Kesha Ram Hinsdale
38 | Chair, Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs, Vermont State Senate
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I'm most proud of is ending discrimination against multifamily housing in Vermont so more people can afford to become first-time homebuyers.
Community Involvement:
My community involvement includes becoming the first woman of color to serve in the State Senate. 
Previously serving on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, the University of Vermont, and the Vermont Natural Resources Council.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was motivated to live and work in Vermont by the desire to give my future children a cleaner, safer environment to grow up in than I had in Los Angeles. I would call myself a "climate immigrant."
Favorite part of your job:
My favorite part of my job is centering the conversation around those most left behind and least heard.
Most inspiring mentor and why:
My most inspiring mentor is Madeleine Kunin. She is tireless, humble, and insightful. She has always helped me stay in touch with myself and keep a sense of humor through good and bad political moments.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is to put on my own oxygen mask before assisting others.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
Few people know that I am related to Jonathan Goldsmith, the "Most Interesting Man in the World."
What three words best describe you:
Three words that best describe me are ambitious, passionate, and courageous.
Favorite Vermont escape:
My favorite Vermont escape is Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. One of the things that inspired me to move to Vermont was learning there is a place where people worship dogs on the side of a mountain.
Favorite Vermont season:
My favorite Vermont season is spring because that shade of new, vibrant green doesn't exist most other places.
Favorite downtime activity:
My favorite downtime activity is pushing my daughter on her swing.
Favorite Social Media and why:
My favorite social media is Instagram because I always learn something new.
What is your favorite smell?
My favorite smell is soil after it rains.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is Lola Aiken. I met her before she passed away and she had done and seen so much in the century she was alive.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
The cause I would support is ending homelessness and preschool for every child.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend:
The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is Karma by Taylor Swift.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years I'd like to continue serving the people of Vermont.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
The career goals I'd like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are to end the housing crisis and move every Vermonter out of a flood zone.
