Swati Dandekar (IA)
State Senator (IA-18)
2009: Leadership Academy for Elected Officials
Biography
Swati Dandekar was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives from District 36 in November 2002. She became the first person of Indian origin to win a seat to the Iowa House of Representatives. She won re-elections to the Iowa House in November 2004 and 2006. In 2008 she won the election to the Iowa Senate as a Senator from District 18. Her legislative priorities are economic growth, renewable energy, affordable healthcare and educational excellence.
Prior to becoming a state legislator, Senator Dandekar erved two terms on the Linn-Mar Community School Board. Iowa Governor Thomas Vilsack appointed her to the Vision Iowa Board for three years since its inception in 2000. The Vision Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational and entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Senator Dandekar has held several community leadership positions and has received numerous awards for her work.
Senator Dandekar serves on the boards for the Iowa Math and Science Coalition, Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation, and the .Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted & Talented
Senator Dandekar received her bachelor's degree in Biology & Chemistry from Nagpur University and post graduate diploma in dietetics from Bombay University in India. She and her husband Arvind live in Marion, Iowa. Arvind is President/CEO of Fastek International, a software development firm. They have two sons Ajai and Govind who are graduates of Stanford University. Dr. Ajai and his wife Dr. Allison Cole live in Seattle, Washington with their son Evan. Govind works for Google as a Financial Analyst. Govind lives in Palo Alto, California
Donate
Follow Us
