Manjula Karamcheti Running For Melrose Ward 1 City Council Seat

The following was submitted by Manjula Karamcheti:

Manjula Karamcheti Announces Candidacy for Melrose Ward 1 City Council Seat

Experienced educator and community activist vows to bring new voice, perspective to Council

MELROSE, MA - May 4, 2021 - Educator, community activist and diversity, equity and inclusion advocate Manjula Karamcheti today announced her candidacy for the Melrose City Council seat representing Ward 1.

“I love this city and have been both proud and fortunate to call it home for the past 11 years,” said Manjula. “My dedication to our community combined with my career as an educator and coalition builder has prepared me to take this next step in serving Melrose and its residents.”

As city councilor, Manjula will focus on:

• Improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers;
• Helping Ward 1’s vibrant small business sector to recover from the pandemic and grow
• Supporting city services and expanding programs for youth and families
• Promoting responsible development and sustainability

In addition, she will use her experience and education to build a stronger connection between city government and the schools and to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the city.

“Whether volunteering at events, standing up for street safety, or speaking up for diverse, equitable, inclusive schools and systems in our city, I have been an active and engaged member of the Melrose community since I moved here,” said Manjula. “I am steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that all people, voices and perspectives are made to feel welcome in Melrose and are represented in city government.”

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Manjula moved to Melrose in 2010. She is currently president of the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School PTO, serves on the Racial Justice Community Coalition Steering Committee, and was selected to the Mayor’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Task Force. Manjula served on the superintendent search committee, and has volunteered with the Melrose Education Foundation, Follow Your Art Community Studios, the Victorian Fair and Melrose Youth Soccer.

Manjula has more than 20 years of experience as a school counselor, educator, and administrator. She is currently the Director of Equity and Student Support for the High Meadows Graduate School of Teaching and Learning, and previously held roles as a counselor and director for the Bedford, Lexington, Malden and Framingham public schools.

Manjula earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and holds master’s degrees in risk and prevention from Harvard University and community social psychology from UMASS Lowell. She and her husband, Deepak, have a son and a daughter, both students in the Melrose Public Schools.

“I look forward to connecting with my fellow Ward 1 residents, hearing their concerns and amplifying their voices,” Manjula added. “My goal is to be a trusted, responsive and collaborative leader for all Ward 1 residents, regardless of race, gender, age, party or economic standing. Representation matters and I would be honored to represent Ward 1 on the City Council.”

To learn more about Manjula and her campaign, visit

Website: manjulaformelrose.com

Facebook: ManjulaforMelroseWard1

Twitter: @Manjula4Melrose

Instagram:ManjulaforMelrose