University of Wisconsin–Madison

A Progressive Path Forward

Pramila Jayapal, Representative (D-WA 7th District)

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Hybrid Event: Zoom and Sewell Social Science Building, Room 8417*

A woman smiles broadly at the camera. Her shoulder-length black hair features soft curls and is parted slightly to the side. She wears a royal purple dress with a round neck and seaming details. She also wears a black and silver necklace and a round enamel pin. Positioned behind her and to the side is the US flag. She appears before a dark gray backdrop.

A former Washington State Senator and a lifelong organizer for immigrant, civil, and human rights, Representative Pramila Jayapal is currently serving her fourth term in Congress for Seattle and the surrounding communities. In 2016, she became the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House. She came to the United States alone at the age of 16 and went on to start the largest immigrant rights organization in Washington state before becoming one of only two dozen naturalized citizens serving in Congress today. As the Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representative Jayapal is the lead sponsor of the Medicare for All Act, the College for All Act, the Housing is a Human Right Act, the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, and the Roadmap to Freedom immigration resolution. She currently serves on the Judiciary, where she is also Ranking Member of the Immigration Subcommittee, and Education and Workforce Committee. Congresswoman Jayapal lives in Seattle with her husband Steve.

*Room 8417 is located at the north end of the building. To access it, enter the building at the main doors on Observatory Drive located to the left of the bell tower, the Carillon. Once inside, walk down the hallway, through the set of glass doors, and take the elevator on your left to the 8th floor.