MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
May
6, 2024
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of
the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman M endelson:
In accordance with section
2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-
142;
D.C. Official Code § 1-523.01), and pursuant to section 305 of the Office of Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs Establishment Act of 2001, effective October 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 14-28; D.C. Official
Code § 2-1374), I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
Ms. Aneysha Bhat
New Jersey A venue, S E
Washington, DC 20003
(Ward
6)
f
or appointment as a public voting member of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
Community Development, filling a vacant
seat, for a term to end April 17, 2025.
Enclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-m entioned
nominee, together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Council’s earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments, should the Council require additional information.
Sincerely,
Muriel B owser
Mayor 1
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~ h~
at the request of the Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To confirm the appointment
of Aneysha Bhat to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
Community Development.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that this
resolution may be cited as the "Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development Aneysha Bhat Confirmation Resolution
of 2024".
Sec.
2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:
Ms. Aneysha Bhat
New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
(Ward 6)
as a public voting member
of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development, established by section 305
of the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
Establishment Act
of 2001, effective October 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 14-28; D.C. Official Code§ 2-
1374), filing a vacant seat, for a term to end April 17, 2025.
Sec.
3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Office
of the Mayor.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. ANEYSHA BHAT , MPPA
EDUCATION
Northwestern University Graduated: June 2022
Degree: Master’s in Public Policy & Administration (MPPA)
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign – College of Engineering Graduated: May 2016
Degree: BS in Bioengineering
Minor: Chemistry
Honors: James Scholar, Dean’s List Honoree
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Biden-Harris Administration – Schedule (C) Political Appointee
Legislative Policy Advisor – U.S. Small Business Administration (Washington, D.C. HQ) April 2023 – present
▪ Support SBA Associate Administrator for Congressional and Legislative Affairs in communicating with and
managing relationships with Members of Congress, Senators, House and Senate Small Business Committees, and
other stakeholders on Capitol Hill
▪ Advise and staff SBA Administrator Guzman on congressional and legislative activities and hearings
▪ Advise SBA Administrator Guzman on ongoing and upcoming legislative activities related to artificial intelligence,
data privacy, and consumer protection and their impact on American small business owners
▪ Advise SBA Administrator Guzman on DEI-related matters, including supporting and empowering AANHPI-owned,
woman-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, Native American-owned, and other minority-owned small businesses
▪ Serve on the White House AI and the Economy IPC, AI Research & Development sub-IPC, and AI and Equity sub-
IPC on behalf of the SBA
Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Legislative Correspondent (Washington, D.C. Office) March 2022 – present
▪ Support the Homeland Security, Judiciary, Civil Rights, AANHPI, LGBTQ+, Disability, Foreign Policy, Defense, and
Technology portfolios within the Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
▪ Write and respond to all constituent correspondents in assigned issue areas in a timely manner using the IQ platform
▪ Perform in-depth research on a variety of legislative matters to identify bipartisan and collaborative opportunities
▪ Engage with stakeholders and constituents to communicate the priorities and views of the Office
▪ Staff the Senator at Committee hearings, markups, executive sessions, and other important events
▪ Prepare briefing materials for staff-level and Senator-level virtual and in-person meetings with stakeholders
▪ Authored a number of proposed bills and provisions related to artificial intelligence (AI), research and development
strategies, establishment of performance metrics, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and data management for
defense and national security purposes
o Authored, implemented, pitched, and executed the bipartisan introduction of S. 4138, Bioindustrial and
Additive Manufacturing for America (BAMA) Act in the U.S. Senate (FY 2023 NDAA, Section 214).
o Authored a provision for the establishment of a strategic partnership for research and development of emerging
technologies between the U.S. and India (FY 2023 NDAA, Section 1351).
o Authored a provision authorizing the Department of Defense to establish a biotechnology and biodefense
strategy. This provision was included in the Senate Armed Service Committee’s NDAA markup in 2022.
o Authored four provisions for the Senate version of the Coast Guard Authorization Act (CGAA) related to the
implementation of AI research and development strategies, AI performance metrics, cybersecurity, and data
management (FY 2023 NDAA, Sections 11226, 11227, and 11228).
o Authored three provisions for the Senate version of the FAA Reauthorization Act related to the development
of an AI workforce for the FAA and building inclusive and accessible flight safety practices.
▪ Authored two oversight letters related to assessing the impact of algorithmic bias in various fields.
o Authored an oversight letter to the FTC, EEOC, and DOL on how AI, algorithms, and algorithmic bias might
play a role in discriminating against people with disabilities when it comes to employment opportunities and
hiring practices in September 2021.
o Authored an oversight letter to the FDA regarding the impact of algorithmic bias in medical technology in
November 2021.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator (Washington, D.C. Office) January 2022 – present
▪ Work with Senior Staff to execute and track Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic goals and objectives ▪ Develop an organizational strategy for internal and external implementation of inclusive practices, including
▪ Work with Senate Democratic Diversity & Inclusion Initiative (SDDI) staff to coordinate trainings and collaborate on
Senate-wide initiatives
▪ Convene and manage the Office Diversity & Inclusion Task Force
Staff Assistant & Tour Coordinator (Washington, D.C. Office) June 2021 – March 2022
▪ Support Transportation/Infrastructure and Healthcare Legislative Assistants in engaging with internal and external
stakeholders to achieve legislative objectives
▪ Write form letters for constituent correspondence, floor vote recommendations, co-sponsor recommendations, sign-on
recommendations, Questions for the Record (QFRs), and internal memos containing research and briefing notes
▪ Manage Transportation/Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Arts/Humanities legislative portfolios for
batching mail in IQ
▪ Perform front desk responsibilities, including greeting visitors, updating resources for staff, answering phones, and
processing maintenance requests through AOC and CapFOR
▪ Coordinate all constituent-requested tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, FBI, Library of Congress, and Bureau of
Engraving and Printing in a timely and effective manner
▪ Maintain legislative archive system in IQ for documenting and logging previously written and signed letters and official
responses
▪ Lead the Weekly Report by collaborating with the State, Communications, Legislative, and Scheduling teams to deliver
impactful updates to the Senator
Perennial Culture LLC
Co-Founder | Cultural Strategist June 2020 – July 2021
▪ Empowered cultural and social change in for-profit and non-profit organizations through facilitation of personalized
short-term and long-term consulting partnerships, speaking engagements, and culture development workshops
▪ Led and executed a strategic 5-stage systems and design thinking process to co-create actionable and sustainable culture
▪ Integrated United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in cultural and organizational consulting strategies
▪ Contributed and led cultural communication with C-suite executives, directors, and managers of social impact initiatives
▪ Managed an operating budget, revenue forecast, and estimates for contracts with collaborators and clients
▪ Established the first national Cultural Accelerator for growth-stage startups to cultivate a sustainable cultural foundation
GE Healthcare
Lead Systems Engineer – X-ray AI June 2019 – May 2021
▪ Led Artificial Intelligence (AI) product development, workflow design and data management for COVID-19 FDA
fast-track medical device release (Critical Care Suite 2.0™ – FDA 510K Clearance: K211161)
▪ Led Critical Care Suite™ AI data management across GE Healthcare’s mobile and fixed X-ray systems (Critical
Care Suite – FDA 510K Clearance: K183182)
▪ Communicated feature design across cross-functional teams, including software, systems, product, program,
marketing, and executive leadership teams
▪ Presented Technical Design Reviews to Senior Leadership for AI program evaluations and formal product releases
▪ Translated technical expertise into strategic communication for X-ray AI marketing material and white papers
▪ Engaged with medical professionals, X-ray technologists, clinical applications leaders, and hospital executives to
collect and analyze customer feedback during product development
Lead Medical Writer – Quality Strategy Team June 2017 – May 2019
▪ Led study design for small-scale feasibility to large, multi-center pivotal studies supporting regulatory submission,
including 510(k), CNDA regulatory submission, and CE-marking activities
▪ Analyzed domestic (U.S. FDA) and international (EU, UK, and China) regulatory policies and communicated policy
information to cross-functional teams
▪ Authored formal medical, scientific, and marketing-related manuscript for initiation, development, and execution of
clinical studies
▪ Managed study design and development of project roadmaps, timelines, and management cycles across modality and
business segment leaders
▪ Directed study assignment and distribution across 5 functions for over 90 studies through the administration of the
Clinical Affairs Operations load leveling tracking system
▪ Conducted pilot-testing and implementation of AI software for medical writing and Clinical Operations teams, for 80%
increase in efficiency in 2018
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Product Development Engineer May 2016 – May 2017
▪ Successfully implemented design-to-value product roll-out 6 months early for $15M annual cost savings ▪ Drove front-end innovation on product platforms and technical experimentation for basis of product development
through production execution and innovative design
▪ Managed consumer-driven research on biomaterial development, analysis of usage and qualitative studies, and
oversee product prototyping
▪ Collaborated with vendors, research agencies, and consultants on consumer-driven product innovation and design
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Congressional Tech Staff Association (CTSA), Board Member – DC June 2022 – present
▪ Represent Democratic Senate staff in a bipartisan staff association focused on technology, tech policy, and the
future of technology
▪ Lead collaborative opportunities for members’ professional development and engagement with CTSA
Women’s Congressional Staff Association (WCSA), Member – DC July 2021 – present
▪ Engage with female congressional staff for professional development and networking opportunities
Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA), Member – DC July 2021 – present
▪ Work with the Professional Development and Membership Committees to support event planning for members
▪ Contribute to efforts to diversify congressional staff and increase representation of and advocacy for the AANHPI
community in Congress
▪ Engage with AANHPI congressional staff for professional development and networking opportunities
South Asian American Staff Association (SAASA), Member – DC July 2021 – present
▪ Contribute to efforts to diversify congressional staff and increase representation of and advocacy for the South
Asian community in Congress
▪ Engage with South Asian congressional staff for professional development and networking opportunities
Global Shapers Community, Impact Officer & Global Shaper – Milwaukee/DC January 2020 – present
▪ Selected to be Impact Officer of the Milwaukee Global Shapers hub (subset of World Economic Forum)
▪ Serve as a liaison between global leadership team and the Milwaukee hub to design programs and lead community
action towards societal and environmental goals
▪ Successfully planned, led, and executed a 2020 General Election voting initiative among youth and young adults
in Wisconsin across Milwaukee and Madison
▪ Collaborate with civic leadership, local community leaders, and next generation of domestic and global leaders to
create and organize impactful projects for the Milwaukee community
Northwestern Alumni Admissions Council (AAC), Member – Evanston, IL June 2022 – present
▪ Engage with prospective Northwestern University undergraduate students in the admissions cycle
▪ Conduct alumna interviews and submit interview reports to Northwestern University admissions office
Northwestern MPPA Student Leadership Council (SLC), Member – Evanston, IL September 2020 – March 2022
▪ Selected to represent the student body among school and program leadership at Northwestern University
▪ Collaborate with fellow SLC members to plan events and increase MPPA student engagement
Unite 2030 Youth Delegate Program, Youth Delegate – Global December 2020 – April 2021
▪ Selected to be a Youth Delegate for the Unite 2030 program, supporting the Global Goals and the United Nations
▪ Develop and lead international campaigns focused on youth engagement, empowerment and advocacy
Milwaukee Teacher Education Center, Board Member – Milwaukee, WI October 2020 – September 2021
▪ Elected to serve on the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC) Board in October 2020
▪ Collaborate with fellow Board members to develop solutions, programs, and initiatives to promote educational
engagement and teacher retention in urban settings
Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Member – Chicago, IL 2020 – 2021
▪ Joined the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and its Young Professionals Network
▪ Collaborate with Young Professional members to engage, discuss, and analyze domestic and international events
Rev Collective, Member – Milwaukee, WI 2019 – 2021
▪ Selected to be a member of a progressive women’s young professional network
▪ Collaborate with established female leaders and aspiring leaders for professional development and networking
CERTIFICATIONS
Wilson Center – Foreign Policy Fellowship Program Fall 2022 ▪ Completed the Foreign Policy Fellowship Program through the Wilson Center
▪ Collaborated with a bipartisan, bicameral group of Congressional staff members to engage in application-based
training and debate key global issues with some of the nation’s leading foreign policy thinkers and practitioners
Wilson Center - Congressional Artificial Intelligence Lab Winter 2022
▪ Completed the Congressional AI Lab through the Wilson Center Science and Technology Innovation Program
▪ Collaborated with fellow Congressional staff to learn about and discuss ongoing policy matters related to AI, ML,
and emerging technology and its impact on national security, foreign relations, and global competition
Climate Reality Leader - The Climate Reality Project 2020 – present
▪ Certified Climate Reality Leader through The Climate Reality Project, an organization founded by former Nobel
Laureate and Vice President Al Gore
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Entrepreneurship Certification 2018
▪ Completed Certification in Entrepreneurship and Capstone Project from Wharton School of Business
▪ Developed business plans, budgets, and pitch decks in an interactive environment with professors and students
LEAN Six Sigma Blue Belt Certification 2017 – present
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification 2016 – present
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCIES
▪ English – Native
▪ Hindi – Native
▪ Kashmiri – Native
HONORS & AWARDS
TEDx UIUC Speaker
▪ Selected as a TEDx Speaker in 2016, featured on TED and YouTube (Anxiety: A Cancer of the Mind)
GEHC Impact Awards
Selected to receive numerous Impact Awards from the GEHC X-ray business in recognition of leadership and
contribution to the Critical Care Suite™ and Critical Care Suite 2.0™ FDA 510(k) clearances
Executive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Aneysha Bhat
Ms. Aneysha Bhat is a first-generation Indian American from the
Naperville, IL. A daughter of religious refugees in India, Ms. Bhat has
always been interested in finding ways to integrate equity, cultural
appreciation, and diversity in her career and personal life through
community service, public service, and entrepreneurship. She worked
in the private sector as a product development engineer and Lead AI
Systems Engineer. Most recently, she led a global team on the product
development and subsequent 510(k) clearance of Critical Care Suite 2.0,
an AI-enabled software integrated in x-ray medical devices.
In 2020, Ms. Bhat co-founded Perennial Culture LLC, through which
she co-created a 5-stage cultural systems and design thinking process to create actionable and
sustainable culture in public and private sector organizations. In this role, she closely collaborated
with DEI-focused changemakers in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County leadership, entrepreneurial
organizations, and other community leaders to improve sustainable and evolutionary cultural
integration through short-term and long- term projects.
She pivoted her career and moved to Washington D.C. in 2021, where she began working for U.S.
Senator Tammy Duckworth—one of only two AANHPI Senators —on a myriad of policy
portfolios, from national security and technology policy to judiciary and immigration policy. She
primarily advised the Senator on tech policy, AANHPI issues, issues impacting minority
communities, and served as the Office’s first DEI Coordinator.
Ms. Bhat is currently a Biden-Harris Administration political appointee at the U.S. Small Business
Administration (“SBA”), where she advises and staffs SBA Administrator Guzman on
congressional and legislative activities, as well as activities related to AI, data privacy, and
consumer protection and their impact on American small business owners. She also advises on
DEI-related matters, including supporting and empowering AANHPI-owned, woman- owned,
LGBTQ+-owned, Native American-owned, and other minority- owned small businesses around
the country.
A Ward 6 resident, Ms. Bhat earned her bachelor’s degree in bioengineering at the University of
Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her master’s degree in public policy & administration from
Northwestern University, focusing on national security, foreign relations, and political and policy
strategy. GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
______________________________________________________________________________
The John A. Wilson Building • 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, D.C. 20004 • Office (202) 724-7681
To: Tomas Talamante, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: April 30, 2024
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of Resolutions nominating Sina Uipi, Niranjan Adhikari,
Jennifer Anderson, Jennifer Hara, Karen Kwok, Jeffrey Le, Artisha Naidu,
Anesha Bhat, Halaevalu Vakalahi, Mike Park, Moh Sharma, Martha Watanabe,
and Yilin Zhang as members of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
Community Development
This is to Certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced resolutions and
found them to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
hesitate to call Erika Satterlee, Deputy General Counsel, Executive Office of the Mayor, at 202-
724-1303, or me at 202-724-7681.
______________________________
Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Cavendish