Manka Dhingra’s journey from a determined teenager who moved from India to the United States at the age of 13, to becoming the Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate, is nothing short of inspiring. As the first Sikh state legislator in U.S. history, she has broken barriers and redefined what leadership can look like in American politics. Her story is not just one of personal triumph, but of service, resilience, and profound community impact.
When Manka was elected to the Washington State Senate in 2017 by the constituents of the 45th Legislative District, she made history. But for Manka, the title was just the beginning. She brought with her not only the hopes of countless underrepresented communities but also two decades of experience in law, behavioral health, and public service. Today, she continues to use her platform to create change through a lens of empathy, justice, and progress.
The Spark of Justice
Even as a young girl, Manka had a clear sense of direction. She knew she wanted to become a lawyer — not just to wear the title, but to be a force for fairness and safety in society. Her dream wasn’t about power; it was about purpose. In law school, she clerked for Justice Barbara Madsen at the Washington State Supreme Court and took her early steps in public law as an intern in the Sexually Violent Predator Unit of the State Attorney General’s Office. It was here that she began to understand the balance between protecting communities and addressing the deeper roots of criminal behavior.
In 2000, she joined the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where she advanced to chair the Therapeutic Alternative Unit. This role would become a defining chapter in her legal career. The unit offers alternatives to incarceration for people who struggle with mental health issues, substance use, or trauma, including veterans and marginalized groups. Through this initiative, Manka has championed restorative justice and behavioral health as essential pillars of the legal system.
Legislative Leadership with Compassion
Today, as Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate, Manka brings that same compassion to lawmaking. She chairs the Senate Law & Justice Committee and serves on the Behavioral Health Subcommittee and the influential Ways & Means Committee. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that justice must serve every person with dignity, and that policy must reflect the lived experiences of those it aims to help.
One of her key areas of focus has been improving behavioral health systems statewide. Her expertise in mental health and crisis intervention has led her to spearhead efforts to improve the way law enforcement responds to mental health crises. Manka has trained law enforcement officers through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, equipping them with the tools to better recognize and respond to individuals in distress.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Beyond the walls of the Capitol, Manka Dhingra remains a powerful community advocate. She co-founded Chaya (now known as API Chaya), an organization that supports South Asian survivors of domestic violence. Her grassroots involvement and commitment to lifting up others have made her a trusted ally for many immigrant and minority communities who often face systemic silence and neglect.
She also serves on the board of Hopelink, a nonprofit organization based in Redmond that works to end poverty and build self-sufficiency among low-income individuals and families. Additionally, she is an active member of the National Academy for State Health Policy’s Behavioral Health, Aging, and Disability Steering Committee, where her insights contribute to nationwide strategies on improving care and equity.
Recognition Beyond Borders
Manka’s trailblazing work has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has been honored with numerous awards that reflect her impact and dedication to social justice and public health. Among them are the Social Justice Champion Award, the Golden Acorn Award, and the Behavioral Health Champion Award. Each accolade is a testament not just to her leadership, but to the lives she has helped transform along the way.
Her journey speaks volumes to immigrants, women, and youth aspiring to lead meaningful lives. It’s not just that Manka made it to the Senate — it’s how she did it. By staying grounded in her values, lifting others as she rose, and always seeking to understand before judging.
Shaping a Brighter Future
Manka Kaur Dhingra’s story is not just a personal success — it is a story of systemic change, of humanizing politics, and of healing the divides that run deep in modern governance. As she continues to push for reforms in mental health care, criminal justice, and economic equity, her leadership is setting a new standard in American politics: one where compassion and competence coexist.
In a political landscape that too often feels distant from everyday struggles, Manka brings the humanity back. Whether in the courtroom, the Senate floor, or the community centers of Redmond, she is proving that empathy is not a weakness — it is a superpower.
Explore more about Manka Dhingra’s work and affiliations here:
🔗 Hopelink Organization
🔗 API Chaya
With her feet firmly planted in service and her eyes on a more inclusive tomorrow, Manka Dhingra continues to blaze trails — not for recognition, but for the people who need a voice, a hand, and most importantly, hope.
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