First Indian American councillor of Naperville Ashfaq Syed finds a lot of support among desi community

Earlier this month Ashfaq Syed was elected to the town council of Naperville, a metropolis within the state of Illinois, changing into the primary Indian American ever to carry that place. Syed, who was serving because the president of the Naperville public library board of trustees, determined to run for the town council as a result of he believes in serving and giving again to the community of Naperville, a metropolis that welcomed his household with open arms.
The Naperville City council is the governing physique of the town, liable for enacting ordinances, overseeing metropolis operations, and making selections that impression the residents and companies.
“I’ve always believed that when you love a community, you serve it. I wanted to ensure that our local government reflects the diversity of our community and works for all of us. The Indian American community was an incredible pillar of support throughout the campaign,” Syed, who was born and raised in Hyderabad, informed the Times of India in an unique interview.
The native desi community supported his marketing campaign in a massive means. “From volunteers and donors to voters and cheerleaders, I am deeply grateful for how the community rallied behind this campaign. Their belief in our shared vision helped power us across the finish line,” he stated.
A very long time resident of Naperville, Syed is concerned with many community organisations and boards. He is a member of the board of administrators of Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Naperville Neighbors United and a member of the Indian Prairie college district 204 residents process power. He additionally serves as a committee member of 360 Youth Services, an organisation dedicated to serving to younger folks and their households in Naperville.
“Serving as president of the Naperville public library board gave me invaluable experience in community-centred governance. I helped oversee an $18 million budget, supported staff, listened to residents, and made decisions that directly impacted families. It taught me how to lead with transparency, balance diverse needs, and remain focused on public service,” Syed stated. He felt that voters noticed that observe report and understood that he may step into metropolis council with the expertise to ship on Day One.
Syed, who has had a profitable profession in finance and banking, has used his professionals expertise in all the general public positions that he has served in. His marketing campaign platform targeted on accountable growth, sustainability, public security, and supporting native companies. “We talked about ensuring Naperville remains a welcoming, forward-thinking city—one that invests in infrastructure, protects the environment, and maintains fiscal responsibility. I also emphasised the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and community engagement. These aren’t just campaign slogans—they are values that I bring to every decision I make,” he stated.
Syed feels that the largest problem that he confronted throughout his marketing campaign was standing out in a giant area of candidates. “This win is bigger than me—it’s about what’s possible when we come together as a community. I intend to serve with the same dedication, humility, and integrity that fuelled this campaign,” he stated. A excessive degree of grassroots outreach, door-to-door conversations, and exhibiting up—in every single place, helped the marketing campaign. “There were also moments of doubt and hurdles as a first-time candidate, but we kept going because the mission mattered.” Syed stated.
And he sees the Indian American inhabitants rising in Naperville over time. “Families from across India are making Naperville home—bringing rich traditions, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to education and community. It’s a privilege to represent a city that reflects such a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds. As our numbers grow, so does our responsibility to engage in civic life and shape the policies that impact our lives,” he stated.
Syed feels that there’s a wave of Indian Americans stepping ahead to serve in numerous public positions throughout the US. “In Naperville, that same energy is present. Our community is engaged, informed, and increasingly recognising the importance of representation. I hope my campaign encourages more Indian Americans to consider public service and bring their perspectives to the table. Our voices matter—and we must use them to shape the future,” he stated.
Besides Syed, two different Indian Americans additionally ran for Naperville’s metropolis council. Nag Jaiswal, a resident of the town for 20 years, served on the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council, and the Naperville Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission. Meghna Bansal serves because the commissioner for Naperville’s planning and zoning board. She can be a half of the Naperville Downtown Advisory Board, the Indian community outreach programme and the KidsMatter board.
Syed nonetheless strongly connects together with his Indian heritage. “I still speak my native language at home, celebrate Indian festivals with my family, and stay grounded in the values of service, humility, and community,” he stated. And he’s additionally proud to be an American and deeply invested in Naperville’s future. “I think one of our greatest strengths as Indian Americans is the ability to hold both identities with pride—and use them to build bridges.”