Indian-Origin Arizona Senator Nominated For Rising Star Award

Indian-Origin Arizona Senator Nominated For Rising Star Award

Arizona State Senator Priya Sundareshan, of Indian origin, has been nominated for the prestigious Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award by EMILY's List, recognizing her leadership in voting rights, environmental protection, and reproductive health. 

Political Career and Advocacy

Representing Arizona's 18th Senate District, Sundareshan has been a vocal opponent of severe abortion restrictions and has proactively introduced legislation to safeguard access to contraception. Her dedication to environmental issues earned her the Rising Environmental Leader Award in 2023. 

Academic and Professional Background

Born in Tucson, Arizona, Sundareshan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from MIT and both a Juris Doctor and a Master's in Natural Resource Economics from the University of Arizona. Her career includes roles at the Environmental Defense Fund and leadership of the Natural Resource Use and Management Clinic at the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. 

Personal Life

A mother of two, Sundareshan is committed to using science-based policymaking to create a better future for the next generations. 

The Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award, named after the former Arizona Congresswoman and gun control advocate, will be presented later this year by EMILY's List. 

Priya Sundareshan's lifestyle reflects her deep commitment to environmental sustainability, public service, and family. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, she benefited from the region's public education system and developed a strong connection to the outdoors. 

Her professional journey includes teaching natural resources law at the University of Arizona and advocating for sustainable resource management with the Environmental Defense Fund. 

 These roles highlight her dedication to integrating environmental consciousness into her daily life and work.

As a mother of two young children, Sundareshan emphasizes the importance of a sustainable future for the next generation. This personal commitment influences her advocacy for science-based decision-making in politics, particularly concerning environmental preservation. 

In her political career, she focuses on issues such as renewable energy, water conservation, and voting accessibility, aiming to make Arizona a leader in these areas. 

Her lifestyle embodies a balance between professional responsibilities, environmental advocacy, and family life, all rooted in her Tucson upbringing.