Kesha Ram

Kesha Ram (born August 2, 1986) is a Democratic member of the Vermont House of Representatives, representing the Chittenden-3-4 District of 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, the other is Progressive Party caucus chair Chris Pearson. She is the youngest member of the Vermont House.^[2] On October 11, 2015, Ram announced that she will run for the position of Lieutenant Governor.^[3] The incumbent, Republican Phil Scott, had earlier announced that he would run for Governor. On Oct. 26, 2015, Ram held a campaign kickoff in Burlington that was attended by many Vermont House colleagues and former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin.^[4]

Early life and education

Born to a Jewish mother and Hindu father,^[5] Ram graduated from Santa Monica High School in Southern 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 Political Science. She was awarded a Truman Scholarship.^[6] While at the University of Vermont she served as Student Body President. Her first elected position was as Student Council President in 5th grade.^[7]

Professional career

She served as the Legal Director for Women Helping Battered Women.^[8] Much of her work has centered on advocacy for people of color and new immigrants in the state of Vermont. She most recently served as the Public Engagement Specialist for the City of Burlington Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO).^[9]

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.^[10]

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