Aruna Miller named new executive director of Indian American Impact

Miller, a former Maryland state legislator and congressional candidate, succeeds Gautam Raghavan.

Former Maryland state Del. Aruna Miller has been named the new executive director of the Indian American Impact Project and the Indian American Impact Fund.

She succeeds Gautam Raghavan, the founding executive director who left the organization in December to serve as the chief of staff to Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-WA.

Miller, an engineer by profession, served in the Maryland State House from 2010 to 2018. Last year, she ran for Congress from Maryland’s 6^th congressional district.

The Impact said in a press release that the Miller was selected after a nationwide search.

“I am honored and excited to work with Impact,” Miller said in the release. “I am particularly gratified to be part of an organization dedicated to engaging Indian Americans, one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. I hope to further Impact’s mission to develop and support talented individuals have the desire to become influential leaders in our democracy.”

The two cofounders of the organization, Deepak Raj and Raj Goyle, said Miller as the right candidate to lead Impact in a key election cycle.

“Aruna shares our passion for building political power in the Indian American community,” Raj said. “With her leadership, will continue building Impact into an organization that will be extraordinarily helpful to future generations.”

“As a former candidate and elected official who has campaigned, won votes, and served in office, Aruna is the ideal person to lead Impact,” said Goyle, a former member of the Kansas House of Representatives. “She has the perfect combination of skills and personal experience to take this organization to the next level. Anyone who has met, worked with, or voted for Aruna knows her future is bright. We are excited to have her at the helm of Impact.”

Miller brings along several years of invaluable experiences in politics and public service as well as her innovative thinking and new vision.

During her tenure at the Maryland State House, Miller worked to invest in STEM education, streamlined the regulatory process for small businesses and brought jobs to Maryland.

During her bid for Congress in 2018, Miller came out second out of eight candidates. She earned endorsements from the Impact Fund, Emily’s List, and the Sierra club, among other organizations, as well as all four Indian American members of the House of Representatives.

The Indian American Impact Fund endorses and supports candidates from the community who may be embarking on a political career. It helps to convene, recruit and train, endorse as well as fund candidates.