Manisha Paudel

Chief equity officer
City of Des Moines

Age: 35

Partner: John 

Mentor: I have many who have guided me throughout my life. 

Why she’s a Forty: Manisha brings up issues and groups of people who are either not at the table or forgotten about. She initiated the creation of the Ankeny Human Rights Commission. She represents Des Moines in both the national and international arenas, focused on eliminating inequities and creating a just society for all. She has served in local government, focused on serving marginalized communities, for almost nine years, oftentimes heavily involved in behind-the-scenes efforts. 

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

Local government plays a significant role in eliminating disparities and creating an equitable community where ALL people can achieve their full potential. My goal is to work with decision-makers and staff to create an equitable Des Moines, where one's identity and passed-down circumstances don't prevent them from advancing.

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

My goal is to use any platform I have to uplift and strengthen the presence of and support for these highly impactful community-based organizations.

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

People are far more capable of being self-sufficient and self-dependent if we don’t put literal barriers in front of them. My biggest passion is to remove barriers that were deliberately created to put people behind because of what they look like, what abilities they have, where they are from, who they love, how and what they speak, and who they worship. 

What is it that drives you? 

My mom frequently shares the story of when she, my brother and I were on a bicycle rickshaw going uphill in Nepal. An older man was pulling the rickshaw in scorching heat. I asked everyone to get off the rickshaw and help the man push it uphill. I was 6 years old. 

What are your future aspirations? 

Making resources available and accessible to people based on their needs is really not as challenging as organizations may think or believe. Striving to create an equitable community and workplace, by removing barriers that never needed to exist, is actually quite fun. Someday, I hope to be able to spread this message and work with cities and communities throughout the world.

Three hobbies: I absolutely love pretending to be a gardener and an interior decorator. It’s a skill I hope to continue to learn. I also love being amidst mountains and listening to the birds. 

Fun fact: When Manisha worked for UNICEF-Eritrea, she went through training to identify land mines and protect herself from blowing up and dying. Her certificate hangs in her room at her parents’ house. 

ONE word: Authentic.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

Know your why and share it with the community. Why do you care? Why do you want to eliminate inequities? Why do you want the community you do?