Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive and insightful conversation with Mamta Singh, the trailblazing community leader recently elected as the first Indian American to the Jersey City Council. From her journey as a new immigrant mother battling postpartum depression to founding the massive JC Families network, and now making political history, Mamta shares her powerful story of resilience, authentic leadership, and her practical vision for affordable housing, youth programs, and supporting working families in one of America’s most diverse cities. This interview explores the challenges and triumphs of an immigrant woman in politics and offers inspiring advice for the next generation.
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Background
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve had an inspiring journey from Agra to Jersey City. Can you share a little about your early life and the influences that shaped your passion for community service?
In India, I worked in fashion and wedding planning. When I moved to Jersey City and became a mother, I experienced postpartum depression because I did not know anyone. I did not have my family here. I did not have a support group. I realized there might be other people going through the same situation. That’s how my life started, going through something really hard, and that’s why we created JC Families to provide resources and connect families.
Making History
Dr Shabana Parvez: How does it feel to be the first Indian American ever elected in Jersey City’s history—a city often referred to as “Little India”?
Mamta Singh: It’s interesting. People do not believe that in a city where every third person looks like us, we never elected an Indian to city council. I am very excited, but I also have a lot of responsibility for the immigrant community, the South Asian community. I am really looking forward to connecting with them.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Why do you think this milestone took so long, despite the city having one of the largest Indian American communities in the country?
Mamta Singh: There can be a couple of reasons. I think leadership did not even give a ticket to an Indian person in the past. I feel angry that you do not feel we can have a leadership position. I had to fight to have a seat at the table.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What does your victory represent for the thousands of Indian American families who have called Jersey City home for decades?
Mamta Singh: It gives hope for the thousands of Indian American families. Not just for Indians, but for South Asians, for immigrants, and also for moms. They are going to look at me with the hope that if I can do it, they can do it.
Campaign, Priorities & Governance
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your campaign emphasized stabilizing property taxes, expanding youth programs, and supporting working families. What inspired you to focus on these core issues?
Mamta Singh: These are the issues because currently we have an affordability crisis. People who have been living here for 30 or 40 years cannot afford to live here anymore. That’s not good for any city. About youth programming, my work has been all about families and kids. I’m very passionate about it.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Now that you’ve transitioned from campaigning to governance, what is the first practical initiative you plan to introduce on the Council?
Mamta Singh: I want to create an association for not-for-profit organizations and grassroots communities so they can share resources. I’m also proposing that we open public school playgrounds and parks during summer break, fall break, and winter break to the neighborhood kids.
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do you hope to build trust with residents who may not know you well or were undecided during the election?
Mamta Singh: That’s my responsibility. I go to community meetings and events. Every single day, one to two events. I plan to organize meetings to connect with the neighborhood. This is my responsibility to make sure they know who I am and what I can do for them.
Community Advocacy & Leadership Journey
Dr Shabana Parvez: JCFamilies has grown into a community of more than 45,000 parents. What are some key lessons you learned from building and managing such a large network?
Mamta Singh: Everything has been organic. When you create an organization where people need it, people come. We promoted local businesses and that’s how we got sponsorship. Everything has been organic.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You also founded ‘Indians in Jersey City.’ How has this platform helped new immigrants integrate and feel more connected to the city?
Mamta Singh: I thought I should create something just for the Indian population. That’s when Indians in Jersey City was created. I started organizing events so people moving from India could connect with locals.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your work has always centered around families, women, and children. What personal experiences motivated this focus?
Mamta Singh: After delivering my child, I went into postpartum depression because I did not have a support system. I thought there might be other people going through the same situation like me.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What is the one thing about being a woman that you believe gives you an advantage in leadership and decision-making?
Mamta Singh: As a mom, I learned to multitask. People want to see women in leadership roles. There are some advantages to being a woman. People want to hear you.
Representation, Identity & Challenges
Dr Shabana Parvez: As an immigrant woman stepping into public office, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced—and how did you overcome them?
Mamta Singh: I always felt I was judged more than my male running mates. I feel really frustrated sometimes. Is it because I’m an immigrant? Or is it because I’m a woman? It comes with a package. Nothing was easy in my life. I’m still learning to face these challenges.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your election journey must have been intense. How important was your family’s support throughout this process?
Mamta Singh: People are lucky if they have their family around. Some days when you’re sick, I could not get sick because if I’m sick, who is going to take care of me? So I created my community. I created a group of friends who are like my family.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’re a community leader, entrepreneur, and now an elected official. How do you manage your health and well-being while balancing such a demanding workload?
Mamta Singh: I’ve always played sports. I am a cyclist, I work out at F45. I eat very, very healthy. I’m extremely disciplined. Health and fitness are really important because you can’t get sick.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What message do you hope your journey sends to young South Asian women and first-generation immigrants who want to pursue public service?
Mamta Singh: Look at me. I haven’t done anything here. But I am disciplined and very hardworking. Start volunteering. When you volunteer, you make connections. You learn to work.
16. Many women look up to you. What advice would you give about protecting your health and well-being while pursuing big goals and busy careers?
Mamta Singh: I believe in cooking regularly and taking care of your health. Meditation has been a big part. Learning is important. Never think that your life is over. There are going to be so many opportunities for you.
Collaboration & Jersey City’s Future
17. You ran as part of Mayor-elect James Solomon’s Team Solomon slate. How do you envision working together to bring meaningful reforms to Jersey City?
Mamta Singh: James is calm, knowledgeable, and extremely hardworking. He has three daughters and is raising them here. I’m very happy that I chose to run with James Solomon and our entire team.
18. Which initiatives do you believe will make the most immediate difference for working families and parents in the city?
Mamta Singh: Affordable housing. We will ask developers to have 10 or 15 percent affordable housing, and eventually aim for 20 percent. And making Jersey City safe for our families. Streets should be safe for kids to cross.
19. Jersey City is growing rapidly. How can the city balance development, affordability, and cultural inclusivity in the years ahead?
Mamta Singh: We want to make sure developers are giving back to the community. I’m very proud that our team did not take donations from developers so that we can negotiate.
20. Looking ahead to the next decade, what is your long-term vision for Jersey City—especially for youth, families, and multicultural communities?
Mamta Singh: My ultimate dream is that people can make Jersey City their ultimate home, including me. It feels so comfortable here. It feels like home. And it does feel home.
Fun & Lighthearted Questions
21. Jersey City has its own charm. What is one “only in Jersey City” moment that always makes you smile?
Mamta Singh: I always joke that when I moved to Jersey City, I told my friends that I have people on my face here, like in India. They’re really up in your face.
22. If you had to describe your campaign journey using a Bollywood movie title, which one would you choose—and what makes it the perfect fit?
Mamta Singh: I think something related to a dream come true type. Something where you think it might fit. Something related to a dream come true.
23. Campaign days can be exhausting. What is your go-to comfort food that instantly lifts your spirits?
Mamta Singh: Dal roti. Dal roti is my ultimate comfort food. You give me dal roti. I generally eat at home and then I go out.
Concluding Question
24. What is your message to viewers—especially immigrants, parents, and young Indian Americans—who see your historic win as a symbol of hope and possibility?
Mamta Singh: I love being authentic. I am who I am. I’m proud of my roots. Please learn to be comfortable as a woman, learn to be comfortable with yourself. Have your own personality. I am very proud and very comfortable with my own skin. America is the most welcoming country. Improve yourself for sure, but don’t change your own self, your authenticity.
