Indian-American politician and academic administrator
Ghazala Firdous Hashmi (born July 5, 1964) is an Indian-born American politician and former academic administrator and educator. A Democrat, Hashmi represents the 10th district in the Senate of Virginia. She worked as an educator and academic administrator for 25 years before running for office.
Early life and education
Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1964 to Tanveer and Zia Hashmi. She lived at her maternal grandparents' home in Malakpet during her childhood. Her maternal grandfather served in the finance department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Her family moved to the United States in 1969.[1][2]
Hashmi completed a B.A. in English at Georgia Southern University where she was a member of the honors program and received a full four-year scholarship. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Emory University on full fellowship.[3] Her 1992 dissertation was titled William Carlos Williams and the American ground of "In the American Grain" and "Paterson."[4]
Career
Hashmi was an educator and academic administrator for 25 years.[1] She was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Richmond. Additionally, she received multiple awards and medals for scholarship, teaching, and multicultural enrichment[5] at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, an institution at which she served as the founding director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.[1] In the 2019 Virginia Senate election, Hashmi won Virginia's 10th Senate district, defeating incumbent Republican Glen Sturtevant. She is the first woman to represent the district and the first Muslim elected to the Senate of Virginia.[6] She was officially sworn into office on January 8, 2020.[7][8][9]
Personal life
Hashmi moved to Richmond in 1991 with her husband. They have two daughters.[1] Hashmi resides in Midlothian, Virginia.[3] Her father was also an academic.[1]
