Earlier this month Ashfaq Syed was elected to the city council of Naperville, a city in the state of Illinois, becoming the first Indian American ever to hold that position. Syed, who was serving as the president of the Naperville public library board of trustees, decided to run for the city council because he believes in serving and giving back to the community of Naperville, a city that welcomed his family with open arms.
The Naperville City council is the governing body of the city, responsible for enacting ordinances, overseeing city operations, and making decisions that impact the residents and businesses.
“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, told the Times of India in an exclusive interview.
The local desi community supported his campaign in a big way. “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 said.
A long time resident of Naperville, Syed is involved with many community organisations and boards. He is a member of the board of directors of Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Naperville Neighbors United and a member of the Indian Prairie school district 204 citizens task force. He also serves as a committee member of 360 Youth Services, an organisation committed to helping young people and their families 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 said. He felt that voters saw that track record and understood that he could step into city council with the experience to deliver on Day One.
Syed, who has had a successful career in finance and banking, has used his professionals skills in all the public positions that he has served in. His campaign platform focused on responsible development, sustainability, public safety, and supporting local businesses. “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 said.
Syed feels that the biggest challenge that he faced during his campaign was standing out in a large field 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 said. A high level of grassroots outreach, door-to-door conversations, and showing up—everywhere, helped the campaign. “There were also moments of doubt and hurdles as a first-time candidate, but we kept going because the mission mattered.” Syed said.
And he sees the Indian American population growing in Naperville over the years. “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 said.
Syed feels that there is a wave of Indian Americans stepping forward to serve in various public positions across 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 said.
Besides Syed, two other Indian Americans also ran for Naperville’s city council. Nag Jaiswal, a resident of the city for 20 years, served on the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council, and the Naperville Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission. Meghna Bansal serves as the commissioner for Naperville’s planning and zoning board. She is also a part of the Naperville Downtown Advisory Board, the Indian community outreach programme and the KidsMatter board.
Syed still strongly connects 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 said. And he is also 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.”
