First Indian-American sworn in as Trustee of Wheatland Township, Ill.

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Entrepreneur and a finance professional Meghna Bansal on May 16, 2021 took the oath of office as a Trustee of Wheatland Township in Illinois.

She became the first Indian-American to hold this office when she won the election on April 6, 2021, according to a recent press release.

“What an incredible and proud moment today swearing-in and taking oath as an elected official for Wheatland Township by Judge Hon. Vincent F. Cornelius. As an immigrant to this great country, I am honored and filled with gratitude by the trust of 5232 voters, my friends, my family, and supporters who have shown this overwhelming confidence in me and I intent to uphold it,” Meghna was quoted saying in the press release.

She is the wife of popular political and community leader Krishna Bansal.

“I can’t forget to mention my husband for his tremendous support and encouragement. He advised at every step, motivated me to run & brought me out from my own shell. As I assume responsibility, I am looking forward serving our community involving everyone along the way,” Meghna added.

Wheatland Township is in Will County, IL and includes parts of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield. With a population of over 85,000, residents of Indian origin constitute over 15 percent of the population, according to the press release.

A resident of Wheatland for the past 16 years, Meghna is familiar with local issues and what it might take to address them.

She has been actively involved in the town’s education, business and civic organizations.

Meghna has been serving on the White Eagle Homeowner Association Board since January 2017. She also has been an integral part of community organizations like Indian Community Outreach (ICO), where she has organized India Day Festival and many other community educational events.

One of Meghna’s goals has been to encourage fellow Indian-Americans to get involved in public service. “I have worked in the background for many years and encouraged many to get involved. Now that both of my daughters are in college, it was time for me to come forward and lead by example,” she said in the release.

Meghna believes with her professional experience and education she can help balance budget and secure financial surplus for resident needs. She also thinks there is a scope of increased outreach with residents and new programs for youth and seniors in the current post COVID-19 era.