Menka Soni

Community Leader, Nonprofit Founder, Small Business Advocate, International Event Producer, Real Estate Broker, Consultant

American Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Quick Info

ProfessionCommunity Leader, Nonprofit Founder, Small Business Advocate, International Event Producer, Real Estate Broker, Consultant
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth01/01/1974
Age52 years
BirthplaceAgra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Latest News about Menka Soni

11/12/2025

Menka Soni created history by becoming the first Indian-American woman sworn into the Redmond City Council using the Bhagavad Gita. She explained that holding the Gita during her oath honored her upbringing, faith, and cultural values, reflecting her commitment to celebrating India's cultural legacy in American politics. The ceremony highlights a growing trend of Indian-origin leaders incorporating the Gita in official swearing-ins.

Do you like Menka Soni?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

Nick NameMona
Known For
  • Being sworn in as a Redmond City Councillor (2025)
  • First Indian-American woman to take her oath of office with the Bhagwad Gita
  • Founder and President of AmPowering, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving 2,500+ meals weekly
  • Organizer of Washington's largest multicultural festivals including the Color Festival

Physical Stats & More

Height5' 5" (165 cm)
Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorMedium Ash Blonde

Educational Qualification(s)

School
  • St. Thomas School, Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow
  • City Montessori School, Rajajipuram, Lucknow
College/University
  • University of Lucknow, Lucknow
  • Institute of Productivity & Management, Lucknow
  • Institute of Chartered Financial Analyst of India, Hyderabad
Degrees
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics and Physics from University of Lucknow (1992-1995)
  • Master's of Business Administration in Finance & Marketing from Institute of Productivity & Management (1995-1998)
  • Certified Investment Banking from Institute of Chartered Financial Analyst of India (2001-2003)

Personal Life

ReligionHinduism
Hobbies
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Traveling

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried

Family

FatherJagdish Singh Malhotra (Deceased)
MotherMotia Rani Malhotra
SiblingsFive siblings
SpouseAshish Soni
Children
  • Son:
  • Daughter(s): 2 (Aastha Soni, Meher Soni)

Career

Career OverviewMenka Soni boasts over 22 years of corporate experience with industry leaders including Microsoft, T-Mobile, Starbucks, and General Motors, combined with more than a decade of community services, civic and nonprofit leadership across Washington State. In 2011, she shifted her focus to community service, becoming a vice president of the OneRedmond Foundation, where she has dedicated over a decade to economic development and community initiatives. She founded the nonprofit organization AmPowering in 2009, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to fighting homelessness, food insecurity, and social isolation, serving 2,500+ meals weekly to low-income and homeless neighbors across the USA, Canada, and India. She also leads Sonasme Productions, a social impact-driven media and event production company producing North America Fashion Week, Global Women Festival, and numerous cultural events. Her commitment to cultural advocacy is notable, having successfully organized multiple fashion and cultural events including the Color Festival attended by 15,000+ people. She serves as City of Redmond Arts Commissioner, Executive Board Member with One Redmond Foundation, City of Renton Mayor-appointed Inclusion Task Force Member, City of Renton Lodging & Tourism Board Member, and South King County Advisory Board Member for homelessness & housing.
Awards, Honours, Achievements
  • President’s Service Gold Award from the White House
  • Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Champion Award from T-Mobile
  • Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador Award from the Mayor of Renton
  • Covid Hero Award from Bellevue City Council and City of Redmond
  • Best in Non-Profit Award from The Global Beauty Awards
  • Global Peace Award from the World Peace & Diplomacy Organization
  • Most Admired Global Indian Award from Passion Vista
  • Top 20 Global Women of Excellence by United States Congress
  • World Peace Ambassador Award

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Menka grew up in a conservative family in Agra and was the fifth-born girl, facing biases against girls in her upbringing.
2. She was the first girl in her family to pursue higher education despite earlier restrictions.
3. In 2004, Menka moved to the USA after marrying her husband Ashish.
4. In 2009, due to visa issues, she left her corporate job but later became involved in community work.
5. Menka established her first designer apparel brand, Ravishing Inc., to support traditional artisans in Lucknow.
6. She is recognized for her efforts in promoting women's empowerment and preventing domestic violence.
7. Her resilience comes from her roots growing up in a small town in India.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top