, Virginia and is the daughter of BANA members, Muktha & T. K. Somanath. She graduated from James Madison University with a political science degree. Rupa was in part responsible for a Virginia governor's first ever trade mission to India.

Suhana: What drew you to politics and public service?

Rupa: I studied political science in college and always enjoyed it. Right after graduating I worked in the dot com field in Denver, Colorado - my parents supported my choices - they just told me to make sure I had health insurance through my job. After a year of working, I went on a family trip to India and my Dad told me about Mark Warner running for Governor of Virginia. I read up on him and was impressed that he was fiscally conservative but very open socially. At this point, I had not aligned myself with either political party - but I thought this is a great opportunity to work in a governor's race with a person I could align myself with. I moved back to Richmond, interviewed to work on his campaign and was hired.

Suhana: What were your job responsibilities?

Rupa: Well, when I worked on his campaign (for almost a year) - I did a lot of outreach events to rural communities, I campaigned at festivals, I attended big political rallies and spoke in public forums such as rotaries. I traveled all throughout Virginia and got the opportunity to talk to people of all backgrounds. Most people were always interested in asking me why I supported my candidate. I also helped with fundraising. I found that Indian Americans were the number one minority givers (donated the most money towards political campaigns among minority groups).

After Mark was elected as Governor of Virginia I continued to work in his administration as the Asian Community Liasion and Deputy Director of Appointments. I really got to know so many elected officials!

Suhana: What was your favorite part and least favorite part of the job?

Rupa: I loved community outreach - going out and meeting new people is always exciting. My least favorite? Well, it is the government, so there is a lot of paperwork! I had my oldest son (he is four now) towards the end of Governor Warner's administration. It was an exciting time as he was really considering running for President.

Suhana: What accomplishment are you the most proud of?

Rupa: I helped produce the first state delegation for a trade mission to India from Virgina. This India Trade Mission was the first one out of Virginia. We went with a Virginia delegation - I brought Sonali Shetty and Sudhakar Shenoy on board. We travelled through Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. The delegation was there for one week. I met with the Chief Finance Minister. We were touched to learn about amazing projects like the "Hole in the Wall" in Delhi. We watched children from the poorest groups teach themselves how to use these computers. I'll never forget the image of these children in their mud huts with a blue tarp on it and offering us tea. Current CTO (Chief Technology Officer) for President Obama, Aneesh Chopra, arranged that part of the trip.

Suhana: What are you doing now?

Rupa: Governor Warner is now Senator Warner of Virginia. As for myself, after having my second child (he is now two years old) I wanted to work part-time. I had accumulated a lot of fundraising experience working for Mark so I created my own consulting company. Anyone who works for themselves knows how difficult it is to limit your hours - so it truly became a complete full-time job! Through a client recommendation, I became the new Associate Director of Development for Virginia Commonwealth of University's, Department of Psychiatry where I primarily raise money to further mental health research. To date, I have raised over $300,000! I enjoy what I am doing and I am able to spend time at home with the kids.

Suhana: What would you tell other BANA members who would like to get involved in politics or the public service area?

Rupa: Go for it! Call up your representatives and start volunteering and figure out how to get involved. I found it to be a very rewarding experience.

To highlight a BANA member for BANAVANI, please contact Suhana Rai at suhanarai@hotmail.com with the member's name, a sentence or two about their non-profit/charitable/public service work and contact information.