Stronger Together

As an immigrant, with a name that somewhat stands out in East Tennessee, Seema has learned to navigate the void between her and people who may have at first, seen her as an outsider. Listening has been a primary tool she employs in relating to others. Through this practice, Seema has found that we all, no matter race, gender identity, political affiliation, or religious convictions, have very human commonalities. She knows that the safety of our children, meaningful work, a livable wage, and access to healthcare are among some of the needs we all share. 

In every major initiative Seema has led, from more affordable utilities and housing to violence prevention, she has convened stakeholders with very different interests and viewpoints to work together on solutions.

To be an effective City Council member, Seema serves as a bridge, connecting numerous and diverse community members to resources and city services, but most importantly to each other.

She continues to advocate for individuals and for neighborhoods needing everything from traffic calming to blight removal to garbage pickup.

In the rapidly growing Third District, Seema has been an intermediary between developers and established residents who commonly begin with very different visions for their neighborhood’s future. When all voices are really heard and understood, Seema has discovered that people can often find ways to accommodate and compliment one another’s needs and wants in ways we never imagined.

Seema continues to support walkable, safer communities, with clean and healthy environments; smart, responsible climate change and equity policies, and more affordable housing.

Seema is most proud of the number of difficult but respectful discussions she has had with constituents who initially felt they could not see eye to eye with her. Seema believes she left those conversations with people at least feeling understood, knowing that she listened with an open mind.