The Ripple Effect: Why True Leadership is Measured by the Leaders We Create
Last week, I had the distinct honor of standing before the San Carlos City Council during their reorganization meeting. It was a night of transition and celebration, honoring our outgoing Mayor, Sara McDowell, and welcoming our new Mayor, Pranita Venkatesh.
As a resident, and in my official capacity as a City Planning and Transportation Commissioner, I often speak about zoning, housing elements, and transit corridors. But last week, I put the technicalities aside to speak from the heart about something far more enduring: the power of mentorship and representation.
Standing at that podium, I realized that my journey—from a mother and startup founder, to a Commissioner helping shape the future of our city—wasn't an accident. It was the result of leaders who didn't just govern, but who actively reached out and pulled others up.
Today, I want to reflect on why civic engagement matters and why we must all champion grassroots diversity in our own communities.
From Storybooks to City Hall
Five years ago, my concept of local government was abstract. As a mom to young children, my primary reference for a "Mayor" was the one on The Little Blue Truck.
That changed when I sat down with Sara. She didn't just see me as a resident; she saw me as a potential partner in community building. She challenged me to widen my lens—to take my background as a CEO and organizational psychologist and apply it to the macro-level issues facing our town: mental health, childcare, and community well-being.
That conversation was the spark. It led me to the Centennial Planning Committee, and eventually, to my current role on the Planning and Transportation Commission.
The Lesson: We often wait for "permission" to lead. But true community mentors, like Sara, don't wait for you to ask. They see your potential and invite you to the table.
The Power of "Firsts"
Last week was also historic. We welcomed Pranita as the first South Asian Mayor of San Carlos.
I first knew Pranita through our local Indian women’s group, struck by her kindness and simplicity. But as I watched her take the gavel, I saw the fearless leader beneath the warmth. Her appointment sends a powerful signal to women of color everywhere—and specifically to the next generation, including my own children—that these spaces belong to us, too.
This is what grassroots diversity assimilation looks like. It isn't just about statistics; it's about integration. It’s about ensuring that the leadership of a city reflects the vibrant tapestry of the families who live there. When we support diverse leadership, we aren't just being "inclusive"; we are ensuring that our decision-making is richer, wiser, and more compassionate.
How Service Define Us
People often ask me how I balance my duties as a Planning Commissioner with my professional life. The truth is, while the roles are distinct, they are grounded in the same personal values: stewardship and systemic thinking.
Serving on the Commission requires balancing conflicting needs, navigating complex regulations, and holding a long-term vision for the community's future. It teaches patience, deep listening, and the importance of building bridges between diverse viewpoints.
These are the same principles that guide me as a leader and a mentor. Whether sitting on a dais reviewing housing elements or sitting across from a peer discussing career growth, the core responsibility is the same: to listen deeply, to consider the whole ecosystem, and to help build a path toward a sustainable future.
My time in City Hall has reinforced my belief that true leadership—in any setting—is about service first.
A Call to Build Your Own Legacy
There is a saying I shared in the Council meeting: "A leader is not known by who she leads, but by how many more leaders she creates."
As we look toward the new year, I invite you to embrace this philosophy in your own organizations and neighborhoods.
If you are a senior leader: Who are you inviting to the meeting? Who are you mentoring to take your place?
If you are a community member: How are you supporting diversity in your local institutions? Are you helping to clear the path for voices that haven't been heard before?
We build a better world—and better communities—not just by achieving our own goals, but by lighting the path for the person standing behind us.
To Sara and Pranita: Thank you for lighting my path.