CONFIDENTIAL CITY CLERK
FEB 2 4 2026
Cardana Commission Applicatio TY OF FREMONT
Board or Commission you wish to serve on: _Human Relations Commission (Planning Commission applicants: Please attach supplemental questionnaire) Submit application to:
Office of the City Clerk
3300 Capitol Avenue, Building A
P.O. Box 5006
Fremont, CA 94537-5006
Personal Information:
Mr.
Mrs. x
Ms.
Name:
Pathak _Manisha_
Last First MI
Home Address:
Street City State Zip
Home Telephone: _ Work Telephone:
E-mail: [email protected] Fax:
Resident of the City of Fremont: _23_ years
Demographic Information:
Ethnicity:
• American Indian or Alaskan Native • Chinese
• Black or African American • White
• Afghan • Vietnamese
• Mexican • Filipino
• X Indian • Pakistani
• Other Asian origin: (write-in optional)
• Other African origin: (write-in optional)
• Other Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin: (write-in optional) -1-
Gender:
• Male • Prefer to self-identify
X Female • Prefer not to say
Language(s) Spoken: _ English, Hindi
Background Information:
Why do you wish to serve as a member of this Board or Commission:
I wish to serve on the Human Relations Board because I believe strong communities are built on respect, inclusion, and open dialogue. In a diverse city like Fremont, it is essential to proactively address bias, promote understanding, and ensure every resident feels heard and valued.
Through founding and growing a nonprofit organization in Fremont, I have worked to build bridges across cultures and perspectives while fostering civic engagement and community support. My background in counseling and mediation further equips me to approach sensitive issues with empathy, fairness, and thoughtful judgment.
I would be honored to contribute to strengthening trust, inclusion, and unity within our community.
What would you bring by way of perspective or experience to this Board or Commission:
I would bring a balanced, community-centered perspective grounded in leadership, empathy, and structured decision-making.
As the founder of a Fremont-based nonprofit that grew from 4 to nearly 600 members, I have experience building inclusive spaces, facilitating dialogue across diverse backgrounds, and strengthening community trust. This has required thoughtful governance, conflict resolution, and collaboration with city officials and stakeholders. My training in mental health counseling provides me with skills in active listening, cultural humility, and trauma-informed awareness, important when addressing issues related to bias, discrimination, or community tension.
Additionally, my professional background in QA has strengthened my ability to evaluate concerns objectively, follow clear processes, and ensure fairness and consistency in decision-making. Together, these experiences allow me to contribute a perspective that is empathetic, analytical, and committed to fostering unity and mutual respect in our community.
Employment/Volunteer Information:
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Please list any qualifications you feel would provide positive input to the work of the commission.
• Organization:_Stellus Technology Dates:2019-2020
Location:San Jose_ _ Position(s): _QA and Scrum Master_ Responsibilities/accomplishments:
Bring experience in structured analysis and objective decision-making as a QA professional, ensuring policies and processes are applied consistently and fairly. Skilled in reviewing complex documentation, identifying gaps, and evaluating evidence-based outcomes, essential for balanced rent review assessments. Experienced Scrum Master with a strong background in facilitating discussions, resolving conflicts, and guiding diverse stakeholders toward equitable solutions.
Committed to transparency, accountability, and process integrity, with a track record of improving governance and compliance practices in technical environments. Active community advocate with experience working across culturally diverse populations, ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
Organization: _Cisco_ Dates: _2021 - 2023
Location: San Jose_ Position(s): _ QA Engineer_
Responsibilities/accomplishments:
My experience at Cisco strengthened my ability to collaborate across diverse, global teams while maintaining professionalism, accountability, and mutual respect. Working in a large, multicultural organization required inclusive communication, sensitivity to different perspectives, and the ability to navigate complex discussions constructively.
In leadership and QA roles, I facilitated cross-functional conversations, ensured clarity in xpectations, and helped resolve conflicts through structured, fact-based dialogue. Cisco's stron mphasis on ethics, integrity, and inclusion further reinforced my commitment to fairness an equitable practices.
These experiences equip me to contribute thoughtfully to the Human Relations Board by promoting respectful engagement, balanced decision-making, and inclusive community dialogue.
Pavilion Data Systems
Organization: Dates:
San Jose QA Lead
Location: Position(s):
Responsibilities/accomplishments:
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Lead a multicultural team and delivered a robust product to the customers Art Of living 2013 - Present
Organization: Dates:
Fremont Instructor / Volunteer
Location: Position(s):
Responsibilities/accomplishments:
As an Art of Living Instructor, I have guided individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in stress management, emotional well-being, and self-awareness practices. This role has deepened my skills in active listening, empathy, group facilitation, and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. I regularly work with people navigating personal challenges, which has strengthened my ability to approach sensitive issues with compassion and neutrality.
Community Activities that you have been involved with (feel free to attach separate pages):
Overseas Organization For Better Bihar Founder / President 2021 - Present Name of Organization Position/Responsibilities/Accomplishments Dates Founded and scaled a Fremont-based nonprofit from 4 to nearly 600 members, establishing strong governance and ethical standards. Lead structured, transparent decision-making processes while ensuring fairness and accountability.
Facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders and mediate conflicts to reach balanced, constructive resolutions.
Partner with city officials and community leaders to strengthen civic collaboration and community stability. Overseas budgeting, policy development, and sustainable service programs that support families and neighborhood well-being.
OVBI Volunteer 2014-2016
Name of Organization Position/Responsibilities/Accomplishments Dates I was responsible for raising funds to create a residential school for the girl children of the brothels of Sonagachi, Kolkata, India. I led efforts and made the dream a success thereby rescuing many girls from the brothels.
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Special awards or recognitions you have received:
Recognized by City of Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Fremont, Festival of Globe for our Philanthropic work and creating a strong support system for the community, therby providing a sense of family and mental reliability.
Education Information:
IGNOU BA History 1998
Educational Institution Degree/Diploma Field Year
Grand Canyon University BS IT 2025
Educational Institution Degree/Diploma Field Year
Additional Information (Please provide any other information which you feel would be useful to the City Council in reviewing your application.)
In addition to my professional and nonprofit leadership experience, I bring a deep personal commitment to community service, inclusion, and civic engagement in Fremont. Having built and led a nonprofit organization that now serves nearly 600 members, I understand the responsibility that comes with public trust and community representation.
My background in counseling has strengthened my cultural humility, ethical awareness, and ability to approach sensitive topics with empathy and neutrality. Combined with my professional experience in structured decision-making and governance, I am comfortable balancing compassion with accountability.
I am committed to fostering respectful dialogue, proactive community engagement, and solutions that strengthen unity while honoring the diversity that defines our city. I would approach this role with integrity, fairness, and a genuine desire to serve the broader community.
Civic service is a privilege and responsibility of interested, qualified, sincere citizens. The value and importance of wide participation of a large number of citizens cannot be measured. Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.
General Information: Your application is a public document and will be kept on file for one year.
If you would like additional information, please call the City Clerk's Office, at (510) 284-4060.
Please sign and date your application and submit to the Office of the City Clerk. -5-
Thank you.
Manisha Pathak 02/24/2026
Signature Date
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