Indian-American lawyer Janani Ramachandran has become a member of the Auckland City Council in the state of California. She is the youngest first openly gay woman to be elected from District 4 of the Oakland City Council.  

Ramachandran was sworn in as Member of District 4 of Auckland City Council at an inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday 10 January. During this she was seen wearing a saree. 

In gratitude, Ramachandran tweeted, "We win. Honored to be the next City Council Member from District 4. I will officially become the youngest Council Member in Auckland's history. With this, Auckland Will make history by becoming the first LGBTQ and first South Asian woman to serve on City Council. Thank you Team Zanani." 

In another tweet, she wrote, "I am extremely grateful to all those who have placed their trust in me and helped build our movement. Honored to have my loved ones with me as I take the oath." Ramachandran describes herself as the daughter of immigrants from a small village in South India. 

According to her official website, Ramachandran is currently employed with the California Commission, where she works in the Division of Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. She previously served as a commissioner on the Auckland City Public Ethics Commission. 

He has worked at Stanford University and the University of California and at several legal non-profits. According to the website, she was also a candidate in the 2021 State Assembly elections.