Historic Victory for a Hyderabadi-Born Leader
A Democrat, Ghazala Hashmi was elected to be the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, becoming the first Muslim woman to be elected to such a position in any US state.
Early Life and Education
Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad in India. She shifted base with her mother and brother when she was four years old to Georgia in the United States. Her father had a PhD in international affairs and worked as a professor at one of the universities. Ghazala did well at school and secured several scholarships based on merit. She did her BA Hons in English from Georgia Southern University.
Academic and Professional Background
After attending undergraduate school, Ghazala received her PhD in Literature at Emory University in Atlanta. She married her husband, Azhar, then moved to the Richmond area in 1991. She spent 30 years at Reynolds Community College serving students and growing higher education as a professor.
Political Career and Achievements
Ghazala Hashmi started her political career by winning her first election in 2019. In 2024, she was a member of the Democratic Party and held the position of Chairwoman of the Senate Education and Health Committee. And the latest addition to her public service career will be a victory as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
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