Ashwat and his wife Emily, a visual effects artist from Buffalo, moved to Maplewood in 2022 with their two children because they saw in this community the same diversity they value as a family. Their daughter is now a 2nd grader at Seth Boyden, and their son just started kindergarten after two years at Montrose. In a short time, they’ve seen much to celebrate in the district—from caring teachers who go the extra mile to support students, to tangible improvements like more responsive transportation solutions.

Professionally, Ashwat is an intellectual property lawyer with a background in engineering. He helps clients navigate complex challenges and build consensus among competing priorities, skills that he also applies through pro bono work advocating for young immigrants. His own journey—from moving to the U.S. at 15, to earning engineering and law degrees, to building a successful career—has given him a deep appreciation for opportunity and the impact of representation.

In Maplewood, Ashwat served on the district’s Budget Advisory Committee, where he gained firsthand insight into the fiscal realities facing the schools. He is running for the Board of Education to ensure that every student’s academic and social-emotional needs are met, that teachers receive the support and fair compensation they deserve, and that the district’s finances are managed responsibly. Guided by the vision of Progress, Partnership, Promise, Ashwat is committed to transparency, collaboration, and student-centered leadership that empowers every child to thrive.