Pragmatic Representation with Honesty, Integrity, and Fresh Ideas
Education, equal opportunities for all men and women, and service to community have been the core values that have guided my life. I was born in Maharashtra, India, into a progressive, politically active family. My father was a physician, and chairman of a local cooperative bank, and my mother earned her PhD while raising 6 children, and went on to serve as senator in the state legislature. I completed my bachelor’s degree in engineering in India, and then to further my education, I left my family behind and came to George Washington University to earn an M.S. in Engineering. Believing in self-reliance and making the most of available opportunities, I was able to work my way up from student, to entrepreneur, and have owned and managed a successful small business for over 25 years. I have lived with my wife, Sheel, in Fairfax County since 1980, and all three of our children graduated from FCPS and Virginia public universities.
As a 30-year resident of Fairfax County, I have been an active member of the community. I have served on multiple Fairfax County School Board committees, including Human Relations Advisory, Curriculum, and the Superintendent's Business Forum. As president of the Indian American Forum for Political Education, Virginia, I worked to increase awareness of and engagement in our political system. As founder and host of a local television show, I routinely invite and interview elected officials and political pundits to keep our community informed about local, state, and national political issues. I believe that a government for the people is most effective with participation by all the people.
As a businessman, I was an invited member of Virginia and Maryland Governors’ trade delegations, promoting export of US goods and services abroad. I have also been a board member of the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia for 8 years.
With my background in engineering and construction management, Governor Warner appointment me to the Safety and Health Codes Board of Virginia, where I was ultimately elected chair. As a structural engineer, I have deep insight into construction of transportation and environmental infrastructures, which I believe are the prerequisites for a vibrant economy.
Education, equal opportunities, and service to community are the backbone of a healthy democracy. Join me in my vision for building a brighter future for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District.
Sincerely,
Satish Korpe