Bhat-Patel photo

 

I grew up in Carlsbad, where I live today, with my husband, son and dog. I am a proud product of the Carlsbad Unified School District and have been a Carlsbad resident for over 27 years.

As a public health professional, I have devoted my career to public service working on many issues, including, but not limited to, improving health access for seniors, running the statewide initiative for Family Justice Centers and working on violence prevention. I am excited to head into my second City Council term to serve the community where I grew up.

Regional and local government

  • Mayor Pro Tempore 
  • Clean Energy Alliance JPA (primary)
  • City/School Committee
  • City Council Economic Development Subcommittee
  • League of California Cities Board of Directors
  • League of California Cities – SD Division President and alternate
  • North County Transit District (primary)
  • SANDAG Board of Directors (1st alternate)
  • National League of Cities Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials Board
  • National League of Cities Race Equity and Leadership Council
  • National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Federal Advocacy Committee

Community involvement and volunteer activities

  • Volunteer Carlsbad City Library (current and past)
  • Community Emergency Response Team Member (current and past)
  • Graduate of City of Carlsbad Citizens Academy (past)
  • Volunteer Community Hope Project (past)
  • Volunteer Kids for Peace (past)
  • Volunteer Tri City Medical Center (past)

Professional organizations

  • American Association of University Women
  • American Council on Exercise
  • American Public Health Association Member
  • South Asian Public Health Association Partnership/Chapter Committee Officer

Education

  • Doctor of Public Health from Loma Linda University
  • Master of Public Health from University of Southern California, with highest honors
  • Bachelor of Science from University of California, San Diego

Past awards and achievements

  • Delta Omega Inductee, University of Southern California
  • 2018 Ruth White Award Recipient, Loma Linda University
  • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce - 40 under 40 

Personal history

  • Grew up in Carlsbad and has lived in Carlsbad almost her entire life
  • Alumna of Aviara Oaks Elementary, Aviara Oaks Middle, and Carlsbad High School
  • Lives with her husband, son, and dog
  • Three generations of her family live in Carlsbad