Janani Ramachandran, Commissioner

Janani Ramachandran is an Oakland City Councilmember, attorney, and musician committed to building inclusive and equitable political systems. Ramachandran is the youngest person elected to Oakland’s City Council, as well as the city’s first South Asian and first LGBTQ woman of color to be elected. 

Ramachandran is born and raised in the East Bay. She received her B.A. from Stanford University and J.D. from Berkeley Law. She previously worked as a public interest attorney representing survivors of domestic violence, and has served on the boards of several violence prevention nonprofits. Ramachandran previously served on the City of Oakland’s Public Ethics Commission.   

Ramachandran is also a longtime vocalist, performing Carnatic (classical Indian) music since age 5. She aspires to use her voice through both music and political advocacy to shine a bright light on the Bay Area’s incredible art culture and history, and uplift our powerful stories of resilience. 

You can follow Ramachandran’s journey as a Commissioner, political leader, and artist at @Janani4Oakland.