Vision and Experience
Nidhi Satiani is a passionate and committed public servant running for re-election to the Upper Arlington School Board. As the first person of color elected to the Upper Arlington School Board, her focus has been on creating a culture of belonging and ensuring every student is challenged and supported. Her commitment to education stems from a deep, personal belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and learn. Her grandfather started the first school for girls in his hometown, instilling in her a family value for high-quality, equitable, and accessible education. Nidhi is driven by the belief that "we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors but instead borrow it from our children." This conviction fuels her continuous efforts to feel proud of the world we return to our children.
Nidhi’s core philosophy is rooted in action. Nidhi sees herself as a proactive leader who is not afraid to challenge the status quo when needed. She works with local legislators to understand options and partners with community members and advocacy organizations. For 20 years Nidhi practiced optometry, but serving on the school board is where she truly feels at home. This work inspired her to make the bold decision to not renew her optometry license.
To deepen her ability to serve, she is pursuing a doctorate in public policy and management. With over 30 years of experience serving on elected and appointed boards and councils that span the nonprofit, government, business, and education sectors, she has learned that real progress comes from deep listening, intentional collaboration, and courageous action. She has been active in the Upper Arlington Schools since before her family moved into the district 10 years ago; nearly 20 years ago she was introduced to UA schools when she was assigned to be an assistant coach for Girls on the Run at Wickliffe and Hastings.
A Collaborative
and Accountable Leader
Nidhi believes that true teamwork means everyone is invested in a shared success. She consistently seeks input from students, parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure every voice is heard. She has partnered with various groups, including local legislators, to understand options for anticipated state budget cuts, organizers regarding school vouchers, and the Ohio Education Association on teacher autonomy. Her approach has always been about "how can we make this happen?". She sees challenges as opportunities to innovate and find new paths to success. Her experiences in collaborative problem solving allows her to use motivational approaches, focusing on empathy and cognitive skills to create sustainable, positive outcomes.
Nidhi's preparation and taking on the hard questions is about ensuring that everyone on the board is fully informed to make the best decisions. This approach has led to a better understanding of complex topics, such as teacher and superintendent contract negotiations. She believes that true progress requires having courageous conversations and challenging the status quo to drive long-term sustainability and equitable outcomes.