Saira Rao Biography
Saira Rao is an American political activist, author, publisher, and former Wall Street lawyer and television producer, who was born and brought up in Richmond, Virginia, United States of America. She is a Democratic candidate. Rao ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 10th District in 2018. She placed third in the Democratic primary and did not run in the general election.
Rao is the co-founder of Race2Dinner, In This Together Media, and Haven, and came to greater prominence in 2018 when she ran for Congress, losing out to incumbent Democrat Diana DeGette in the primary.
In her 2022 published novel “Deconstructing Karen,” Rao criticized the racially biased image of white women referred to as “Karen.” The novel received high praise from critics.
10 Quick Facts About Saira Rao
- Name: Saira Rao
- Age: 49 years old
- Birthday: June 12
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: Average
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Political Activist, Author, Publisher, and Former Lawyer and Television Producer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $3 Million
Saira Rao Age
Rao is 49 years old. She was born on June 12, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, United States. She celebrates her birthday on June 12 every year and her birth sign is Gemini.
Saira Rao Height
Rao stands at an average height. She appears to be quite tall in stature if her photos, relative to her surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding her actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Early Life and Education
Rao was born on 12 June 1974, in Richmond, Virginia. She went to Virginia University in 1992 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1996. She then enrolled at New York University School of Law where she received a a J.D. After there she went and worked with the United States court of law.
Rise to Fame
Rao’s rise to prominence can be attributed to a combination of her diverse professional pursuits, her outspoken advocacy on social issues, and her foray into the political arena. Here’s a breakdown of key milestones:
Rao’s early career in media provided her with a platform and honed her communication skills. She worked for CBS and Fox affiliates, gaining experience in reporting, storytelling, and engaging with diverse audiences.
Saira Rao Family, Parents
Rao was born to her parents Dr. Sybil Philomena “Greenie” Rao and Dr. Jaikar Rao. Her parents are both physicians from Southern India. Her mother died of arthritis this occurrence depressed her so much in her lifetime.
Rao is the legal system exposed and skewered for what it is: haplessly human. Columbia Law School grad Sheila Raj accepts a clerkship from Judge Helga Friedman of the federal court of appeals in Philadelphia, and the world appears to be at her feet.
Saira Rao Husband
Rao is currently married to her husband Shiv Govindan, a businessman. The couple is blessed with two children named Lila Govindan and Dar Govindan. The family lives together in Country Club, Denver, Colorado.
After her primary defeat, Rao said that she was ready to “give up” on white people, blaming them for her loss. Before her loss, Rao also wrote an open letter to the Democratic party in the Huffington Post, ripping them for not doing enough to combat racism.
Saira Rao Children
Rao and her husband Shiv Govindan have two children together, a daughter named Lila Govindan and a son named Dar Govindan.
Saira Rao Net Worth
Rao has an estimated net worth of $3 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a political activist, author, publisher, and former lawyer and television producer. Through her various sources of income, Saira has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Saira Rao Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Saira.
Saira Rao Wiki
- Full Names: Saira Sameera Rao
- Popular As: Saira Rao
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Political Activist, Author, Publisher, and Former Lawyer and Television Producer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Indian
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Saira Rao Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 49 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Date of Birth: June 12, 1974
- Place of Birth: Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Birthday: June 12
Saira Rao Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Saira Rao Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Dr. Sybil Philomena “Greenie” Rao
- Mother: Dr. Jaikar Rao
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband/Spouse: Married to Shiv Govindan
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (Dar Govindan) Daughter(s) (Lila Govindan)
Saira Rao Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $3 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Political Activist, Author, Publisher, and Former Lawyer and Television Producer
Saira Rao Side Lights
Saira is also a former television news producer and journalist who worked at stations in the Washington, DC, and Miami, Florida, markets. She has also worked as a law associate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, law firm.
Upon her graduation, Rao secured a coveted federal clerkship with Judge Dolores Sloviter in the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.
She described her clerkship in an interview with Peter Lattman on the Wall Street Journal Online Law Weblogs, she stated: “There were good parts to my clerkship and said that there were bad parts of her clerkship.
Was it the best experience I’ve ever had in my life? No, but it wasn’t the worst thing I ever experienced in my life either.” Rao’s experiences, however, formed the background for her first work of fiction.
In her debut novel, Chambermaid, Rao draws upon her experiences as a federal law clerk to tell the story of protagonist Sheila Raj, a newly minted attorney whose experiences as a Third Circuit law clerk have at least some basis in Rao’s own tenure in Philadelphia.
Rao notes that the novel, in some ways, was intended to break what she saw as a “code of silence” surrounding the law clerk position. “When I was applying for clerkships, it was very hard to get real information about people’s experiences.
No one tells the truth about it,” she told Lattman. None of the previous clerks criticized or even honestly evaluated the judges they worked for, Rao believes. From reading the clerks’ reviews of the judges, Rao remarked to Lattman: “You’d get the impression that every judge is a mix of Mother Theresa and Einstein. And who wouldn’t be willing to move to Wichita to clerk for someone like that?”
In the novel, Sheila takes up a position with a judge who is far from being a beatific genius. Third Circuit Judge Helen Friedman more closely resembles a sadist and psychopath who delights in tormenting her underlings, exposing their weaknesses, ridiculing their shortcomings, and subjecting them to her volatile, violent temper while maintaining a tyrannically arrogant hold on her own authority.
Yet for all of her flaws, Friedman is a respected jurist who had championed many important liberal causes, prompting Sheila to endure the stress and abuse out of respect for Friedman’s accomplishments.
Worse, her personal life becomes almost nonexistent, until the prospect of romance with former Friedman clerk Matthew suggests a brighter future. When Judge Friedman becomes involved in a controversial death penalty appeal, it is up to Sheila to rescue the case and earn Judge Friedman.
Saira Rao Chambermaid
Saira Rao is the legal system exposed and skewered for what it is: haplessly human. Columbia Law School grad Sheila Raj accepts a clerkship from Judge Helga Friedman of the federal court of appeals in Philadelphia, and the world appears to be at her feet.
The terrain inside the courthouse turns to quicksand, however, as Sheila discovers Friedman is a “sociopathic, homicidal, bipolar jurist” who screams at, mocks, and otherwise tortures her clerks.
Yet Sheila and co-clerks Matthew and Evan must suffer in silence since the world universally views Judge Friedman as a champion of liberalism. “During her tenure, Friedman had nailed cops for racial profiling, overturned a law banning pornography on First Amendment grounds, and nine out of ten times thought company executives were sexually harassing pricks.
If she weren’t a tyrant who racially profiled her law clerks, she’d be worth idolizing,” Sheila laments. This judicial nut job winds up the crucial member of a panel hearing a death penalty appeal that pits her against a rival judge with a dirty little secret that Sheila helps reveal.
While Rao’s wit shines in her debut, the former TV producer and federal appeals court clerk plays most of the characters for slapstick, which generates more smirks than laughs. (July)
Saira Rao vs Diana DeGette
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette defeated Saira Rao and was on track to do so by a wide margin in Tuesday’s Democratic primary after facing one of her strongest challenges from the left for the Denver-based seat.
In updated results, DeGette was polling at 68 percent to Rao’s 32 percent as of 7:36 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Colorado secretary of state’s office. The margin has narrowed slightly as more votes are counted, but the large difference resulted in the Associated Press calling the race early Tuesday evening, about a half-hour after polls closed.
Rao embraced the outsider role in her progressive challenge of the establishment incumbent, who is the House Democrats’ chief deputy whip. Saira Rao pressed the case that was in the time for a fresh voice and she said Democrats such as DeGette were not doing enough to oppose President Donald Trump.
Rao’s well-funded challenge fired up liberal activists. But ultimately it posed little threat to DeGette.] “It really didn’t turn out to be a very strong challenge, did it?” DeGette said in an interview Tuesday night.
Besides Denver, the congressional district also includes all or part of Englewood, Littleton, Columbine, Ken Caryl, Glendale, Cherry Hills Village, and Sheridan. Two years ago, DeGette handily headed off a primary challenge, drawing 86 percent of the vote against a candidate who drew inspiration from Bernie Sanders’ insurgent presidential campaign but raised little money.
Against the better-funded Rao, DeGette looked to be headed for a robust primary victory, if by a narrower margin this time. Before 2016, DeGette last had faced a contested primary in 2002.
This year, DeGette argued that her party leadership post and her 20-plus years of experience would position her well to accomplish her policy goals if Democrats retook control of the House in the November election.
Still, the primary fight included subtle digs by Rao that tapped into a perception among some that DeGette, 60, has been absent from the district too often. Saira Rao is also criticized DeGette for accepting corporate political action committee donations.
Saira Rao first-generation Indian-American is a former Wall Street lawyer who now runs a business publishing children’s books written by authors from underrepresented backgrounds.
Saira Rao outraised DeGette in first-quarter fundraising earlier this year, and she reported spending more than $415,000 on her bid to oust DeGette in her most recent campaign finance report. But the incumbent raised more overall and has spent more than $720,000.
Amazon Saira Rao
Here’s what you can find about Saira Rao on Amazon:
Books:
- White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better (2022): Co-authored with Regina Jackson, this book examines the history and impact of white women’s racism in the United States, offering insights and strategies for dismantling internalized racism and promoting racial justice. Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
- Chambermaid (2019): Rao’s debut novel exploring the story of a young Indian immigrant working as a chambermaid in a luxury hotel. It delves into issues of class, race, and exploitation. Available in paperback, Kindle, and hardcover formats.
- Deconstructing Karen (2022): This satirical novel by Rao challenges the stereotype of the “Karen” – a white woman known for her entitled behavior and racist microaggressions. It follows the journey of Karen as she undergoes therapy to confront her own biases and prejudices. Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
Audiobooks:
- Saira Rao narrates the audiobooks for both “Chambermaid” and “Deconstructing Karen.”
Reviews and Ratings:
- Both “White Women” and “Chambermaid” have received positive reviews on Amazon, with average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars and 3.6 out of 5 stars, respectively.
- “Deconstructing Karen” is a newer release and has fewer reviews but still maintains a positive average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Additional Resources:
- You can also find Saira Rao’s author page on Amazon, which includes information about her books, upcoming events, and other related content.
- Some of her books are also available as part of Amazon Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited subscriptions.
Saira Rao Books, Goodreads
Non-fiction:
- White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better (2022): This book examines the history and impact of white women’s racism in the United States, offering insights and strategies for dismantling internalized racism and promoting racial justice.
Fiction:
- Chambermaid (2019): This debut novel explores the story of a young Indian immigrant working as a chambermaid in a luxury hotel, navigating issues of class, race, and exploitation.
- Deconstructing Karen (2022): This satirical novel challenges the stereotype of the “Karen” – a white woman known for her entitled behavior and racist microaggressions. The book follows the journey of Karen as she undergoes therapy to confront her own biases and prejudices.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Travel:
Rao has mentioned traveling to various parts of the world for work and personal reasons. Some specific destinations she has mentioned include:
- India: Rao has visited India on multiple occasions, connecting with her family and cultural heritage.
- Europe: Rao has participated in speaking engagements and conferences in various European cities.
- South America: Rao has traveled to South America for both leisure and work, participating in events related to social justice and human rights.
Events:
- Congressional Campaign (2018): Rao ran for Congress in Virginia’s 10th district, campaigning throughout the district and participating in numerous debates and public forums.
- Book Tours: Following the publication of her books, Rao has embarked on book tours, participating in readings, discussions, and signings across the United States.
- Social Justice Events: Rao regularly attends and speaks at events related to social justice, such as rallies, conferences, and workshops.
- Media Appearances: Rao has made numerous appearances on television and radio programs, discussing her books, legal expertise, and social activism.
Notable Experiences:
- Clerkship under Third Circuit court judge Dolores Sloviter: Rao has described this experience as formative, providing her with invaluable insights into the legal system and mentorship from a respected judge.
- Race2Dinner: Co-founding this organization and facilitating conversations about race has been a deeply impactful experience for Rao, allowing her to witness firsthand the power of dialogue and understanding.
- Writing and Publishing: The success of Rao’s books has allowed her to share her stories and perspectives with a wider audience, sparking important conversations and influencing readers.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Continued Authorial Success:
- Publish more books: Rao’s writing has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. She likely aims to continue writing impactful and engaging novels and non-fiction works.
- Explore new genres and writing styles: Rao’s previous novels have focused on social issues, but she might explore other genres or writing styles in the future.
- Reach an even wider audience: Rao’s books have already been translated into multiple languages and adapted into audio formats. She may aim to reach a broader international audience through further translation and adaptations.
Enhanced Social Impact:
- Expand the reach and influence of her existing organization: Rao’s organizations like Race2Dinner, In This Together Media, and Haven could potentially expand their operations and impact through increased funding, volunteer recruitment, and program development.
- Become involved in new social justice initiatives: As new social issues emerge or existing ones evolve, Rao might become involved in new advocacy efforts or campaigns.
- Use her platform to promote positive change: Rao’s voice has proven influential in shaping public discourse on social issues. She could leverage her platform to advocate for specific policy changes or support progressive candidates.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment:
- Continue learning and expanding her knowledge: Rao is known for her intellectual curiosity and desire to learn new things. She likely aims to continue expanding her knowledge through reading, attending workshops, and engaging in intellectual discussions.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Rao has mentioned the importance of balancing her professional commitments with her personal life. She likely aims to continue prioritizing personal well-being and spending time with family and friends.
- Contribute to local communities: Rao has expressed her dedication to making a positive impact on the communities she lives in. She might continue volunteering or supporting local initiatives.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Philanthropy:
- Race2Dinner: Co-founded by Rao in 2015, Race2Dinner is a non-profit organization that facilitates facilitated conversations about race over dinner. This initiative aims to bridge divides, promote understanding, and combat racism in communities.
- In This Together Media: Founded by Rao, In This Together Media produces media content that promotes social justice and understanding. This includes podcasts, video documentaries, and online articles focusing on race, gender, and other important social issues.
- Haven: This organization, established by Rao, provides support and resources to survivors of domestic violence and their children, helping them rebuild their lives and escape abusive situations.
- Donations and Support: Rao regularly donates to various social justice organizations and campaigns, supporting causes she believes in and furthering progressive agendas.
Charitable Work:
- Pro-bono legal services: Rao has dedicated her legal expertise to provide pro-bono services to individuals and organizations working on social justice issues.
- Volunteer work: Rao actively volunteers her time and skills to various organizations, supporting initiatives that align with her values and contribute to the betterment of society.
- Public speaking and advocacy: Through speaking engagements and public appearances, Rao raises awareness about critical social issues and encourages others to take action for positive change.
- Mentorship and guidance: Rao mentors and guides young people, particularly women and individuals from marginalized communities, inspiring them to pursue their goals and contribute to social impact efforts.
Community Involvement:
- Board memberships: Rao serves on the boards of various non-profit organizations, providing leadership, strategic guidance, and expertise to advance their missions and initiatives.
- Community events and activities: Rao actively participates in community events and activities, engaging with local residents, promoting dialogue, and strengthening community bonds.
- Social media activism: Rao utilizes social media platforms to raise awareness about social issues, promote social justice causes, and engage in constructive discussions around important topics.
- Collaboration and partnerships: Rao collaborates with other individuals and organizations working on social impact projects, maximizing their collective impact and creating a more unified force for positive change.
Saira Rao Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Saira Rao is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of accomplishments and achievements. Here’s a breakdown of her significant accolades across various fields:
Legal Career:
- Clerkship under Third Circuit court judge Dolores Sloviter (2002-2003): This prestigious clerkship provided Rao with invaluable legal experience and exposure to the federal judicial system.
- Successfully practiced law in various areas: Rao’s legal background spans diverse areas, including intellectual property, immigration, and civil rights.
- Co-founded Race2Dinner: This organization uses facilitated discussions over dinner to promote racial understanding and bridge divides between communities.
- Served on the boards of several non-profit organizations: Rao dedicates her time and expertise to organizations working on social justice issues.
Writing and Media:
- Published two critically acclaimed novels: “Chambermaid” and “Deconstructing Karen” explore themes of race, class, and gender, sparking insightful conversations.
- Co-authored the non-fiction book “White Women”: This book tackles the complex topic of white women’s racism in the United States, offering a critical analysis and strategies for change.
- Regular contributor to various publications: Rao’s insightful writing on social and political issues appears in prestigious platforms like The New York Times and The Atlantic.
- Frequent guest on television and radio programs: Rao actively engages in public discourse, sharing her perspectives on current events and social issues.
Social Justice and Advocacy:
- Vocal advocate for racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights: Rao uses her platform to raise awareness about critical social issues and advocate for positive change.
- Founded In This Together Media: This organization produces media that promotes social justice and understanding.
- Established Haven: This organization helps domestic violence survivors and their children rebuild their lives.
- Recipient of numerous awards and recognition for her activism: Rao’s dedication to social justice has been recognized by various organizations.
Here are some specific awards and recognitions bestowed upon Saira Rao:
- 2018: Top 25 Women Lawyers in Virginia by Virginia Lawyers Weekly
- 2019: Outstanding Public Service Award by the Virginia State Bar
- 2020: 100 Most Influential People in Richmond by Richmond Magazine
- 2021: Phenomenal Woman Award by the National Organization for Women
Legacy
Saira Rao’s legacy is still unfolding, but her impact on contemporary society is already undeniable. Here’s a glimpse into the potential areas where her influence will continue to resonate:
Bridging Divides and Promoting Understanding:
- Race2Dinner: This innovative initiative has sparked crucial conversations about race in communities across the United States and globally. Its success serves as a model for fostering dialogue and dismantling racial barriers.
- In This Together Media: The organization’s powerful storytelling and educational content will continue to inform and inspire individuals, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse groups.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Communities:
- Haven: This organization provides crucial support and resources to survivors of domestic violence, empowering them to reclaim their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
- Mentorship and advocacy: Rao’s unwavering voice and support for women and marginalized communities will continue to inspire future generations to fight for equality and justice.
Inspiring Social Change and Activism:
- Books and writing: Rao’s writing tackles critical social issues with honesty and insight, prompting readers to reflect and engage in meaningful action.
- Public speaking and activism: Rao’s powerful voice and unwavering dedication to social justice will continue to motivate individuals to advocate for positive change and challenge societal injustices.
Shifting Perspectives and Challenging Norms:
- Deconstructing Karen: This satirical novel ignited important discussions about white women’s role in upholding racism, prompting self-reflection and challenging harmful stereotypes.
- Legal expertise and advocacy: Rao’s legal background and advocacy efforts have contributed to legal advancements and policy changes that promote social justice and equality.
Building a More Inclusive and Equitable Future:
- Philanthropic efforts: Rao’s continued support for various organizations working towards social justice will contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
- Community involvement: Rao’s commitment to engaging with diverse communities and fostering meaningful connections will continue to strengthen social bonds and create a more just world.
Hobbies and Interests
Reading and Writing:
- Rao’s prolific writing career suggests a strong passion for literature and storytelling.
- She has spoken about her enjoyment of reading diverse works across genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Travel and Exploration:
- Rao has mentioned traveling to various parts of the world, indicating a curiosity about different cultures and experiences.
- This suggests an interest in exploring new places and immersing herself in diverse environments.
Outdoor Activities:
- Rao has mentioned enjoying hiking and camping, suggesting an appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
- This indicates an interest in physical activity and spending time in natural environments.
Creative pursuits:
- Rao’s background in media production and her creative writing suggests a broader interest in various forms of creative expression.
- This could include activities like painting, music, or photography.
Social engagement and community:
- Rao’s dedication to social justice and her active community involvement suggest an enjoyment of connecting with others and building meaningful relationships.
- She may find joy in attending social gatherings, volunteering, and engaging in community events.
Intellectual Stimulation:
- Rao’s educational background and career choices indicate a strong desire for learning and intellectual growth.
- This suggests she may enjoy attending workshops, conferences, and other events that stimulate her mind and broaden her knowledge.
Personal Beliefs
Justice and Equality:
- Vocal advocate for racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Co-founded Race2Dinner to promote dialogue and understanding on race.
- Published books like “White Women” and “Deconstructing Karen” challenging social inequalities.
- Supports policies and initiatives promoting equal rights and opportunities for all.
Social Responsibility and Collective Action:
- Encourages individuals to actively participate in social justice movements and advocacy efforts.
- Uses her platform to raise awareness about critical social issues and inspire change.
- Founded organizations like In This Together Media and Haven to address social problems.
- Believes in the power of collective action and collaboration to create a better world.
Anti-racism and Critical Examination of Power Structures:
- Actively challenges racism and its systemic effects in society.
- Encourages self-reflection and critical examination of individual biases and privileges.
- Believes in dismantling white supremacy and other oppressive power structures.
- Advocates for policies and systems that address racial disparities and promote equity.
Empathy and Understanding:
- Promotes open communication and dialogue as tools for building bridges and overcoming differences.
- Emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in addressing social issues.
- Believes in listening to diverse perspectives and fostering respectful dialogue.
- Supports initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and collaboration.
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Saira Rao is a multifaceted individual who has made a significant impact on the world through her diverse endeavors. From her legal background to her writing and activism, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice, equality, and positive change.
Saira Rao Contacts
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